Description
National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands
Viewing: Tues 27th October from 1pm
Auction: Wed 28th October from 10am
Location: National Motorcycle Museum, Coventry Road, Bickenhill, Solihull B92 0EJ
Registration No: FD 1402
Frame No: 36566
MOT: Exempt
Restored by the current owner over many years
In current ownership since the early 1980s
Continuation old-style logbook and paperwork
Birmingham Small Arms had started exploring powered two-wheelers in the closing years of the nineteenth century, and eventually made headway in 1905, when its earliest production motorcycles were built with proprietary engines, most notably those made by Minerva of Belgium. It was not until 1910 that BSA introduced a motorcycle entirely of its own design and manufacture.
That first in-house design was a 499cc sidevalve single producing approximately 3½hp and is remembered as the first production BSA to wear the marque’s famous green and cream finish. Initially offered with single-speed belt drive, it was later upgraded with a three-speed countershaft gearbox. Well-engineered and built to a high standard, it proved an immediate success and firmly established BSA in the motorcycle market.
For the 1914 season the range was expanded, with a larger-capacity 557cc long-stroke version producing around 4¼hp. Benefiting from a strengthened frame and the latest three-speed gearbox, this development represented a significant milestone in the marque’s early evolution and was of considerable historic importance. The newcomer was designated the Model K when supplied with combined chain-and-belt transmission, or the Model H when specified with fully enclosed all-chain drive.
In single ownership since the early 1980s, this lovely 1920 BSA Model K was restored over many years by our vendor, and has now mellowed to a most attractive finish. It was enjoyed on the road for a period of time but is offered for sale having been in storage for more than 20 years, so some recommissioning will be required, although the vendor describes the bike as “good” in all areas. The motorcycle is accompanied by a continuation buff logbook and a modern V5C. Further supporting documentation includes copies of period BSA literature and advertisements. Once up and running, it promises to be a wonderful machine for events such as the Banbury Run and the Graham Walker Memorial Run.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Entry by catalogue and can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people)
