c.1930 BSA 249cc OHV

In the 1930s, Birmingham's BSA stood out as the world's most prolific motorcycle manufacturer, crafting a range spanning 150cc to 1000cc in single cylinder and vee twin configurations. Notably strong in the quarter-litre class, they featured various side and overhead valve models, available in standard or deluxe specifications, with the latter offering options like a foot-change gearbox.

Contrary to their post-war approach, during the majority of the 1930s, BSA deliberately refrained from competitive events due to a disastrous TT attempt in the early 1920s. Instead, the focus was on producing dependable, well-crafted, and competitively priced motorcycles. Their advertising slogan, 'One in Four is a BSA,' emphasized the company's position as the world's largest motorcycle manufacturer.

The introduction of the influential 'Sloper' in 1927, characterized by its inclined cylinder, set a trend adopted by many rivals. Despite the popularity of inclined cylinders, BSA continued to offer models with vertical cylinders, surpassing the Sloper's era. The economic challenges of the early 1930s led to a reduction in the model lineup, with only twelve models offered in 1931, including two B-series 250cc machines—one sidevalve and the other overhead-valve, both featuring vertical cylinder engines and magneto ignition.

This particular motorcycle, registered as a 1930 model, has its first UK registration date listed as June 6, 2006, in the HPI report. The corroded frame number prevents the identification of the prefix or frame number. Additionally, the engine number differs from that recorded to the V5C, the engine fitted believed to be a 1931 B31-2 unit. Accordingly, prospective bidders must satisfy themselves with regard to the motorcycle's condition, completeness, correctness, or otherwise prior to bidding.

Fitted with BSA's Three Speed gearbox, the machine was acquired by the current owner in 2014 for his wife's use, has seen limited use since and requires recommissioning or restoration to varying degrees. Offered with a V5C Registration Document and 2017 MoT, this appealing project provides an affordable entry into classic motorcycling.