Easy to see why Paul wasnt in a huge hurry to get back to the workshop! Motorcycling perfection, what a beautiful route, and not known to many Id say. Possibly even more glorious in summer. Im sure the oils were 'proper warmed oop' on return.....
Oh yeah! That sound makes ones heart take off. i ride a Honda barco lounger now but did have a 68 Spitfire Mark IV once upon a time . Same engine I think, 10:1 compression, Amal 932 carbs. Same wonderful sound. I need to calm down after hearing it. Think I'll go take some geritol and a nap now. Tx for sharing!
I love watching you guys riding on the wrong side of the road! Thanks for taking us along. The countryside is beautiful, as is the narrow, winding roads!
@savage22bolt32 Yeah, it was the same as me when visiting relatives and hiring cars, but I've done it so often now that I'm used to it. The reason that the UK chose to drive on the left goes back to ancient times when it was proffered that "most" men were right-handed, so it was better to hand on to a horse with the left and have the righthand for your sword. 🤣😂 yes, England was a jolly place back then!
That sounded absolutely gorgeous, thanks for that. Looking forward to the A65 (Red) rebuild you have parts being worked. Prolly a couple of weeks yet, but that ride was lovely :)
i bought a new bs aspitfire in the late 60s from bennett and woods in sydney and put the race kit in it. beautiful bike, very fast and handled beautifully. no oil leaks. its still in the shed with 3500 miles.
Again. Thank you Mr. Henshaw. If I can keep my old internal bits from killing me, I'm coming over !! I gotta try your amazing roads.Now we know why British racing suspensions were the best. { I always knew. LOL. }
Hornets were rare in my neck of the woods (suburb of N.Y.C.) but did have a chance to do a repair on one with a sour Energy Transfer ignition system. After some head scratching, I retimed the alternator rotor and it totally fixed the problem. It was the 500 cc version, I recall that being a "Hornet" only. Edit: Correction, the one I helped was called a "Wasp".
Hi Roy - that is what we call the 'Roman Road' and it links our two villages, Llansadwrn and Llanwrda. It was de classified by the council quite a few years ago and gradually fell into decline. Until recently, Satnavs were still sending people down it in cases where the main road was closed, which could get interesting!
Coolist bike in the world. I owned a 65 thunder bolt.I was 18 Yeats old.. The spitfire and hornets where beyond my means, but that was ok.They were balanced and blueprinted as far as we were concerned.You had to be there. Those were the days boys.
yes those were the days 16y/o had a 65 t-bolt for 6 months before l got my license did wheelies in the driveway while l waited bought it for 600 rode 50,000 miles spent 50 bux on it sold it for 650 dark blue and chrome tank last yr of the metal cans that tach and speedo sit in...
Almost seems like it could do with a fifth gear or a smaller tooth rear sprocket. I had a '64 model thunderbolt and ran that on a 36 tooth rear sprocket. This seemed to be better for hwy speeds. I realize though that for the purpose for which it was designed the gearing is probably great. I loved mine.
Yes, lovely sound. People who say that twins with a 270° firing order sound good cannot have owned or a 360° twin or ridden one hard (I had several including a glorious A10 Super Rocket). Mind you I think the reduced vibration is probably a price worth paying. ;-)
Hello Mr Henshaw, in the past year or so I have been watching several of your videos. I have three Triumphs (48; 79 in a 67 frame and 79 with dual plugs head) no car. I am from Uruguay in S America. I have two questions if may I; One is what s the way you hold the camera in your chest without vibration and most important, without pointing too low? I tried with the harness that a mate lend me but could not point the camera right... The other question out of curiosity, is if in UK or at least in your area, when some one takes the road in an old bike is that something strange? or there are plenty of old iron running around in daily basis? I guess that with all that industry with cars and motorcycles of years gone, could be a plenty? Thanks
To answer the first question, see this video I made ... th-cam.com/video/okExHYdMEs4/w-d-xo.html there are quite a number of old bikes still in use around here, but most are for sunny weekends, shows and so on. There are one or two still in regular use as well.
The genuine sound of a british parallel twin is unmistakable . I really don't get the point of having a 270 degree crank which seems to be the standard today - they sound more like a V-twin.
