Description
H&H Classics @ The National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands
29th Mar, 2023 12:00
1955 BSA B31- Swinging arm model
Estimate £2, 500 - £3, 500
Registration No: UWB 226
Frame No: BB31S-12967
Engine No: BB31-18584
CC: 350
MOT: Exempt
Authentically restored swinging arm BSA 350 single
Part of a small private collection for a number of years
Will need recommissioning, supplied with a V5C
The Birmingham Small Arms factory was established in the Small Heath area of Birmingham in 1861 and as the name suggests manufactured weapons. Around the turn of the century they started making bicycles and progressed onto motorcycles a few years later. BSA went on to be one of the world's largest producers of motorcycles up until its demise in the early 1970s. The 'B' range of BSA singles was the mainstay of British motorcycling in the 50s and 60s providing riders with a bike they could commute to work during the week and ride for pleasure at weekends. The BSA B31 introduced in 1945, the first new model from the company after the Second World War, was based on pre-war designs with a 17 bhp single cylinder engine housed initially in a rigid frame with telescopic forks, the first use of such on a BSA. It proved to be immediately popular and was soon joined by a 500cc version, the BSA B33 and various more sporty equivalents, becoming the mainstay of BSAs range for many years.
This swinging arm B31 has been part of a small private collection for a number of years, unfortunately not run for a few years due to ill health. The bike has been restored at some point in its life and the engine turns on the kickstarter but it will need recommissioning before use. A perfectly usable bike for vintage runs and rallies, it comes supplied with a current V5C.
