Today I completed a straight-across trade–my c.1890 FE Reed wood-turning lathe for this bike, a 1969 BSA 441 Victor Special. This machine hasn’t run in a long time, but is in generally good condition–I’m hoping a bit of fettling may bring her back to life. Of course, machines sometimes are taken off the road for very good mechanical reasons, so I may discover something ‘orrible inside.
I think the bike will clean up fairly well…the odometer reads 386 miles (!) which indicates (a) a low miles bike which had a very hard 380 miles, (b) the speedometer has been replaced or (c) the speedometer quit working after 386 miles, which I think would have been 385 miles outside of the warranty period.
I mean, I suppose it could just have been kicking around various garages for 40+ years, but that front brake looks pretty worn to me, among all the other signs of wear-and-tear.
I’ve never really had the desire to own a Victor, but it’s a pretty little bike in its own way and if it can be made to run without needing a rebuild, I’m happy to dink around on it for awhile to see what it’s like.
that’s 386 WHITWORTH miles, silly! J.
i have had one since 1983 very easy to work on and a fun ride i bet it just needs a tune up looks iike original speedo good luck with it
Hello and happy new year! Just discovered your site and like it and the contents very much. We are MG, Triumph, Jag, Landie nuts down in the South of France. Really like the BSA Victor-can you find me one, and how much? Appreciate how busy you must be, but we’re thinking of a trip to the US to buy enough interesting iron to fill a container and wondered if you can give some idea of prices and availability? Thanks in advance! Cheers, Paul