BSA 1924 350 model L 350 cc 1 cyl ohv

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Description

 BSA   1924  “ Model L”  349 cc ohv  frame #  D 17160  engine # L 921

The first ohv BSA  is introduced early in 1924.
Its design  is a spin-off from the Hotchkiss engine that powers the BSA light car. 
It  has been designed by Harold Briggs,  a clever technician who has come to Small Heath from the Daimler Works at Coventry. 
Bore and stroke measurements are 72x 85.5 mm, giving a capacity of 349 cc. 
The  hemispherical  iron cylinder head is detachable and has heavy finning.   
The valve gear is enclosed and automatically lubricated. A dome-topped aluminium piston with three rings is fitted as well as a roller big end. Lubrication is effected  by gravity feed to mechanical pump, then to sight feed on timing case, feeding to crank case. 
The sight feed system  is used because many riders like to see for themselves that the lubrication  system is doing what it should do. 
Many makes use sight feeds and tell-tales till the early  thirties, when “ invisible” lubrication  finally becomes generally accepted. 
For emergency use a hand pump is also fitted.   The tank holds 1 ½ gallons of petrol and 3 ½ pints of oil.  
The engine develops 13 HP and a top speed of 60 mph is attainable. 
Petrol consumption amounts to 100  mpg and the weight is 220 lb. 
This pleasant vintage OHV sports machine    is the earliest known survivor; it was  first registered 19Th July 1924 and it was supplied new by  H.C. Cecil, a BSA dealer in Ledbury, Herefordshire.  
Only  one other 1924 Model L is listed in the VMCC  Machine Register.  
The petrol tank still has the original paint and this well sorted machine comes complete with Stewart speedometer and bulb horn.