1949 BSA B32 Specifications

Name: 1949 BSA B32
Brand: BSA

Classic • Specs last verified 31 October 2026

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1949 BSA B32 Overview

BSA B32 is a classic motorcycle, displacing 348 cc. Power comes from a Four stroke, single cylinder, Overhead valve engine, a compression ratio of 6.5:1. On the performance side, it delivers 16.2 kW @ 6000 rpm of peak power. On the road, the 1949 B32 tips the scales at 175 kg and carries a 19 L fuel tank. That's roughly 21 kg lighter than the average classic motorcycle in our database. The full 1949 BSA B32 spec sheet below covers every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes.

1949 BSA B32 compared with other bikes in the Classic category

We checked the recorded figures for the 1949 BSA B32 against up to 466 bikes in the Classic category in our database, counting each model once at the model year nearest to this one.

Only 45 of the other 217 bikes in the Classic category have a lower power-to-weight ratio than the 93 W/kg of the B32.
With 175 kg, the B32 has the joint 133rd lightest wet weight of 466 bikes in the Classic category, 11% below the category average of 196 kg.

1949 B32 - Pros & Cons

Strengths

Capable power output: The B32 produces 16.2 kW @ 6000 rpm - respectable for its class and era.
Large fuel range: A 19 L tank means fewer stops on longer rides - a genuine plus for touring or a lengthy daily commute.

Considerations

Drum rear brake: Rear braking comes from a drum, not a disc - it does the job but won't match the feel or fade resistance of newer equivalents.
Chain final drive upkeep: Budget time for routine chain maintenance - it's cheap to replace but needs consistent attention to avoid premature sprocket wear.

Wear Points & Servicing Notes

Heat management in traffic

Because the B32 relies on airflow rather than a coolant jacket, expect noticeably more radiant heat at low speed and in traffic. It's inherent to air cooling, and ventilated gear largely offsets it.

Suspension condition on used examples

The B32's suspension runs Hydraulic fork at the front. The rear uses Swinging arm fork with shocks. Fork-seal condition and rear linkage play are the two things worth checking before buying used.

Final drive maintenance

The B32 uses chain final drive, which is cheap to replace but needs regular cleaning, lubrication and tension checks to get a full service life out of the sprockets.

B32 - Buying & Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying

Before handing over money for a used 1949 BSA B32 with its 348 cc classic, cover the fundamentals: service book and oil change history, drivetrain wear, and any sign of oil weeping around the casings. This model runs chain final drive, so check chain slack and sprocket tooth profile specifically - a worn sprocket is a cheaper fix now than after it's chewed up the next chain. Now 77 years old, this classic is as likely to show age-related wear (perished rubber, seized fasteners, degraded seals) as mileage-related wear. Cold-starting it yourself tells you a lot - a healthy B32 should catch quickly and settle into a smooth idle.

Oil and filter changes

Nothing protects the B32's 348 cc four stroke, single cylinder, overhead valve like disciplined oil changes - stay on the manufacturer's schedule (roughly every 6,000 km or annually). With a 6.5:1 compression ratio, running the octane grade specified in the manual matters more than on a lower-compression engine. Match the viscosity grade to what the owner's manual specifies, not what's cheapest.

1949 BSA B32 - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 1949 BSA B32 have?

The 1949 BSA B32 uses a Four stroke, single cylinder, Overhead valve engine with 348 cc of displacement. It is air cooled.

How much does the 1949 BSA B32 weigh?

The 1949 BSA B32 weighs 175 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.

How much power does the 1949 BSA B32 make?

The 1949 BSA B32 produces 16.2 kW @ 6000 rpm of power.

What is the fuel tank capacity of the 1949 BSA B32?

The 1949 BSA B32 has a 19 L fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 316-380 km between stops.

What brakes does the 1949 BSA B32 have?

The 1949 BSA B32 uses 8 in., drum at the front and 7 in., drum at the rear.

What tyre sizes does the 1949 BSA B32 use?

The 1949 BSA B32 runs 3.25 x 19 in. Dunlop Gold Seal front and 3.5 x 19 in. Dunlop Gold Seal rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.

What gearbox does the 1949 BSA B32 have?

The 1949 BSA B32 is fitted with a 4-Speed manual transmission.

Key Specifications

Engine

Four stroke, single cylinder, Overhead valve

Power

16.2 kW / 22 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque

Not recorded

Top Speed

Not recorded

Weight

175 kg / 385 lbs

Fuel Capacity

19 L / 5 US gal

Full 1949 BSA B32 Specifications

Year 1949

Model B32

Make Model BSA B32

Fuel Capacity 19 L / 5 US gal

Wet Weight 175 kg / 385 lbs

Max Power 16.2 kW / 22 hp @ 6000 rpm

Displacement 348 cc / 21.2 cub in.

Engine Detail Four stroke, single cylinder, Overhead valve

Bore x Stroke 71 x 88 mm

Carburetor Single Amal Monobloc

Compression Ratio 6.5:1

Cooling System Air cooled

Exhaust Single, stainless steel and chrome

Ignition Lucas magneto MO1L

Lubrication Dry sump

Starter Kick start

Clutch Multi-plate

Final Drive Chain

Transmission / Drive 4-Speed manual

Suspension - Front Hydraulic fork

Suspension - Rear Swinging arm fork with shocks

Brakes - Front 8 in., drum

Brakes - Rear 7 in., drum

Tyres - Front 3.25 x 19 in. Dunlop Gold Seal

Tyres - Rear 3.5 x 19 in. Dunlop Gold Seal

Wheels - Front WM2 x 19 in.

Wheels - Rear WM2 x 19 in.

Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis. Spot an error? Let us know.

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