1924 BSA 349cc Model L
Registration no. NX 5643 Frame no. 12487 Engine no. 12287

The Autumn Stafford Sale – The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show|16 October 2022, 10:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

1924 BSA 349cc Model L
Registration no. NX 5643
Frame no. 12487
Engine no. 12287

Introduced for 1923, the Model L, as it would come to be known, is noteworthy as BSA's first production motorcycle to have overhead valves. Inspired by the 1.1-litre Hotchkiss v-twin that powered the BSA-Daimler light car, the new engine displaced 349cc. Complementing this new ohv sports model was an otherwise similar sidevalve version sharing essentially the same cycle parts. "To the sporting solo rider who asks for a 'go anywhere' mount, its records in the Scottish Six Days' Trial and the International Trials in Sweden in 1923 stand as recommendation," stated Pitman's Book of the BSA, reviewing the sidevalve Model L.

This sidevalve Model L was despatched from the factory on 2nd April 1924 and registered as 'NX 5643' in Warwickshire. The vendor's father-in-law purchased the BSA in 1973 and rode it regularly on short journeys until the early 1990s, since when it has been kept garaged and not used. Re-commissioning will be required before the machine returns to the road. 'NX 5643' comes with photocopies of an old-style logbook and V5C document, plus a BSA OC letter dated 2009 confirming the machine's origins and the fact that it has been 'restored to original spec'.
Offered without key

Footnotes

All lots are sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.

Saleroom notices

The machine would appear to be a much older restoration that has faded and mellowed in time.

Additional information

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