Lot number | 201 |
---|---|
Hammer value | £1,900 |
Description | BSA Bantam D1 |
Registration | AEM 329 |
Year | 1960 |
Colour | Green |
Engine size | 125 cc |
Chassis No. | BD2S 73454 |
Engine No. | DD 13890 |
The original design for the BSA Bantam came from a German design, the DKW RT125 which was given to the Small Heath firm as war reparations.
This was kept very quiet until long after the demise of BSA, for many years the Bantam being sold as a 'truly British' lightweight motorcycle. It wasn’t long before the trials community spotted its potential. The easy to ride lightweight had a tough engine and their rigid frames could be simply modified for trials work by adding a large rear sprocket to gear the bikes down for their off-road duties.
A few years ago, Classic Bike magazine decided to build such a machine and here it is, pared to the bone, being tested by none other than trials legend Martin Lampkin who tried it for size, a poster of him clambering over a large rock on this machine being included in the sale.
There is an old buff log book, although bidders are advised that a quick check revealed that the registration number quoted is no longer recognised on the DVLA database.
The ever popular pre-65 trials scene has more and more Bantams on the entry list. Here is a well prepared machine with an interesting history that is up and running and ready to test the owner’s skills up those tricky sections. Just remember, you will be using the same foot pegs to guide it through that were briefly used by one of the greatest trials riders of all time…