Help on identification please

[grahamh]

Hi, thanks for adding me to the forum.
Can anyone please help me to identify this motorcycle? The photo was taken in a Leicester park when I was around 5 or 6, so about 1955/56.
Friends have suggested it may be a Norton or BSA (?).
Any information would be appreciated, thanks in anticipation,
Graham

[cardan]

Hi Graham,

Definitely a BSA, overhead valve, from the late 1920s or maybe very early 1930s. Looks like a 350? If you search for images of 1929 BSA you should find something similar.

Leon

[grahamh]

Hi Leon, thanks for your reply, can now do a bit more research....

[cardan]

Hi Graham,

I had a look last night, and I think you might have some trouble finding the exact model. For 1929 most of the new models had the forward-sloping gearchange levers, but the bike in your picture has the older upright type. In 1928 when models like the L28 http://www.yesterdays.nl/bsa-1928-l28-350-cc-1-cyl-ohv-p-1317.html used the old pattern upright gearchange, only the Slopers had saddle tanks.

It might be that the bike in your photo is 1928-ish BSA OHV, modified to fit a "modern" saddle tank. This sort of thing would have been quite common in the depression, when people wanted a new bike, but sprucing up your old one was the only financially-viable option.

Anyway, without doubt the bike is a late 1920 overhead valve BSA.

Cheers

Leon

[grahamh]

Thanks again Leon!, My son in law was particularly interested, he is member of a Motorcycle Club in Germany, he rides a 1978 Harley Davidson Shovelhead, but he and most of the other guys and gals I have met in the club seem to have an affection for British bikes.

Graham