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: WDE 36
Frame No: CB31 10682
MOT: Exempt
Discovered circa 2006 and subject to partial restoration
Recently made to run
A wonderful ‘oily rag’ project
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 350cc single-cylinder BSA B31 was introduced immediately upon the war’s end in August, 1945, with a rigid frame and, for the first time on a BSA, telescopic forks. In 1949, an optional plunger frame was introduced, and a dual seat was made standard in 1951. Rigid frames were discontinued as a swinging-arm frame became optional in 1954, only for the swinging-arm to be standardised in 1955. Coil ignition replaced the Lucas magdyno in 1958, and production ended in 1959.
This charmingly patinated and original 1956 B31 was discovered in Merthyr Tydfil circa 2006, and although some work was performed—the wheels appear to have been rebuilt and the petrol tank painted—the restoration evidently stalled. Since our vendor has had the bike, he has undertaken some recommissioning and succeeded in getting it running. It will require further restoration before it can be used, but the ‘oily rag’ condition is very appealing. The V5C is supplied.
** 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)
