1964 BSA Starlite 75cc Ultra-Light - 2-Page Vintage Motorcycle Article

Description

1964 BSA Starlite 75cc Ultra-Light - 2-Page Vintage Motorcycle Article
Original, vintage magazine article
Page Size: Approx. 8" x 11" (21 cm x 28 cm)
Condition: Good
An important highlight of the BSA mo-
torcycle range for 1964 is a brand new 75cc
ultra-light motorcycle, the “Starlite.”
This entirely new machine is built on a
new type frame of box-section design, ex-
tremely strong and rigid and yet light in
weight. Rider comfort and good handling is
assured by a new type leading-link front
fork and rear suspension by swinging arms
pivoted on rubber bonded bearings and with
hydraulically damped suspension units. The
wheels are 19" in diameter fitted with
2.25 x 19 tires and have internal expanding
brakes front and rear.
Perhaps the most interesting feature of
the new BSA machine is the completely
new high-efficiency engine of 75cc with push
rod operated overhead valves and light alloy
cylinder head. The lubricating system of
this power plant is of the wet sump type
with a pump supplying oil under pressure
to the big end. An entirely new Amal car-
buretor was designed for this particular
unit and is fitted to a down draft intake and
manifold. The transmission which is built
in the unit with the engine is a four speed
with ratios of 11.52. 15.1, 23.8 and 34.4
to 1. The primary drive is by gear and the
complete primary drive runs in oil with
level automatically maintained from the
engine sump.
Ignition and direct lighting are cared for
by an engine shaft alternator. The head-
light incorporates a speedometer and the
machine is fitted with electric horn, tail
lamp and reflector.
The performance of the new Starlight is
very brisk and this interesting newcomer
into the ultra-lightweight range is extremely
attractive to that section of the motorcycle
riding public who prefer an ultra lightweight
machine. The complete weight of this model
is only 140 lbs. Finish is attractive red and
ivory with chromium-plated wheel rims and
many other parts in bright chrome.
SPECIAL STARLITE FACTORY
ROAD TEST
This new 75cc model has been subjected
to one of the most intensive development
programs ever applied to a motorcycle and
production was deliberately held back for
a series of extremely severe and prolonged
road tests. These were to insure that the
Starlite would give good service in the
hands of even inexperienced riders. The
special tests were in addition to thousands
of miles normally covered by Works riders,
and to the routine bench and mechanical
tests continuously given production motor-
cycles by BSA. These normal tests extended
mileage carried out at the Motors Indus-
tries Research Association proving ground
and other rigorous workouts.
The special road test devised for the Star-
lite 75 was code named “Exercise 653,’’
and consisted of a two week night and day...
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