The BSA Bantam was one of the best-selling motorbikes in the world through most of the 1950s and was core to Britain’s “Export or Die” industrial culture, with Bantams selling in over 60 different countries.
Yet ironically, it wasn’t a British design, It began life as the German DKW RT125 and was passed into Allied hands after World War II as reparation payment from Germany.
Introduced in 1948, it was globally popular for a multitude of reasons. It was cheap, the 125cc single-cylinder engine was ridiculously simple to maintain and it was incredibly tough, while its long suspension travel and lightweight body made it ideal for use in developing countries where road surfaces were less than smooth.
Those attributes also made it popular with the off-road community and the Bantam very quickly became one of the most popular bikes among the scrambler and trials bike community as a result.
This bike comes from that background – as much as part of motorcycle cultural history as it is an historic vehicle, this 1951 Bantam was converted into a scrambler at some point in its past, with the rear mudguard removed and replaced by a narrow item, and a knobbly rear tyre for off-road grip.
Kept in storage since 2015 so will need some recommissioning
Built to be used, not shown
Solid, tidy and with considerable character
If you’re in the market for an immaculate bike then this isn’t it. It’s not a shiny show machine, but it is one that oozes character from every pore, its cultural significance its greatest asset.
From its knobbly rear tyre to the dents deliberately made in the fuel tank to allow extra steering lock from the handlebars, it’s a bike built-up by its previous owner for a specific and particular purpose. It has various marks, scrapes and small dents and the paint is tired in places, but in many ways this all adds to its charm – it’s exactly as a trials bike would have been in the 1970s, which makes it a very cool thing indeed.SNDg00M8HlQpwopPyoP9KAj0NuW0rG7fKGEbCdhu.jpeg2.16 MB
THE MECHANICS
125cc single cylinder
Was running when stored
Should require minimal work
The vendor has used the BSA once or twice since he bought it, most recently a couple of years ago, but as part of a dry-stored collection it has spent a lot of its time parked up, and will now need some light recommissioning before the single-cylinder engine runs again.
It hasn’t been started in seven years and the battery is flat, but the vendor says it ran well when stored and shouldn’t need more than a fresh battery, some fuel, a new spark plug and maybe an oil change in order to be back up-and-running.PztVwpRtrDrCdspSS7H91XQ9cBw6fgAx65FDs5QK.jpeg1.09 MB
SUMMARY
As much a piece of history as a collectable vehicle, this Scrambler-inspired trials bike is presented exactly as so many BSA Bantams were 40-50 years ago, which in itself should inspire a level of nostalgia. It’s a characterful and loveable machine with a unique appeal.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
VAT will be added to the buyer’s deposit as applicable.