Now THAT was a pleasant ride...no good saying it wasn't ! Clawing our way down the lanes & tarmac, inserting ourselves into the regions scenery. Not in a whimsical vicarious manner I use the plural pronoun, you see, as I was piloting this bike also. I was able to do so, engaged in this adventure, via a heroic imagination, as well as having my 12 in. floor fan blowing a volume of air onto my torso and at my face and hair. Alas, the H-bars were a bit too 'tallish' for my liking. Also, I missed having a Tach.
they are very rare. My grandfather has one that his brother bought new in 1965 and its being passed down the family. I'm grateful i've ever even gotten to see one of those bikes let alone own it some day. It's a 1965 A65 BSA Spitfire Hornet 650 all original
I wouldn't know about ignition keys or not - this one was a 'Spitfire Hornet', if that makes any difference and it had a full battery powered ignition system. Perhaps specs might have varied depending on which part of the world they were made for and when they were made, or maybe someone converted this one? I, for one, don't know.
@@paulhenshaw4514 In California and most of US they were specific engine numbers and sold as ET off road only like the 441 VGP there are a few around me if numbers match they are $12-15k. That sounds like the cams in the MX Hornet maybe a bit advanced had that adds to the bang.
This is by far the best RIDE video on a BSA twin I have found!!
Thank you!
Easy to see why Paul wasnt in a huge hurry to get back to the workshop! Motorcycling perfection, what a beautiful route, and not known to many Id say. Possibly even more glorious in summer.
Im sure the oils were 'proper warmed oop' on return.....
the sound of a BSA is heaven
Oh yeah! That sound makes ones heart take off. i ride a Honda barco lounger now but did have a 68 Spitfire Mark IV once upon a time . Same engine I think, 10:1 compression, Amal 932 carbs. Same wonderful sound. I need to calm down after hearing it. Think I'll go take some geritol and a nap now. Tx for sharing!
I love watching you guys riding on the wrong side of the road!
Thanks for taking us along. The countryside is beautiful, as is the narrow, winding roads!
Well, it's only the wrong side of the road in your country 😊 but there is a good reason we chose driving on the left side of the road!
@@bignasty3274 lol, even as a passenger in England, with my son-in-law driving, I would cringe as we entered the roundabouts!
@savage22bolt32
Yeah, it was the same as me when visiting relatives and hiring cars, but I've done it so often now that I'm used to it. The reason that the UK chose to drive on the left goes back to ancient times when it was proffered that "most" men were right-handed, so it was better to hand on to a horse with the left and have the righthand for your sword. 🤣😂 yes, England was a jolly place back then!
@@bignasty3274 that is very interesting history. thanks!
That is my kind of riding right there! And it is easy to see Paul was enjoying it too! Incredible area to ride & the scenery !!
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!
this particular bsa is one of the best sounding - vvery tight smooth and explosive culture - thanks paul , u r devoted
That sounded absolutely gorgeous, thanks for that. Looking forward to the A65 (Red) rebuild you have parts being worked. Prolly a couple of weeks yet, but that ride was lovely :)
In 1967 bought brand new. Great ride and handled great on turns. A senior in high school, great memories. . .
GREAT VIDEO!!!! What a Beautiful ride through the country!
Thank you!
I am a triumph fan but that had to be one of the best sounds ever
You feel alive on a bike like this, nuff said
i bought a new bs aspitfire in the late 60s from bennett and woods in sydney and put the race kit in it. beautiful bike, very fast and handled beautifully. no oil leaks. its still in the shed with 3500 miles.
Why so few miles, then?
Sounds beautiful pulling through the midrange, its making the hair on my neck stand up, your a lucky man to work on classic bikes.
Ahh man this guy actually opened the throttle nice 👍
Thoroughly enjoyed this again Paul, your so lucky to have those old lanes to ride, zero like that in Florida.
Thanks, Roy! Glad you enjoyed it
Keep up the good work , love the sound of straight pipes
Thanks!
Well,that was an adventure down those lanes!Great sounding bike.
Thanks!
Again. Thank you Mr. Henshaw. If I can keep my old internal bits from killing me, I'm coming over !! I gotta try your amazing roads.Now we know why British racing suspensions were the best. { I always knew. LOL. }
Great video. Runs strong. The sort of roads and riding I most enjoy. Thanks.
Man I love that sound!
Great, isn't it [wish it was mine].
@@paulhenshaw4514 Me too!
That looks like a really fun bike. Another cracking job well done.
Thanks, Niall, it is a really fun bike, the owner is a lucky man!
Sorry I forgot what day it was. Best wishes on St. David's day.
What a lovely sound! Another great job Paul.
