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BSA A65 Spitfire / Spitfire Special

Make Model	BSA A65 Spitfire / Special (Mk IV)
Year	1966 - 68
Engine	Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder
Capacity	654 cc / 39.9 cub in.
Bore x Stroke	75 x 74 mm
Carburetors	Amal Concentric 389/206
Cooling System	Air cooled
Compression Ratio	9.0:1
Lubrication	Dry sump
Engine Oil	SAE 20W/50
Oil Capacity	3 L / 5 pints / 0.79 US gal
Exhaust	Twin
Ignition	Coil, 3ET Lucas, Alternator RM19ET Lucas
Spark Plug	Champion N4
Battery	12V, 10 a.h., Lucas RM19
Starting	Kick start
Max Power	40.0 kW / 53 hp @ 7000 rpm
Clutch	Multi-plate with heavy duty springs
Transmission	4 Speed
Final Drive	Chain
Gear Ratio	1st 9.30 / 2nd 6.73 / 3rd 5.07 / 4th 4.58:1
Frame	Steel tubing, double cradle
Front Suspension	Telescopic forks with coil spring - hydraulically damped
Rear Suspension	Coil spring/hydraulically damped
Front Brakes	20.32 cm / 8 in., drum, twin leading shoe
Rear Brakes	17.78 cm / 7 in., drum
Wheels	Steel, wire spokes
Front Rim	WM2-19
Rear Rim	WM2-18
Front Tyre	3.25 x 19 in.
Rear Tyre	4.00 x 18 in.
Dimensions	Length: 2165 mm / 85.3 in. Height: 1117 mm / 44.0 in.
Wheelbase	1410 mm / 55.5 in.
Ground Clearance	203 mm / 8.0 in.
Seat Height	813 mm / 32 in.
Wet Weight	185 kg / 408 lbs
Fuel Capacity	Europe:18 L / 4.8 US gal US: 9 L / 2 US gal
Top Speed	212 km/h / 132 mph

The 1968 Mk IV version of BSA's speedy 650cc Spitfire twin was the last of the line. Two particular features distinguish it from its immediate predecessors, the first unit-construction A65 Spitfire Mk II of 1966 and the Mk III of 1967.

Firstly, the Mk II's Amal GP racing carburetors were replaced by the same maker's newly-introduced Concentric instruments on the 1967 Mk III. Secondly, the 1968 version has the twin-leading-shoe front brake introduced on BSA and Triumph 650s for that year, providing greater stopping power than the previous drum.

Less obvious technical changes for 1968 included the latest independently adjustable Lucas ignition points, providing accurate spark timing for smoother running, along with lubrication system improvements. During 1967, engine power output was boosted to more than 53 horsepower and BSA promoted its top performer in Production class racing. A factory-prepared Spitfire finished third in the 1968 750cc Production TT, behind two 750cc machines and was timed at over 132mph on a section of the Mountain course.

This Mk IV is in European trim with a large moulded fuel tank: US export models usually had a smaller tank and high-rise handlebars. Side-facing reflectors, under the front of the tank and on the rear lamp unit, were mandatory on American road machines from 1968.

Source classicbsamotorcycles.co.uk