Build a Better BSA is an instructional two-disk DVD learn-at-home course designed to accomplish two major goals. The first is to instruct the average person interested in rebuilding a motorcycle engine in the numerous methods experienced mechanics employ to overcome what frequently frustrates, often expensively, many people. Quite frankly, vintage machinery simply doesn’t come apart like it says in the shop manual.

   Much contained in Build a Better BSA is useful to anyone wanting to learn more about the skills, tools and methods commonly employed on any vintage engine rebuild, and considerable instruction and demonstration is aimed at overcoming obstacles involved in disassembly of what is often challenging owing to rust, lack of specific factory tools, and previous abuse by unskilled hands.  Also important, Build a Better BSA involves tasks directly applicable, many times identical, to the popular unit construction Triumph twins of the 60s and 70s as well as most four-stroke engines common in the 50s-70s.  

    However, of even greater importance, Build a Better BSA dives deeply into the many differences between the Triumph and BSA A50-65 twins of 1962-1972, differences that are substantial and ones commonly misunderstood. Quite frankly, it is the instructor’s opinion that the main reason BSA A50-65 twins can be obtained today for much less than the equivalent Triumph is the direct cause of so many poor rebuilds that created an undeserved reputation of lesser quality. The truth, however, is the BSA A50-65 motorcycle is often superior to the Triumph. For two good examples, the pre 1971 models handle better than Triumph twins of the same period and all A65s are far less prone to oil leaks. And contrary to common fallacy, the timing side bush so often reviled can work very well when it is properly installed and the oil changed regularly. In short, the engine is a solid performer if correctly done.

    A most critical part of the instruction involves building the A50-65 BSA lower end. Build a Better BSA covers all aspects important for a successful lower end build, including the few processes very unwise to attempt unless one has access to a machine shop and the requisite skills for precision work. On the whole, however, a full pro quality rebuild is most possible by anyone familiar with common tools and having access to a good machinist for processes like resizing the con rod big ends, almost always required but often neglected.  

 

     Build a Better BSA will be delivered as a two-DVD set containing over three hours of instruction and demonstration. All critical aspects involved in disassembly and assembly of the A65 BSA engine will be demonstrated using actual engine rebuilds.  Covered topics include:

 

            Top End Teardown and Inspection

            Primary Side Teardown and Inspection

            Timing Side Teardown and Inspection

            Cylinder Head Teardown and Inspection

            Precision Measurement of Critical Components

            Top End vs. Full Build Considerations

            Crankshaft Shimming and End Float Measurement

            Roller Bearing Conversion to Ball Bearing and Alternatives

            Crankshaft Assembly

            Transmission Inspection and Assembly

            Gear Removal and Installation

            Clutch and Primary Assembly

            Oil Pump Testing and Assembly

            Timing Side Assembly

            Piston and Cylinder Measurement Installation

            Head and Rocker Arm Installation

            Break-in Recommendations

 

    But wait! There’s more!

 

     It’s important to understand that purchase of Build a Better BSA comes with service after the sale, a critical component adding much value. More than simply purchasing a set of DVDs, Build a Better BSA in a home education course and tutorial that comes with the support many students often need following instruction. For one full year after delivery, all related questions within the instructor’s ability to respond will be answered via email as promptly as possible, usually in less than 48 hours and often in much less time. Please understand this time frame can’t always be guaranteed, especially in the summer months when many motorcycle shows require travel across the country, but all student questions will be answered. Tech assistance will generally be limited to email as the instructor is of the opinion people who can’t read and write proficiently have no business working on motorcycle engines. The one year tech support limitation will commonly be waived too and is mostly reserved for the one in one hundred students who just can’t seem to “get it” no matter what one does. Consequently, do not hesitate to make contact about your BSA engine build regardless of how long it’s been since your video tutorial. In the vast majority of cases, God willing, the instructor will be there when needed, like any good teacher should be for a diligent student.

 

More About Your Instructor

 

     I have had multiple careers over my 59 years but spent a great many (32) as a teacher, retiring with the formal designation “clearly outstanding” as rated by the State of Texas, for what that’s worth.  I have a master’s degree in education in addition many years of twisting wrenches for paychecks, beginning with part-time work in a Louisiana automotive shop and from there establishing an independent motor vehicle repair business. Most of my engine building experience has been with air-cooled engines, beginning with VWs and over the past two decades involving old British motorcycles, Triumph and BSA unit constructions twins being a specialty.  In many ways Build a Better BSA was motivated by my continuing desire to practice two great passions, teaching and restoring old motorcycles, both labors of love. (It is also my intention to supplement a retirement income to feed an admitted addiction to old motorcycles in general, and old Brits in particular, of which I current own six. “I’ll work for motorcycle parts,” would be a pretty good mission statement.) Additionally, I am a widely published technical writer and photographer, most currently with Walneck’s Classic Cycle and formerly associated with Old Bike Journal. I have also published widely, ranging from Hot VWs to Rider magazine, and have a book currently in print, “Building Budget Brits ” available from White Horse Press and recipient of many positive reviews.

 

What You Aren’t Buying

 

   While extensively edited and carefully assembled over a great deal of time, Build a Better BSA is far from a professional video and created entirely using IMovie software and a digital video camera. Bottom line: if the expectation is fancy packaging, sound studio quality, and Hollywood lens work, Build a Better BSA is not for you. You can expect barking dogs, chirping birds, and other various background noises on frequent occasions as the entire course of instruction was shot in a simple and most modest garage in an urban area, San Antonio TX to be specific. The unscripted additions do not, however, interfere in the slightest with the core mission, providing quality instruction one needs to do a first-rate engine rebuild on a classic vintage motorcycle engine.

   It’s most important to understand this video is designed to be used in conjunction with a factory shop manual and parts book, required textbooks for this course.  To reiterate, Build a Better BSA does not replace factory publications necessary for many technical specifications and also useful in many other ways. Instead, Build a Better BSA is designed to cover what isn’t contained in most technical publications, covers gaps in factory literature, and most carefully explains and demonstrates in action many often misunderstood procedures and processes while providing alternatives possible in most home shops.  Essentially, Build a Better BSA is instruction to allow a full understanding of what it takes to rebuild the A50-A65 engine successfully yourself utilizing the many common procedures and tools required on most any engine rebuild.

 

Questions?

 

  Please ask. I welcome them!  Ready to order and enroll in my extended classroom? Great, you will be treated as an honored student and provided with quality instruction and support for your final exam, a full strip down and rebuild of your BSA A50-65 series engine.

 

 

International Students

 

  Please note the delivery cost will vary according to region and the cost listed in the EBay ad is for delivery in the US only. Shipping will be via International USPS Priority Mail and these rates are available on the web.