Description
BSA model J 35-12 1935 500c ohv twin frame E 15.160 engine E 15.343
At the 1933 Olympia show BSA displayed a 14-model range; more than 60 machines were showed an one of the newcomers was a handsome 498 cc (63×80 mm) OHV v-twin, the model J 34-11.
The machine was actually not a complete newcomer: it was based on a design specially prepared for the War Office a year or so earlier. After extensive tests the military authorities were satisfied with its performance and between 1933 and 1936 some 700 machines were ordered.
The model J was for some years the standard British Army motorcycle.
At Olympia it created great interest with the public because of its good looks and OHV twin engine, which engine type was new in the BSA range.
For 1935 some changes were made, notably a new foot change mechanism, redesigned front forks and a speedometer on top of the front forks instead of in the tank panel. Model designation became J 35-12.
At 70 pounds the model J was 20 % more expensive than a comparable single cylinder OHV and it was but slightly more powerful. Consequently, not too many of these interesting machines were sold to the general public in their 3-year production run and today they are pretty rare birds.