Description
For sale: BSA Bantam D1
A very useable BSA Bantam. Strictly it is a D1, and registered as such. It is fitted with a 3 speed D10 engine, which means it has a good amount of get up and go (for a Bantam).
Made by myself in 2017 out of a box of parts I have had an absolute blast riding this little bike all over. I have bigger, louder and much comfier bikes, but this always makes me grin. It was originally built to do the Beamish Reliability Trial run (160mile reliability run on challenging roads in NE England), which I’ve done seven times on this bike. Note some of the photos I have added are from previous Beamish runs for reference - current condition of bike is as per the first seven photos at the beginning of the album.
Recently upgraded to better brake shoes (relined Villers shoes), a gps Smiths Speedo replica and a correct deep-type front mudguard.
Time has come for a change however and I need the space. If you are looking for an original unmolested example, this isn’t the bike for you. If however you want a reliable, useable bike with decent brakes (again, for a bantam) you can ride all over, then look no further.
Engine:
D10 3 speed, Rex Caunt +60thou piston, displacement 187cc.
Electrex World D10 alternator and electronic ignition. No battery or electrics currently fitted (not required for the electrex world ignition to operate, but should you wish there is a decent alternator output).
Rex Caunt clutch plates and upgraded heavy springs (no slip).
Amal concentric 376 carb, appropriately jetted, aftermarket air filter, choke lever on bars.
Stainless exhaust and fishtail silencer
New gear selector spring and thicker selector forks (stops it jumping out of 2nd which many are prone to)
Decent Regina 524 chain.
Frame/ fittings:
D1 frame and forks, deep valance front guard.
Reproduction fibreglass tool box, mounted on rear guard (as wouldn’t fit within frame due to larger cylinder head moving carb backwards)
Correct early ‘left hand filler’ D1 tank (careful when adding oil or it ends up straight in the carb).
Extended seat brackets for a little extra comfort (I’m 6ft1) but seat will mount on original mounts.
Correct headlamp shell and Wipac glass (nightmare to get hold of)
Front and rear lights are for show - nothing inside them.
Rear rack is a DIY job to suit the khaki fabric panniers (which I’ll include) you see in some of the photos.
Tyres:
Heidenau K36 (tubed), period tread. No rock hard rubber.
Brakes:
Stainless steel rear brake rod.
Villiers relined shoes with oversize linings (as good stopping as you’ll get on a 5in drum)
Good bits:
Rides nice, goes well, sounds nice, stops well.
Bad bits:
Front right fork gaiter has split. Couple of untidy bits (see photos). Fasteners are a mix of metric and imperial. Not original so prepare for certain older gents to point out bits that aren’t right.
In summary, lovely bike for a peaceful bimble on a twisty back lane.
