1948 BSA A7 Sidecar Rig

By Robert Smith
Published on October 7, 2011
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Wayne Dowler's 1948 BSA A7 sidecar rig.
Wayne Dowler's 1948 BSA A7 sidecar rig.
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Built for hauling gear, too, the sidecar on Wayne Dowler's 1948 BSA A7 sidecar rig features a lockable trunk and a luggage rack.
Built for hauling gear, too, the sidecar on Wayne Dowler's 1948 BSA A7 sidecar rig features a lockable trunk and a luggage rack.
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This 1948 BSA A7 has its sidecar mounted on the left as it would have in Britain when new.
This 1948 BSA A7 has its sidecar mounted on the left as it would have in Britain when new.
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Wayne Dowler's 1948 BSA A7 sidecar rig.
Wayne Dowler's 1948 BSA A7 sidecar rig.
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Wayne Dowler's 1948 BSA A7 wears twin 15/16-inch Amal 276 carburetors.
Wayne Dowler's 1948 BSA A7 wears twin 15/16-inch Amal 276 carburetors.
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The windscreen opens up and right, then the rear-hinged door opens to the left on Wayne Dowler's 1948 BSA A7 sidecar rig.
The windscreen opens up and right, then the rear-hinged door opens to the left on Wayne Dowler's 1948 BSA A7 sidecar rig.
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Wayne Dowler enjoys the practicality of his 1948 BSA A7 sidecar rig, but prefers riding the BSA solo. “By itself, it’s fantastic,” he says.
Wayne Dowler enjoys the practicality of his 1948 BSA A7 sidecar rig, but prefers riding the BSA solo. “By itself, it’s fantastic,” he says.
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Wayne Dowler's 1948 BSA A7.
Wayne Dowler's 1948 BSA A7.
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Wayne Dowler's 1948 BSA A7.
Wayne Dowler's 1948 BSA A7.
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Built from 1946-1950, the 495cc engine on Wayne Dowler's 1948 BSA A7 was BSA’s first parallel twin; the nicely-detailed sidecar taillight.
Built from 1946-1950, the 495cc engine on Wayne Dowler's 1948 BSA A7 was BSA’s first parallel twin; the nicely-detailed sidecar taillight.

1948 BSA A7 Sidecar Rig
Power: 26hp @ 6,000rpm
Engine: 495cc OHV air-cooled parallel twin
Weight (cycle only/dry): 365lbs (166kg)
Fuel Capacity: 4.2 gal (16ltr)
Price then: $715 (approx., cycle only)
Price now: $3,000-$10,000 (cycle only)

The reproductive imperative is, of course, fundamental to our existence as a species. This has a number of serious implications for the dedicated motorcyclist.

First, the pursuit of love can seriously interfere with valuable riding and wrenching time. Second, the object of the pursuit may inexplicably turn out to have little interest in motorcycles (though careful planning can circumvent this). Thirdly, most motorcycles (Honda Super Cubs in Asia notwithstanding) only carry two people. So when love has been requited, and the fruit of this happy union is delivered, alternative transportation arrangements may be necessary.

Sadly, many motorcyclists take the easy way out and trade two wheels for four. However, the dedicated rider will recognize that parental responsibility is only temporary: Within 20 or so years, the offspring will fly the nest, having emptied both refrigerator and savings account. So for the truly committed yet impecunious biker, the solution is simple: add a sidecar.

A real Page Turner

Wayne Dowler’s 1948 BSA A7 and BSA sidecar outfit is a perfect example of family transportation of the day. Wayne’s sidecar is powered by BSA’s first parallel twin. Built from 1946-1950, the 495cc twin bears witness to several of Britain’s best motorcycle engineers. Valentine Page is credited with the basic layout, and had almost completed the design in 1939 before hostilities interrupted civilian bike development. Edward Turner of Triumph fame also worked on the A7 project while he was at BSA in the early 1940s, before BSA’s Herbert Perkins completed the detail work under Bert Hopwood’s supervision.

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