Burman gear box codes

[RayBlack]

Can somebody please tell me what all those prefix letters mean on Burman 4 speed gearboxes? How do they breakdown and apply to a specific model (both gearbox and bike), especially when there are varying quantities of letters in the prefix? A friend of mine has a number of Burman boxes and is presently looking for one that is suitable for a 1937 VH restoration. Possibilities may include: XICPDB 35424, XBAPH 57233, and XIBHPDH 44060. I have gone through the Burman related literature available on this site, which includes Roger's post war compendium, but I admit to still being none the wiser . It would be nice to be able to identify specific models, as I may need to scoop one up for a future project.

[Roger Gwynn]

X=oil seal on sprocket
1=Ariel except ohv SQ4
C=model C
BA= model BA
P=pivoted adjustment
D=speedo drive
H='High' ratio
B=balloon tyres, 3.5 rather than 3.25 or even 4.00
U=stud mounting underneath
Model on its own indicates stud mounting on top
R=reverse
CA,CB,CC,CD various close ratio gears.
There are lots of other models utilising most of the letters of the alphabet
For a 1937 VH the correct box would be X1BAPDH although any 1BAP gearbox will do the job from 1936-51, pre 1937 boxes use a cotter pin kickstart that are hard to find so avoid unless it has a k/start lever. Non-Ariel ones are generally the same except for mainshaft in the type of clutch used (only Ariel used the needle roller clutch) and in length to suit different frames. After 1938 other makes tend to use the enclosed clutch arm as seen on Ariel GB boxes, this usually referred to as a BAP box, which as can be seen from above is an inaccurate description.
The engine & frame list on the Draganfly website lists the basic model of gearbox fitted to all models 1926-65

[RayBlack]

Many thanks Roger.

[AndrewM]

Can somebody please tell me what all those prefix letters mean on Burman 4 speed gearboxes? How do they breakdown and apply to a specific model (both gearbox and bike), especially when there are varying quantities of letters in the prefix? A friend of mine has a number of Burman boxes and is presently looking for one that is suitable for a 1937 VH restoration. Possibilities may include: XICPDB 35424, XBAPH 57233, and XIBHPDH 44060. I have gone through the Burman related literature available on this site, which includes Roger's post war compendium, but I admit to still being none the wiser . It would be nice to be able to identify specific models, as I may need to scoop one up for a future project.

If your friend is interested in selling the XBAPH box I would be interested in buying

[Karol Burger]

Roger you have a lot of information. You are a great helper to the club

[RayBlack]

Hi Andrew. He is presently having issues with his text, phone and email service, but I expect I will be calling round on him this coming week and will ask if he wants to sell it. It is located in Southern Ontario Canada.
Ray

Ditto to Karol's comment.

[fpassmore]

I have an SB31 looking for a box as well and that sounds appropriate. I currently planned to use the bits from 3 boxes I have on hand to build a suitable one. Not sure how that would have gone. I am in BC so at least on the same continent.
Frank

[AndrewM]

Hi Andrew. He is presently having issues with his text, phone and email service, but I expect I will be calling round on him this coming week and will ask if he wants to sell it. It is located in Southern Ontario Canada.
Ray

Thanks Ray, much appreciated

[RayBlack]

Andrew: Looks like the contact issues have abated. The gearbox is available for sale, but I don't have any specifics yet. I will be visiting Wednesday and will take some photos and report on its condition/function, etc.

Frank: Based on the code details given by Roger that gearbox is not for an Ariel (no '1' in the number)

[RayBlack]

Hi Andrew. Here are a few photos of the Burman gearbox, don't ask me why 2 of them are upside down . If you send me a PM I can give you the price, answer questions, etc.