PLEASE Help Identify thie BSA Motorcycle

[Mitch_BSA]

Hello,

Recently I have received a photo of my Granddad on his BSA motorcycle. I'm trying to work out
what year and model this bike is. Unfortunately this is the only photo I have. I understand that
the photo is black and white, which will make it harder to identify, however these are the facts i can tell you.

It was registered in Victoria, Australia. The fuel tank, as can be seen in the photo has a star, and
if you look closely, you can see three stripes across the tank..

Unfortunately this is all the information I can give. This photo is the only photo I have. So any help
in finding out what year and model this bike was would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers

[esometisse]

most probably a BSA M20. I don't recognize the paint scheme of the tank so this could be a one-off - maybe a civilized ex-WD machine? Year of manufacture somewhere in the forties?

Cheers
Andy

[33d6]

I'd agree with that and quite possibly a Vic Bogner paint job on the tank. He was in Little Lonsdale St up from Findlays the BSA agent and did beautiful work. He would cheerfully apply any transfers you fancied and most owners would want something to perk up their ex-WD M20. No nonsense about "correct" colours and "factory specs" back then.
I had him paint an Ariel British Racing Green and he did a lovely job of it. Wish I still had it.
Cheers,

[Mitch_BSA]

Hello,

Thanks so much for your replies.. I've also had another email in regards to the bike. The other person
suggested that it may be a 1936 Empire Star... ??

Thoughts..?? I've attached a photo to compare..

Cheers

[rogerwilko]

'Fraid not. It's a humble M20 as said.

[esometisse]

the EmpireStar has an OHV engine which your granddad's bike clearly has not. It's an M20!

Cheers
Andy

[Mitch_BSA]

Thanks so much for your replies. I just wanted to make sure that its the same model as
i'll be trying to search for the same model to buy/rebuild.

Any idea where the best place would be to look for one??

Cheers

Thanks for all your help.

[33d6]

Assuming you also live in Australia I'd just pop down to your local newsagency and buy a copy of "Just Bikes". Or just follow eBay. Or look in at Barry Hartnells vintage shop in Wangaratta (also in Just Bikes). If you live in Melbourne you can probably buy any spare you want from Modaks. There is still fair amounts of ex WD M20 stuff around.
TheWD M20 has gone from being the cheap & nasty bike you had because you couldn't afford any better, (my first bike when a 17 year old apprentice was an M20), to being a well loved and usable collectors bike. Not fast, not elegant but run forever and take you anywhere bike.
Cheers,