Exquisitely restored

1969 BSA 441cc B44 Victor Special

Since the late 1950s, BSA was heavily entrenched in the off-road market. Jeff Smith, aboard a redesigned factory motocross racer took the 1964 World Championship, winning 7 of the 14 races. And that led to new models on the showroom floors. In 1966 the Victor Enduro joined the range, displacing 441cc and a direct descendent of the works 420cc moto-cross engine. Detuned, with a lower compression ratio, and mounted in the C15T Trials bike frame, lights were added, powered by an alternator. Front forks were retained from the MXer, and held a 19” front wheel. The Enduro was renamed the Victor Special for 1969, but production of this dual sport model ceased in 1970.

The motorbike offered

The 1969 BSA 441cc B44 Victor Special on offer here, comes from a Northern California collector, who purchased it exactly 50 years after it left the factory in April of 2019 as a complete matching numbers bike in running condition, but in need of restoration. He then set to work stripping the bike to the bare frame, which was checked for straightness at Motorcycle Frame Technicians in San Mateo. Needing nothing, it was powder-coated in black and made ready for the engine. Former Raber’s of San Jose mechanic, Paul Hudson, rebuilt the motor from top to bottom, including a rebore for the new piston kit, new seals, bearings, rings, connecting rod, oil pump and sump kit, and any other parts which needed to be replaced or upgraded. New valve guides and a valve job were done by Engine Dynamics in Petaluma, and the crank professionally balanced by Revco Precision in Long Beach. The gearbox was overhauled with a new clutch, and for the sake of reliability, a new Boyer Branson electronic ignition was installed. Please note the original case numbers on the underside of the engine (photographed).

Paul also rebuilt the front forks and installed a new wiring loom. The battery is a new 12V Lithium Ion, and a battery tender will accompany the sale.

All the cycle parts were sent out for professionally applied black paint with new, correct decals. The fenders were repaired and chrome plated, while other brightwork pieces were either replaced or replated. Our vendor then reassembled the chassis with all new wheel and steering head bearings and an overhaul of the brakes with new shoes. He adjusted the gearing by one tooth front and rear for better cruising. The chrome wheels are original to the bike and in excellent condition, laced with new stainless spokes, and shod with new tubes and Dunlop K70 tires.

The speedometer rebuilt and recalibrated by Palo Alto Speedometer and the original seat pan was reupholstered by Sidco Custom Upholstery in Palo Alto, with new foam and cover. The handlebars, grips, control levers and bar end mirrors are all new. The bike also has a refinished skid plate and a solo seat included in the sale.

This fantastically restored machine is sold with a clean, clear California title with current registration.