First time Restorer want to be

[Jacks]

Hi, I have never worked on anything with an engine, but have always wanted to try and fixup an old motorcycle. Looking at all the manufactures and models out there I was wondering if a BSA Bantam would be a suitable starter for a beginner?

Would I be able to pick up a project bike for less than £350, or am I dreaming?

Thanks
Jacks

[Stubaker58]

You may find a bundle of parts for that price but experience says that it's probably better to pay a bit more for something complete!

[Dripfedfloor]

I think your price of £350 is a little optimistic!

Speaking as someone who has been forced to spend years hunting for elusive and incredibly rare parts a Bantam is a good starter choice. They are virtually point to a part and you can get it. Trying to restore an incomplete basket case is a recipe for getting disheartened and spending more than you need to.

Try to get one that already has a V5c because going down the dating certificate route adds cost. Also, try to get one that still has it's original registration number. Not only does this add value it also adds history especially if you find one that was locally registered.

If you want to go down the 'local' route just say the county where you are and I can tell you what registration marks to look for and if the old registration records survive.

[Jacks]

Thank you for your advice and i'm happy to hear a Bantam is a good starter, will definatly keep your suggestions in mind while i hunt for my project bike.

I'm located on the border of Greater London and Kent.

[Dripfedfloor]

London had an enormous number of registration marks! However, virtually all the registration records have been destroyed in a joint effort between the Luftwaffe and the DVLA.
London marks were as follows;
A, LC, LN, LB, LD,LA,, LE, LF, LH, LK, LL, LM, LO, LP, LR, LT, LU, LW, LX, LY, XA, XB, XC, XD, XE, XF, XH, XK, XL, XM, XN, XO, XP, XR, XT, XU, XW, XX, XY, YK, YL, YM, YN, YO, YP, YE, YF, YH, YT, YU, UC, YV, YW, YX, XV, UL, GU, UU, UV, UW, GC, GF, GJ, GH, GK, GN, GO, GP, GT, GW, GX, GY, YY, JJ.

Kent has fared better but what records survive are fragmented and incomplete.
Kent registration marks were as follows;
D, KN, KK, KM, KP, KJ, KT, KE, KL, KO, KR.

With so many to choose from you have a greater chance of finding a 'local' bike.

More information can be found here on what survives here;

https://kitheadtrust.org.uk/trace-a-registration-mark

[DAVE BRADY]

Hi Jacks,

Welcome to the Forum and to BSA ownership (intended).  It will be worth joining the BSAOC as you will get access to the 'Showroom' section of The Star.  Here you will find some good bike at good prices.  Also, there are BSAOC Branches not far from you so you will find support and info. to help with your project.
Have a look at the BSAOC website .

Dave.

[Bryn95]

I have a bantam 125  1947 complete but needs care!!! I need to sell for a friend who has passed away, are there any club members in the West /Devon Somerset who would be able to help/advise me on price etc?

[BILL NELSON]

As Dave Brady says, join BSA Owners' Club! I bought 3 boxes of bits from another member for £200 that is now a beautiful 1950 D1 restored by another member/mate who demanded I accept his £200 as he has a photo of himself from 70 years ago sat on his brother's 1950 plunger Bantam.
A complete D7 or D10 would perhaps be an easier proposition.