BSA poured a lot of money and time and talent into the 500 CC class motocross program in the early 1960s that paid off in spades. The B 40 (introduced in 1962) sported a 343 CC single that competed and sold well. It was the English Army’s standard motorcycle until 1970.
By racing season 1964 BSA’s race works had increased the motor size to 441 CC and Jeff Smith rode a factory prepped bike to the world championship in 1964 and 1965. In 1966 a CZ two stroke won the title and BSA’s run at the top was over,
BSA brought the ‘civilian’ version to market as the 1965 or 66 (depending on which side of the pond you lived on) 441 Victor named in honor of the back to back championships.
By 1968 the big single was BSA’s best seller, but the motor had reached (and possibly exceeded) it’s limits. We all know the end of this story which came in 1972 when BSA ceased manufacturing.
The 1966 BSA 441 Victor used a 441 CC air cooled four stroke overhead valve single cylinder motor that made 30 HP with a 4 speed transmission. Front suspension were telescopic forks with an 8” drum brake and 18” wheel while the rear was a swingarm with twin shocks, a 7” drum and 18” wheel. Wet weight was 320 LBS.
This particular 1966 BSA 441 Victor (VIN# B44E1855) is in Tustin, California and is listed as ‘a really nice 441 Victor in excellent condition’. And that pretty much concludes the listing. The seller did a really poor job with his listing, but it seems to be a first year Victor that is in used original condition. The bike has a starting bid of $5,000 and a Buy It Now price of $5,100 in an auction that ends Sunday, March 12th here on EBay.
Sources:
Motorcycle Classics
Curbside Classic
Motorcycle Specs
Owen Collection