1923 BSA 4¼hp Model H2

The Spring Stafford Sale - The International Classic MotorCycle Show|21 April 2024, 11:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

1923 BSA 4¼hp Model H2
Registration no. SG 7240
Frame no. B6066
Engine no. 7725

The first motorcycles made by the Birmingham Small Arms Company in the early 1900s used proprietary engines such as the Belgian Minerva, and it was not until 1910 that the firm introduced a model entirely of its own design and manufacture. The first to feature the marque's distinctive green and cream tank colours was a 499cc (3½hp) sidevalve single, built initially with single-speed, belt-drive transmission and later with a three-speed countershaft gearbox. Well engineered and equally well made, this first BSA proved an enormous success and changed little over the next few years, though for 1912 a two-speed hub gear was available together with an all-chain drive model suitable for sidecar work. For 1914 the range was augmented by a 557cc (4¼hp) long-stroke version featuring a strengthened frame and the new three-speed gearbox, which was designated Model K if fitted with chain-cum-belt transmission or Model H with fully enclosed all-chain drive.

This Model H2 was resident in Glasgow and then Orkney before returning to the mainland circa 1970. The vendor advises us that the magneto has been overhauled; the engine rebuilt with a new piston and bearings; and new wheel spindles and bearings fitted. The vendor has enjoyed riding the BSA, which he says 'starts first kick' and has been widely admired. Last run in November 2023, the machine is offered with an old-style logbook and a V5C.

Footnotes

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This Lot will be auctioned on Sunday 21 April starting at 11am GMT.

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