classic motorcycle forum

Motorcycle Discussions => British Bikes => Topic started by: Jonny on April 21, 2009, 10:44:36 PM

Title: Newbie with a BSA
Post by: Jonny on April 21, 2009, 10:44:36 PM

Hello all, I'm new to this forum and biking in general, so please be kind if I ask any stupid questions.

I'm a young guy, 22, with a big interest in old machines; my cars are from 1970 or earlier, and my daily driver is a 1962 Triumph Vitesse rally car.
Anyway, I have just got hold of a BSA Bantam D7, I collected it on thursday evening. It's been off the road since 1975, but isn't in too bad condition. I think it's quite an early one: the comission number is 2007.

The bike needs a full restoration, mainly the paint, finding the dials and switches, making up a new wireing loom and generally sorting it out.

I'll then be using it to commute to Uni next year.

Here's a photo or two if anyones interested.

First of all my Vitesse;
(http://photos-f.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-sf2p/v182/73/25/597165801/n597165801_680669_3732.jpg)

And my BSA;

First one is 'as found'
(http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2728/73/25/597165801/n597165801_2441153_4757030.jpg)


This is the tank on saturday when I took it outside for a clean.
(http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2728/73/25/597165801/n597165801_2441164_5964355.jpg)

This is it after a wash;
(http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2728/73/25/597165801/n597165801_2441174_3081299.jpg)

Much shinier after a wash and T-cut
(http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=2441155&id=597165801)

Title: Re: Newbie with a BSA
Post by: Rex on April 22, 2009, 05:37:54 PM

Always had a soft-spot for Vitesses. The old "big engine-little car" idea.

Bantam looks to be an easy resto too. Looks like a D7 so not that early but still worth doing.
Great handling bike is the Bantam, and if you can get the electrics up to a good standard, they're reliable too. 8-)

Title: Re: Newbie with a BSA
Post by: Justin_Faithfull on April 23, 2009, 05:52:47 PM

Welcome to the forum, you will find plenty of help here if you need it so ask as many questions as you like.
A good starting point will be a decent workshop manual & a spare parts book. The various classic magazines & Old Bike Mart are also very good for adverts for parts, services etc. :)

Title: Re: Newbie with a BSA
Post by: LJ. on April 24, 2009, 07:41:48 PM

Nice car & bike... Be sure to change those tyres on the bike before riding it. I only found out recently that old tyres dont hold the road so well after a lotta years have passed.  :'(