[3] The 'Mandarin Red' Spitfire Hornet ('64-'65) was further upgraded in 1965 with a more positive gear selector and a quick change gearbox sprocket.

[4] The BSA Spitfire Hornet was a true racing motorcycle, with the A65 engine upgraded with high compression pistons and a performance cam.

The gear ratios were altered for sprint acceleration and the brakes (the 8 inch model from the BSA Gold Star) were improved with special cooling fins.

[1] Actor Steve McQueen tested the BSA Hornet and described it as "a keen bike - but I found it awfully heavy".

He also suggested that if the front forks were raked on a more forward angle the BSA would have "a more stable ride in the rough and would be generally a smoother performer".