classic motorcycle forum

Motorcycle Discussions => British Bikes => Topic started by: 66swede on September 10, 2008, 04:43:55 PM

Title: 1946 BSA Silver Star 500
Post by: 66swede on September 10, 2008, 04:43:55 PM

Need help to find out what my BSA really is. I´m not a motorcycle specialist. It was imported to Sweden 1951. The importer was known for making the bikes younger then they really where. In the Swedish papers it sayes it is a 1946, first time registered 1947.
On the tank I read Silver Star.
I have searched the net for photos, but not found any like mine. Maybe it has been modernised or changed some way?
Can anyone help?

Title: Re: 1946 BSA Silver Star 500
Post by: VintageBike on September 10, 2008, 04:48:32 PM

Hi,

if you can provide the engine and frame numbers we should be able to accurately identify your machine.

Nigel

Title: Re: 1946 BSA Silver Star 500
Post by: 66swede on September 10, 2008, 04:49:12 PM

The VIN code: VM20-280..

Title: Re: 1946 BSA Silver Star 500
Post by: L.A.B. on September 10, 2008, 06:44:20 PM

Quote

The VIN code: VM20-280..

No VIN numbers then, but "M20" is the model:  http://www.bsaoc.demon.co.uk/html/BSAMainPageFrameset.htm


I'm not sure what the "V" signifies, but you may get more information from the BSAOC:  http://www.bsaoc.demon.co.uk/


http://home.quicknet.nl/qn/prive/ahum/

Title: Re: 1946 BSA Silver Star 500
Post by: RichP on September 10, 2008, 09:59:51 PM

Are you sure that it's not WM20 signifying a War Department model ? It has the steel tappet cover and footrests fitted to later war versions.

My guess is a military surplus WM20 fitted with a pre-war civilian fuel tank.

Have a look at http://home.quicknet.nl/qn/prive/ahum/

The site is devoted to the M20

Title: Re: 1946 BSA Silver Star 500
Post by: 66swede on September 11, 2008, 03:16:26 PM

Thanks a lot for all help! The "V" in the Swedish papers was an error made back in 1951. On the frame I read WM20 28056 and engine number is 69840. From what I understand the bike must be a 1940 and engine is newer.
I see no signs showing it has ever been army green, or even repainted at all.
What is the approximate value for the bike as is? Condition of engine unknown.

Title: Re: 1946 BSA Silver Star 500
Post by: Blue on September 13, 2008, 03:18:31 AM

If you were to sell it here in Australia I'd think you probably wouldn't get more than AU$1,000 for it as is.  BSA side-valves have never really been hugely valuable because of the commonality and undesirability - but having said that, restoration projects like this 'barn-find' are getting scarcer and more sought-after.  The fact there is no carburettor, electrics or exhaust pipe are not in your favour either.  It may or may not surprise you to learn that the most valuable thing on your particular bike is the girder forks!