BSA B31

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BSA's rugged and workmanlike B31 was introduced to the public in late 1945 for the 1946 season and continued with improvements until it was finally pensioned off in 1959.

The humble B31 was the basis for the sporting post-war Goldstar, both engine and chassis sharing many parts, and many B31s were converted to ‘Goldstar’ specification with the addition of the correct sporting parts from the more desirable machine. A new frame was specified for 1954, this being the twin down tube swing arm frame that had been tested on the works Goldstars in the TT and other racing events in the previous year.

For the last year of production the B31 gained battery coil ignition and an alternator to provide the lighting and sparks, while the frame and running gear remained much as they had since the mid-50s. The B31 was a good all round performer which could cruise comfortably at 60mph while still returning in the region of 75mpg.

This late model BSA B31 was first registered on 17th April 1959, a BSA Owners’ Club letter stating that it retains its original matching frame and engine numbers as despatched from the factory on 21st November 1958 to G Clarke dealers of London SW2. It was first registered WXV 101 some six months later so must have sat in the showroom for a while.

In the history file is the original RF60 buff cardboard logbook, V5C, BSA Owners’ Club dating letter and correspondence concerning the successful application to retain its original registration. In summary a nice, clean, late model B31 that should be relatively easy to return to use after a long period on display in the Stondon Museum.