Cheshire Steam Fair 14/07/2012.

The BSA Winged Wheel was a Cyclemotor - a way of adding engine assistence to a standard cycle. BSA sold the Winged wheel as a package, complete with the controls (throttle, brake, and clutch lever) and a 1/2 gallon petrol tank. Add a cycle you had the most basic, and cheapest, form of motorised transport available, very important in the immediate post war years.

Launched in 1953 the 26lb (12kg) BSA Winged Wheel had a 35cc 2-stroke engine which produced 1hp @ 6000rpm. Petrol/oil fuel mixture was fed through a tiny Amal 335 carburetor, and a Wipac flywheel magneto provided spark ignition and lighting. The hub was 9.5 inches in diameter and housed a very effective internal expanding brake. The clutch was manually operated, and could be locked in the neutral position. Only 1 gear was available, giving a top speed of 25mph. However, when starting or climbing hills pedal assistence would be required! In 1953 the Winged Wheel cost £26 - a BSA Bantam 125 at the time sold for £85.

In 1953 the BSA Winged Wheel was a rather late entry into the very competitve UK Cyclemotor market; there were at least another 12 cyclemotors on sale by that time. By 1955 market had reached its peak, and sales were taken by true mopeds which offered more powerful 50cc engines, better frames, brakes, suspension and lighting. Production of the Winged Wheel ceased in 1957 by which time 29,000 had been made.

In most respects the BSA Winged Wheel is very similar to the Cyclemaster cyclemotor launched in