BSA used a new coding system for frames and engines from 1969
until the end in 1973
This consisted of three parts:
- The model code
- Two letters giving
month and year respectively
- A five digit number
Both engine and frame received the same markings.
The engines was built, given a number and then stored ready for the
frame. This would be the B50SSHE part of the serial code denoting a B50SS
engine for July 1971. When the frame was manufactured it would be given a
unique number in that 'manufacturing year' range ie: 15222. The
Engine and Frame numbers were matching so these two, Code/Number, would
be brought together at assembly and the finished serial number completed.
The BSA 'manufacturing year' ran from August to July.
At BSA the model year started after the
factory shutdown in July so that 1971 models were those made between
August 1970 through to July 1971.
The date letters are as follows :-
|
1st Letter |
|
2nd Letter |
|
A = January |
: |
C = 1969 |
|
B = February |
: |
D = 1970 |
|
C = March |
: |
E = 1971 |
|
D = April |
: |
G = 1972 |
|
E = May |
: |
H = 1973 |
|
G = June |
: |
J = 1974 |
|
H = July |
: |
|
|
J = August |
: |
|
|
K = September |
: |
|
|
N = October |
: |
|
|
P = November |
: |
|
|
X = December |
: |
|
The numbering started at the beginning of each season and always
started at 00100 leaving the first 99 for experimental use. The numbers
were consecutively allocated throughout a model range so the B25 & B50
are intermingled.
Gold Star 250 B25SS 1971
Victor 250 B25T 1971
Gold Star 500 B50SS 1971 to 1972
Victor 500 B50T 1971
to 1972
Victor MX B50MX 1971 to 1973
Note: The lettering system should just be taken as a rough guide.
|