Thanks Richard, it is a great bike!
I can tell you was having fun with that one
Hornets were rare in my neck of the woods (suburb of N.Y.C.) but did have a chance to do a repair on one with a sour Energy Transfer ignition system. After some head scratching, I retimed the alternator rotor and it totally fixed the problem. It was the 500 cc version, I recall that being a "Hornet" only. Edit: Correction, the one I helped was called a "Wasp".
That's called character the look and sound love it.shame these bikes are being bought by collectors don't ride them and price me out of the market
I totally agree with you, Helen.
Not the prettiest of skoots but man what a sound!!! Just growls beautifully.
Lovely roads and sunshine in Wales !
I was in high school from 1962-66. Triumph always sold better. I am not sure why. I like them both. Thanks for my ride today!
Thanks, Herman - that must have hurt, as BSA owned Triumph!
Sound superb!
Plenty of grunt, think the use it gets the better it will run..
Fine job Paul 😉
One more video to come - finally got a tick over!
The compression is real good, this motor is tight.
Who needs a horn button ? lol Sounds great though . I've got two , a 66 and a 69 . I love em !
Giving it the beans on a BSA, on clear Welsh roads, living the dream or what?
What a superb sounding bike! Why it sounds just like mine ☺️
Check out a Norton n-15 cs 750 with megaphones. 64-68
Great ride, she sounds cracking, great job.
Thanks, Fergus!
Sounds lovely
Thanks!
She really gets down the road....lol, great ride
Great sounding bike. British roads would barely pass as sidewalks in the states.
Love the Cart Traks
Christ Paul that’s one hell of a bumpy road towards the end.
Hi Roy - that is what we call the 'Roman Road' and it links our two villages, Llansadwrn and Llanwrda. It was de classified by the council quite a few years ago and gradually fell into decline. Until recently, Satnavs were still sending people down it in cases where the main road was closed, which could get interesting!
Loafing around warming it up until 3:50 and then YEAH BABY YEAH YEAH YEAH...(etc.)
Yeah!
That sound! Hope you had your earplugs in though! Always sunny in Wales!
That's quite a ride!
Thanks!
i love roads where grass grows in the middle!
Now thats a bleeding good bike mate
What a rush! This is why the Brits never made huge, heavy touring motorcycles.
A-a-a...an engine that has the cha!m to put you to sleep ! Albeit, I've never actually fallen asleep piloting mine. Came close a time-or-two.
magnifique spitfire
Coolist bike in the world. I owned a 65 thunder bolt.I was 18 Yeats old.. The spitfire and hornets where beyond my means, but that was ok.They were balanced and blueprinted as far as we were concerned.You had to be there. Those were the days boys.
yes those were the days 16y/o had a 65 t-bolt for 6 months before l got my license did wheelies in the driveway while l waited bought it for 600 rode 50,000 miles spent 50 bux on it sold it for 650 dark blue and chrome tank last yr of the metal cans that tach and speedo sit in...
Sounds great
Thanks!
You fire-brand you! Cheers.
Nice to see someone twist their wrist on a BSA for once,it seems most vids ppl drive them like big v twins and lug them
Yes, I like to let bikes off the leash and see and show how they can really go.
I thought New Zealand roads were goat tracks I’m lost. And that’s how to bed in rings I like it.
Hi paul, if you get this message, are you able to tell me what those handle bars are called please? That bikes a real goer.
Hi, sorry I don't know the origins of those handlebars, but they may be from the U.S. where the bike was brought back from.
😂stock B.S.A. high swept period correct handlebars!👊👳♂️👋👾🤠
cheesus crust that sounds amazing! :O :O :O
Just followed the ride using Google Earth .... some nice little backroads around there ....
Almost seems like it could do with a fifth gear or a smaller tooth rear sprocket. I had a '64 model thunderbolt and ran that on a 36 tooth rear sprocket. This seemed to be better for hwy speeds. I realize though that for the purpose for which it was designed the gearing is probably great. I loved mine.
I agree - it had enough power to lift the front wheel in 1st and 2nd gears and could easily manage another gear after top!
Yes, lovely sound. People who say that twins with a 270° firing order sound good cannot have owned or a 360° twin or ridden one hard (I had several including a glorious A10 Super Rocket). Mind you I think the reduced vibration is probably a price worth paying. ;-)
I have to say I have a soft spot for the sound of big [ish] 180 degree twins, such as the Honda CB500T, as well.
