BSA Bantam D14/4 Supreme

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BSA’s long running Bantam range was struggling to keep up with the opposition and a new model was required to replace the familiar three-speed machine that had been produced in one guise or another from 1949 to 1966. 

The D10 had already had the upgraded alternator electrics and sports models had been the first to receive a four-speed gearbox. For 1968 the D14/4 was launched; originally the engine was referred to and stamped D13, but sensing an omen BSA decided on D14/4, 14 being the model and 4 being the reference to a four speed gearbox.

The D14/4 was similar to the predecessor D10, but the engine now produced more power and the four-speed gearbox was standard across the range. This was to be the penultimate Bantam model, being replaced by the B175 in 1969 when yet more power was wrung from this little engine.

The blue and chrome model here is the 1968 D14/4 Supreme with 4-speed gearbox and 175cc engine. Appearing to be well looked after, it has reportedly had little use recently. While the reading of 7,050 miles on the speedometer cannot be guaranteed, the condition it is presented in hints at the possibility of the figure being correct. It comes with MOT valid until April 2015.