BSA B44 Shooting Star

Infobox Motorcycle
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name=BSA B44 Shooting Star


aka=
manufacturer=flagicon|UK BSA
production=1968-1970
class=
related=
wheelbase=
length=
width=
height=
seat height=
engine= 441cc (26.91 cubic inches) Four stroke, single cylinder, air cooled, OHV, 2 valve per cylinder
power=30 hp 21.9 KW @ 6500 rpm
torque=
dry weight=155.0 kg (341.7 pounds)
fuel_capacity=3.96 gallons (15.00 litres)
fuel_economy= 65mpg
transmission=4 Speed / chain

The BSA B44 Shooting Star is a motorcycle made by BSA at their factory in Small Heath, Birmingham. Similar to the BSA C15 and sharing many of the same parts, the B44 had an uprated chassis [ [http://www.classicmotorcycles.org.uk/bikemuseum/museum_bsa.htm#B44 Classic Motorcycles site accessed 2008-05-03] ] .

In 1965 an off road motocross BSA B44 named the ‘’Victor’’ was launched at the Earls Court Show. Developed from scramblers used by Jeff Smith to win the 1964 and 1965 500cc World Championships, the model proved so popular that "Victor Grand Prix" and "Victor Enduro" models were developed [ [http://www.bsaoc.demon.co.uk/post1960.htm BSA Owners Club site accessed 2008-05-03] ] , as well as a road going version, the 1967 "Victor Roadster" was produced and the B44VS "Victor Special" was also successfully exported to the US between 1968 and 1970 [http://www.motorbase.com/auctionlot/by-id/611873880/ accessed 2008-05-03] .

In 1968 the the B44 became BSA's top export model and sold in the USA and Canada as the "Shooting Star". The good availability of spare parts and the relative simplicity of the single cylinder engine means that the surviving examples are easily restored to as new condition [Citation | last1 = Riches | first1 = Tony | title = Restoration or preservation? | newspaper = Classic Bike Guide |date = July 2004 ] .

References

External links

* [http://www.classicbikeguide.com/archive/july2004/julyc2004.htm BSA B44SS restoration]
* [http://www.b50.org/b44.htm BSA B44 Gallery]
* [http://mdcmoto.smugmug.com/gallery/1549179_WTuTZ#74718890_AFMqY BSA Victor Special Gallery]