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The Kirby BSA sidecar outfit was custom-built as a racing sidecar oufit, specifically designed and developed to compete in the F.I.M. Sidecar World Championship between 1965 and 1973, and built between 1965 and 1966. It was powered by a 654 cc (39.9 cu in) engine from the BSA Spitfire.[1]
.jpg) Baston Car Show exhibits in 2013 | |
| Manufacturer | BSA |
|---|---|
| Production | 1965–1966 |
| Class | 500cc Sidecar (B2A) |
| Engine | 654 cc (39.9 cu in) air cooled four stroke, parallel twin, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder, 2 Amal 10GP2 carburettors, five pints of oil |
| Bore / stroke | 75 mm × 74 mm (3.0 in × 2.9 in) |
| Power | 54 bhp (40 kW) @ 6900 rpm |
| Transmission | 4-speed, chain drive |
| Frame type | Steel tubing, cradle, adjusted to accommodate sidecar |
| Suspension | Telescopic forks with coil spring – hydraulically damped (front) Coil spring/hydraulically damped (rear) |
| Fuel capacity | 4 imp gal (4.8 US gal; 18 L) |
The driver, Terry Vinicombe, and passenger John Flaxman were sponsored by Hornchurch, Essex-based motorcycle dealer and farmer Tom Kirby, who also ran a stable of solo racing motorcycles and had promoted Alf Hagon and eventual world champions Mike Hailwood, Phil Read, and Bill Ivy.[3][4]
The outfit won the large-capacity sidecar event at the 1968 Isle of Man TT races.[5][6][7]
Notes edit
- ^ a b "1965 - 1966 BSA A65 Sidecar Racing".
- ^ "BSA A65 Sidecar Racing (1965-66) - motorcycle specifications". August 3, 2020.
- ^ "Kirby BSA Sidecar Outfit". National Motor Museum. Retrieved 14 January 2024.
- ^ Deane, Charles (January 1965). "Tom Kirby's plans for 1965". Motor Cyclist Illustrated and Scooters. City Magazines Ltd., London E.C.4. pp. 38–40.
- ^ "TT 1968 overview". iomtt.com database. Retrieved 17 January 2024.
- ^ "TT 1968 Sidecar 750cc Results". iomtt.com database. Retrieved 17 January 2024.
- ^ Harris, Nick. Motocourse History of the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy. p. 138.
British champion Chris Vincent was the early leader of the 750 cc class, but he too was hindered by mechanical gremlins and the Kirby BSA-powered oufit of Terry Vinicombe went on to win.
References edit
- "Everybody kneel" Classic Bike, April/May 1981, p.33