BSA Beagle
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Make Model | BSA Beagle (Starlite in North America) |
Year | 1963 - 66 |
Engine | Single, 4-stroke, OHV |
Capacity | 74.8 cc / 4.6 cub in. |
Cooling System | Air cooled |
Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 |
Lubrication | Wet sump |
Exhaust | Single, chrome plated |
Starting | Kick |
Max Power | 4.0 kW / 5.5 hp @ 5200 rpm |
Max Power at Rear Wheel | 3.6 kW /4.9 hp @ 5200 rpm |
Clutch | Multi-plate, wet, cable operated |
Transmission | 4 Speed |
Final Drive | Chain |
Dry Weight | 65.8 kg / 145 lbs |
Fuel Consumption | 2.3 L/100 km / 44.3 km/l / 104 US mpg |
Top Speed | 79 km/h / 49 mph |
The BSA Beagle was only in production for 18 months. They are quite rare now, and the remaining examples to be found are invariably low-mileage examples.
Though influenced by Edward Turner (famous for the Ariel Square Four and Triumph Speed Twin), it had been rushed out by BSA to try and compete in a market they were losing to imports. Italian lightweight motorcycles had excellent reputations and the revolutionary Honda 4 stroke mopeds had just started to arrive. But, with inherent engine problems, most Beagles soon ended up back in the shops that had sold them.
The Beagle had roller main bearings, geared primary drive and a four speed gearbox, but a weak top end let it down, along with its many oil leaks. Handling was poor, and if worked hard the engines would often give up at well under 10,000 miles.