Lot details
Registration No: YPX 896
Frame No: FB31-1168
Engine No: GB33-322
cc: 500
MOT Expiry Date: None

The BSA 350cc B31 and B33 500 cc workhorses originated in immediate post-war years with contemporary modern styling, albeit owing much of their engineering to pre-war progenitors. Always appreciated for their solid and reliable performance these popular models were in the BSA catalogue right up to the end of the fifties, when twins became the fashion and the 'thumper' was seen by the motorcyclist as an anachronism, apart that is from the sidecar-lugging fraternity who hadn't yet got over the demise of rigid frames and girder forks. The motorcyclist himself by this time was almost an anachronism, but most appreciated the simplicity, reliability, economy, power and handling of the last of the big everyday Beesa singles which by 1959 had the benefit of well developed swing arm frame, telescopic forks large fuel tank and copious dual seat. Also by then a fully enclosed rear chaincase, headlamp nacelle, alternator electrics and more effective brakes were standard. As ever the Great British Motorcycle Industry had got it right. Then they stopped making them!

This particular B33, dating from the penultimate year of full production, appears to be very original and correct in it's red/black livery, and has a useful rear carrier fitted. The bike was first registered in West Sussex and spent most of it's life in the area before being purchased from a farm in Hastings by the vendor in 1994. However restoration never got under way and YPX 968 has been in dry storage since. Swansea V5 plus original buff log book and a 1990 MOT certificate are with the machine, which is a very suitable case for complete rebuild. All parts being freely available from numerous BSA suppliers the machine will repay the effort required as these bikes are much sought after in today's market.