BSA B40 SS90 road test on raised gearing after electrical / ignition fault found, fixed + discussed.

Following on from the last ride after I raised the gearing from 17t on the front to 19t, where I noticed some snatching from the engine when under load which turned out to be electrical issues interfering with the ignition and sparks departments, I found the battery had become isolated from much of the electrical system, thanks to a broken wire and the ignition system was running on unregulated alternating current coming direct from the alternator - I actually received a sharp electric shock [not seen here], when I touched the L.T. terminal on the distributor with the engine running while adjusting the carb setting screws - no wonder the points were burnt when I checked them. All sorted now, though and appears quite happy with life.

[@UPTHETOWN]

That bike's handsome

[@Kevin-cy9cv]

My second bike was one of these, but a side points model, it seemed enormous compared to my old Tiger cub. I used to ride it regularly in all weathers up to London and back from NW Kent, it never let me down.

[@neilmcintosh1200]

That looked like fun. I had a bitsa B40 in a C15 frame which I used on and off for 14 years. Superb twisty roads bike, frugal and reliable as well. It would handle longer runs 2up (Such as North Yorks to Mid Wales or up to Glasgow steady away at indicated 60.)

[@BilgemasterBill]

That IS better. What a fine little thumper!

[@davefrench3608]

What a lovely bike, looks to provide a great fun ride.

[@bsa_brummie7775]

That was a night and day situation. Good diagnosis plus improved gearing sounded healthier and responded much better. Cracked it. Thanks for sharing this video 👍

[@williamnethercott4364]

Lovely-looking bike and sounds to be running really well now. A strange story with the electrics.

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

Such a beautiful little bike. I just got a 1964 BSA 250 Starfire with less than 7 thousand miles on her all original matching numbers. I think the pssa unit singles are such a beautiful engine especially since they did not have to have an electric starter. I have the 250 in every variation that they came out with. They are full size motorcycle for people to commute on they are great chew up and they are not bad when connected to a sidecar. My 1959 C15 has a B25 motor in it, it runs 2 up, 60 miles an hour with plenty in reserve. Thumpers are an acquired taste. Not everybody gets them. Oh well.

[@niallsommerville9941]

Was that nearly a cat-aclysmic start? Roof top boxes are in bloom, must be close to Easter Weekend. Well done finding that, certainly appears to be noticeably better, bonny looking machine too, owner should be very happy. That was a real fun ride into the bargain, thank you.

[@philmuskett265]

Nice looking bike, very tidy and well diagnosed and remedied.

[@hermangibbs8163]

Great job and ride. Thanks!

[@paullacey2999]

Thats one sweet looking Beeza

[@bobkerwin2111]

Good job ,nice ride I'm getting to know my way around your local lanes and villages over the last year or two. BK ,Crib point Vic AU.

[@ianbooth4255]

I had one of those that someone had fitted with a high comp piston. It didn't a decompressor and required a huge kick to get it over compression. As a result it use to eat kickstart pawls 🤣. It was certainly fast and a fun bike to ride. I lent it to a friend and it came back with the big end knocking!

[@Team-fabulous]

That little bike is beautiful....

[@philrulon]

Seems quite willing even with the taller sprockets. Plenty of passing reserve.

[@lotophagi711]

Beautiful lenticulars!

[@jeffreythomas4283]

Brilliant

[@MegaBoilermaker]

Could always see where CCM got their basic engine characteristics from.

[@CZ350tuner]

"The headlight bulb has stopped working"..... If it's a Lucas bulb, it is probably still working, but is far too dim to be detectable in daylight (or even at night!!). Have you tried replacing the headlight bulb with a non-Lucas brand??

[@paulhenshaw4514]

Bad connection, found and fixed. Nothing wrong with Lucas bulbs.