Highlights
- Number one of only twenty ever made
- World's first monoshock production trials bike
- Comprehensively restored to show condition
The Appeal
The Chapman BSA 175 Trials is a bit of a legend amongst trials enthusiasts, the first ever monoshock production trials bike and a comeback of the troubled British bike manufacturer, it's something a bit special. However they are very rare - only 20 were ever made and this one was the first with frame number TR001.
Scarcity aside this is an excellent bike in it’s own right, a fully capable trials machine, featuring the fantastic two stroke Yamaha 175 engine (from the DT 175 MX) with a heavier flywheel and upgraded reeds to give it more low down grunt, and coupled with Marzocchi forks and a custom frame it makes for a serious trials bike.
TR001 has been comprehensively restored to an exceptionally high standard by the current owner who has been very careful to ensure the restoration is true to the original design in every way. Ready to ride or perfect for shows, they don’t come better than this.
The History and Paperwork
- Number one of only twenty ever built
- Featured in TMX and magazines
- One owner since 2012
- Ridden by Steven West on BBC’s Kickstart as documented in a magazine article with information on the bike from Mick Chapman himself
The Interior
- Kill switch in perfect condition
- Renthal grips present as new
- Clutch and brake lever in perfect condition
- Custom seat made to match the original
Whilst there isn’t the vast array of dials and switchgear that you would expect on a road going bike, what there is is in perfect condition. As part of the comprehensive restoration undertaken by the current owner, he informs us that he has fitted new levers, gold handlebars (to match the original colour scheme), renthal grips and has custom made a new seat based on photos of the original design.
As a keen restorer of classic bikes and an engineer by trade he has carried out this work himself and as such there is little in the way of invoices, however the condition and quality of this bike is plain to see!
The Exterior
- Excellent condition throughout
- Original colour scheme
- Fully restored
- Red powder-coated frame
The bike presents excellently and appears in as new condition thanks to the comprehensive restoration by the current owner. The red white and blue colour scheme looks fantastic and is finished off with gold handlebars and rims as per the original design. With black Marzocchi forks and sitting on a pair of new Pirelli MT-43 tyres it looks like it’s ready to handle anything you could throw at it.
The Mechanics
- Starts, idles and runs perfectly
- Rebuilt engine with very little subsequent use
- Suspension feels smooth
- Chain and sprockets show no wear
As with the rest of this bike the mechanics present excellently. The owner informs us that as part of the restoration he undertook a full engine rebuild with the big end and main bearing replaced. As well as work to the engine sections of the frame have been remanufactured and the whole frame has then been powder-coated and the owner has also made a new silencer based on the original design.
The suspension feels smooth, the brakes bite well and the whole bike presents very well overall. As noted previously as an engineer and fabricator the owner has undertaken all of this work himself and as such there are no invoices, however the bike presents so well that we are left in little doubt of the quality and extent of the restoration.
The suspension feels smooth, the brakes bite well and the whole bike presents very well overall. As noted previously as an engineer and fabricator the owner has undertaken all of this work himself and as such there are no invoices, however the bike presents so well that we are left in little doubt of the quality and extent of the restoration.
Summary
This bike presents a very rare chance to own not just a very capable trials bike, but a piece of motorcycle history. The Chapman BSA is a very rare bike with only twenty made and this is the first of them. Comprehensively restored to a very high standard it would make an excellent addition to any collection or a fantastic show bike
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
