Topic: BSA 441 Victor AKA the leg breaker

[bucky katt]

does anyone here know anything at all about this motorcycle? i can get a good, titled frame, a complete non locked up engine..........it's actually pretty much complete with the exception of anything electrical. the chrome is slightly pitted but it looks like it would clean up ok. the guy wants all my my HO scale slot cars and 150 feet or so of track and he said he'd give me the beezer in exchange. other than the horrible factory electrics (i'll convert it to a 12 volt negative ground) are there any other "quirks" to look out for on these? it comes with 2 tanks as well, one that looks like it should be a stocker and a polished alloy tank. i dont have to have this bike, but if i can get something i might actually use in exchange for something that hasnt seen the light of day for 6 years (the slot cars and track). if i didnt know any better Gordon (Ilbikes) i'd swear that pic was taken in your garage.  

[bill440cars]

  I don't really know anything about the history or the reliability, but I think it'd make a pretty cool bike. Don't know about parts availability either. So, I'm not much help. The engine design had been around for a bit and started life as a 250. They (the 250s) were good runners for their time. I considered one a little bit back and didn't follow through with it. Maybe someone will be more helpful,  Bill

[tbpmusic]

You're kidding, right ?
A box full of toy cars for a titled Victor in good shape is a no-brainer, IMO.

What's not to like about a 441 cc thumper?
Really cool bikes, the favored ride for fire-roading and power-sliding (think Pike's Peak in the dirt road days) back in The Day.
Tons of gruntage, typically British handling (good), Lucas "Be Home Before Dark" electrics.

No special concerns not present with any other old bike.

If you don't want it tell the guy I'll give him a freakin' boat for it........

[azuredesign]

When I was in high school circa 1971 and had a '70 cb450, I used to drag race in front of the high school with another student who had a 441. That bike was quicker than me off the line, until about 50mph, then I had the advantage. Sounded great too. That's a classic, go for it!

[Uncle Ernie]

Good for right leg development.  1%ers will know you can kick butt without saying a word if you show up on one. Big fun to ride  a mile at a time.   The envy of all your friends who don't know.  Beautiful to look at.  Fun at parties.

[bryanj]

Not easy to convert electrics, St Joseph Lucas Prince of Darkness with his intermittent electron never made anything easy!
Big ends fail and pistons/bores do wear

[bucky katt]

well i left the owner a phone message and sent an e-mail. i greased the hub bearings on the trailer and made sure the lights all work. keeping my fingers crossed that it's still there. it isnt even close to being pretty. this will be a 2 or 3 year long project i figure. i'm in no big ol rush. i just finished a 2 year long nightmare.................i mean restore on my k4 750

[tbpmusic]

well i left the owner a phone message and sent an e-mail. i greased the hub bearings on the trailer and made sure the lights all work. keeping my fingers crossed that it's still there. it isnt even close to being pretty. this will be a 2 or 3 year long project i figure. i'm in no big ol rush. i just finished a 2 year long nightmare.................i mean restore on my k4 750

Go for it - you'll be surprised how easy it is to work with (except for the tool sizes).
One piston, one carb, 2 valves, that's it  - a different world.

[paulages]

Bucky, it's a "victor" not a victory. Great bike, and pretty collectible.

[RRRToolSolutions]

I know a fella that does computer work for us that would pay stupi money for it. He's been looking/wanting another one to replace his he had 35 years ago.

Bye-Bye models and track, hello Victor!

Seriously Jeff - get that bike if you can.

Gordon

[Redman]

This is a fun bike to own. Remember, right hand shift and if you have any loose fillings...watch out.

[Bodain]

I started riding bikes in 1969... I remember seeing those brand new on the showroom floor with Zero miles. Like all brit bikes back then. They had oil pans under them to catch the leaking oil from an engine with 0 miles on it.

I don't care... I would take the bike.

[Hush]

Take the bike Bucky, I want one of these.....I don't normally like British bikes but this is just a bit different, ya reckon those 3 one sided pipes would upset the balance?

[bucky katt]

well, i called and left the message i'd take the deal. now to hurry up and wait  a lady a few houses down from us rode one brand new in the mid-late 60's. she told me about the kickstart workout she got every morning. sounds even worse than the 10:1 ironhead sportster chop i rode.

[paulages]

Take the bike Bucky, I want one of these.....I don't normally like British bikes but this is just a bit different, ya reckon those 3 one sided pipes would upset the balance?

can't believe they let vetter design that one... what a way to usher in the 70's... 

[bill440cars]

        Good Luck with the deal and the bike, Jeff!

        I also like the older Gold Star (500cc) and the Matchless Typhoon (600cc), which will ALSO give your leg fits, if not careful. Don't see me ever managing to see that happen though. Besides, I've gotten quite used to the "Electric Start"!  

[Nikkisixx]

i got away from vintage brit bikes years ago. i decided to do something less painful like jamming toothpicks into my eyes

 

Yes, yes!  Come back to the dark side!!!!

[bucky katt]

i have to wonder if this guy is related to the one that i was supposed to get that Ariel square four from last year? havent seen or heard from him in 10 months.