Registration No: Unregistered
Frame No: Not visible
Engine No: EESR1021AK
CC: 500
MOT: None

• BVR Five Valve engine built by Brian Velentine
• Late 1980's/ early 1990s special
• Norton and BSA components

From a background in servicing grasstrack and speedway engines, Brian Valentine and his Weslake experienced father Ron sought to utilise the Weslake single overhead cam engine (SOHC). Born from the highly successful Weslake Speedway engine, the BVR engine five valve ran on a single overhead camshaft, with a dry sump. The arrangement was low in weight over a twin cam, with easy tappet adjustment, with the inlet valves being very light and the weight of the rocker spread over 3 springs the seat pressure could be very low. It meant less wear and greater RPM. The addition of 5 valves to the light Weslake SOHC design provided more power in the low to mid range. The BVR built engines were available in 500, 550 and 600cc with various other permutations of the bore, stroke and cam available.

Offered here is a BVR special. Believed to utilise a 500cc BVR engine built by Brian Valentine Racing (BVR) in the late 1980s. BVR only supplied the engine, but they did recommend other components to be used in conjunction to get the best from the engine. This particular example is believed to utilise a number of components recommended by BVR engine-builder Brian Valentine. They are thought to include an AMAL 38mm carburettor, Norton gearbox, ICV 100 cam, Norton Dominator swinging arm, Roadholder forks, and Triumph conical hubs. A receipt from DRESDA Autos Ltd. suggests work on the BSA Twin frame in 1989 and a letter to a fellow bike builder referring to the still ongoing project in 1993/1994.

There is an extensive history documented in a couple of files with the machine, that in essence document the relationship of the Kent engine builder and a conscientious privateer customer and bike builder. The files contain relevant articles, specialist motorcycle parts catalogues, handwritten notes, letters and even correspondance with engine builder Brian Valentine. All of which contributes to documenting the fascinating story of the BVR.

For more information, please contact:
Mike Davis
mike.davis@handh.co.uk
07718 584217