Hello Mr Henshaw, in the past year or so I have been watching several of your videos. I have three Triumphs (48; 79 in a 67 frame and 79 with dual plugs head) no car. I am from Uruguay in S America. I have two questions if may I; One is what s the way you hold the camera in your chest without vibration and most important, without pointing too low? I tried with the harness that a mate lend me but could not point the camera right...
The other question out of curiosity, is if in UK or at least in your area, when some one takes the road in an old bike is that something strange? or there are plenty of old iron running around in daily basis? I guess that with all that industry with cars and motorcycles of years gone, could be a plenty?
Thanks
To answer the first question, see this video I made ... th-cam.com/video/okExHYdMEs4/w-d-xo.html there are quite a number of old bikes still in use around here, but most are for sunny weekends, shows and so on. There are one or two still in regular use as well.
Try riding that on the QEW from Toronto to Niagara Falls!
The genuine sound of a british parallel twin is unmistakable . I really don't get the point of having a 270 degree crank which seems to be the standard today - they sound more like a V-twin.
I totally agree and don't see the point, although I do enjoy 180 degree twins as well as the 360 degree types.
Now THAT was a pleasant ride...no good saying it wasn't ! Clawing our way down the lanes & tarmac, inserting ourselves into the regions scenery. Not in a whimsical vicarious manner I use the plural pronoun, you see, as I was piloting this bike also. I was able to do so, engaged in this adventure, via a heroic imagination, as well as having my 12 in. floor fan blowing a volume of air onto my torso and at my face and hair.
Alas, the H-bars were a bit too 'tallish' for my liking. Also, I missed having a Tach.
Thanks, that bike was great fun, Amelie!
The Rooster at play.
Interesting Ride! She sounds pretty good! Not much traffic! I love the BSA brand! Had one years ago! Where about you from? I live in the USA. Michigan
Hi, I am in South Wales, UK.
Thanks love the Hornet wish I had one!@@paulhenshaw4514
Fucking beautiful, nice vid
Thanks!
Now that makes one want one too, sad they seem to be so rare...
they are very rare. My grandfather has one that his brother bought new in 1965 and its being passed down the family. I'm grateful i've ever even gotten to see one of those bikes let alone own it some day. It's a 1965 A65 BSA Spitfire Hornet 650 all original
the lovely fat sound of a bsa
Ah that midrange torque! It definitely helps with the handling on such narrow roads. Whereabouts is this all filmed Mr. Henshaw?
All w3ithin a few miles of Llandovery.
@@paulhenshaw4514 Magic British countryside. Reminds me a bit of Hertfordshire.
Was that the police i saw running for the hills.
the police in nsw had saints to ride. which were souped up triumph thunderbirds. they never had a lookin if they were chasing.
Not a lot wrong with that, Paul!
Thanks Bill!
Don't know anything about UK road licensing laws, but no lights and how is is[ it legal to go on rads? BTW, sounds great. Like my T140 w/TT pipes!!
No lights [at all] are legal in daylight hours in the UK.
👍
Thanks Paul, that BSA sounded very tasty. Is it true they are making you have speed monitoring devices on cars over there?
Not yet, but young drivers get cheaper insurance with a 'Black Box' fitted to the car, to monitor how they drive.
My '65 Hornet had no battery, mufflers, lights or gauges. I think it was for track only. good looking bike, though.
Noticed you use a ignition key, never a factory install on Hornets, i do ride a 66 Hornet have for years
I wouldn't know about ignition keys or not - this one was a 'Spitfire Hornet', if that makes any difference and it had a full battery powered ignition system. Perhaps specs might have varied depending on which part of the world they were made for and when they were made, or maybe someone converted this one? I, for one, don't know.
l had a 65 t-bolt gr8 bike l thought the hornets were mag fired...?
@@paulhenshaw4514 In California and most of US they were specific engine numbers and sold as ET off road only like the 441 VGP there are a few around me if numbers match they are $12-15k. That sounds like the cams in the MX Hornet maybe a bit advanced had that adds to the bang.
It's a wonder you have any teeth left after them lanes.
I can smell it.
Sounds like it’s doing 110!
Yes, it does!
sounds like it needs fork oil clunking on the laneway bottoming out..
Possibly - this machine was under partial restoration by the owner, my job was just to get it running right and he was taking care of the rest.
Sounds like it's got a couple screws lose!
Temporary fuel tank rattling on frame.