The Jockey Journal

wadeschields · 01-17-2021, 06:41 PM

Maybe Ill post the build thread sometime but this was Friday status... First try to get it started after a rebuild

Almost a runner.. I had it a little better then this but no video that time...

Ratso · 01-17-2021, 07:18 PM

Always liked their looks. Have you had them before? Do they merit their bad reputation in stock form (or in any form)?

Thanks for showing. Sounded healthy.

wadeschields · 01-17-2021, 07:37 PM

They do have a shady reputation but everyone I know that has one says they love them... Not for Highway riding though... This one has the E.T. ignition so that could be an issue. Most people upgrade to new electronic ignitions and that makes them more reliable . But i will try to get it running this way until I decide its not worth the hassle.

Thunderbird · 01-18-2021, 02:45 AM

clean the pilot jet.

Goldy · 01-18-2021, 07:52 AM

I've never owned one, but I've worked on them often. Learning how to start them and getting a feel for the proper use of the compression release can turn them into a one-kick wonder (once they are properly set up and tuned in). Electronic, or points and coil ignition doens't make much difference as long as it's timed right and the advance unit isn't worn. The very best improvement you can make is to replace that old carburetor...and get yourself the Rupert Ratio book on BSA singles. Get to know it and you will probably fall in love with it.

Thebigguy0811 · 01-18-2021, 09:05 AM

My 350lb cousin had one back in the late 60's. He would ride nearly everywhere with the front wheel off the ground. Loved the gearing/torque from the single.

Lester · 01-19-2021, 09:35 AM

Looks great... I want one!

wadeschields · 01-19-2021, 10:55 PM

Didnt get to work on the bike any more but another issue I have is that when I rebuilt the motor I put a new sprocket on it to replace a very worn one. I didnt notice that it was for 520 chain . 66 year Victors came with 428 rear chain... So my rear wheel sprocket didnt match. A few recommendations gave me ideas and I ordered a custom new 520 wheel sprocket from Speed and Sport today... In the meantime I will change/fix/improve wiring connections and points and I will clean the pilot jet again...

Gary E · 01-20-2021, 07:53 PM

It's looking good there Wade. Always really liked the '68 & '70 Victors I had. Owning a Victor they say you are a victim, in reference to if you don't put the piston in the right place before the kick, it'll spank you good.

wadeschields · 01-23-2021, 01:44 AM

Hello Gary ... Thanks... I hope this one will be a good one once I get it running

01-17-2021, 06:41 PM	#1
wadeschields Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: NYC and PA Posts: 58	Almost !! 66 BSA 500 Single project Maybe Ill post the build thread sometime but this was Friday status... First try to get it started after a rebuild Almost a runner.. I had it a little better then this but no video that time... __________________ Wade Wade Schields photography www.wadeschields.com

01-17-2021, 07:18 PM	#2
Ratso Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: San Francisco Posts: 1,721	Re: Almost !! 66 BSA 500 Single project Always liked their looks. Have you had them before? Do they merit their bad reputation in stock form (or in any form)? Thanks for showing. Sounded healthy. __________________ "Bite the parts like a monkey." --Dutch Dennoz

01-17-2021, 07:37 PM	#3
wadeschields Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: NYC and PA Posts: 58	Re: Almost !! 66 BSA 500 Single project They do have a shady reputation but everyone I know that has one says they love them... Not for Highway riding though... This one has the E.T. ignition so that could be an issue. Most people upgrade to new electronic ignitions and that makes them more reliable . But i will try to get it running this way until I decide its not worth the hassle. __________________ Wade Wade Schields photography www.wadeschields.com

01-18-2021, 02:45 AM	#4
Thunderbird Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: 7th Stone Posts: 267	Re: Almost !! 66 BSA 500 Single project clean the pilot jet.

01-18-2021, 07:52 AM	#5
Goldy Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Near Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia Posts: 1,381	Re: Almost !! 66 BSA 500 Single project I've never owned one, but I've worked on them often. Learning how to start them and getting a feel for the proper use of the compression release can turn them into a one-kick wonder (once they are properly set up and tuned in). Electronic, or points and coil ignition doens't make much difference as long as it's timed right and the advance unit isn't worn. The very best improvement you can make is to replace that old carburetor...and get yourself the Rupert Ratio book on BSA singles. Get to know it and you will probably fall in love with it. __________________ This too shall pass. Last edited by Goldy; 01-18-2021 at 09:15 PM.

01-18-2021, 09:05 AM	#6
Thebigguy0811 Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Lancaster,Va Posts: 82	My 350lb cousin had one back in the late 60's. He would ride nearly everywhere with the front wheel off the ground. Loved the gearing/torque from the single. __________________ "It does not take a majority to prevail. What it takes is an irate, tireless minority, keen on setting brushfires of freedom in the minds of men."-John Adams

01-19-2021, 09:35 AM	#7
Lester Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Norway Posts: 1,597	Re: Almost !! 66 BSA 500 Single project Looks great... I want one! __________________ '62 DuoGlide Mine for 25yrs '62 Triumph T-Bird in boxes '83 BMW R100 commuter '52 Triumph Speed Twin Bastard 70's'80's couple of Jap chops too

01-19-2021, 10:55 PM	#8
wadeschields Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: NYC and PA Posts: 58	Re: Almost !! 66 BSA 500 Single project Didnt get to work on the bike any more but another issue I have is that when I rebuilt the motor I put a new sprocket on it to replace a very worn one. I didnt notice that it was for 520 chain . 66 year Victors came with 428 rear chain... So my rear wheel sprocket didnt match. A few recommendations gave me ideas and I ordered a custom new 520 wheel sprocket from Speed and Sport today... In the meantime I will change/fix/improve wiring connections and points and I will clean the pilot jet again... __________________ Wade Wade Schields photography www.wadeschields.com

01-20-2021, 07:53 PM	#9
Gary E Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Medford, Oregon Posts: 18	Re: Almost !! 66 BSA 500 Single project It's looking good there Wade. Always really liked the '68 & '70 Victors I had. Owning a Victor they say you are a victim, in reference to if you don't put the piston in the right place before the kick, it'll spank you good.

01-23-2021, 01:44 AM	#10
wadeschields Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: NYC and PA Posts: 58	Re: Almost !! 66 BSA 500 Single project Hello Gary ... Thanks... I hope this one will be a good one once I get it running __________________ Wade Wade Schields photography www.wadeschields.com

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