Hi Dave,
That’s a good looking Bantam, looks like a D14/4. That makes it one of the later bikes and it should have a four speed ‘box. The engine number should be stamped on the top of the engine, the frame number on the front engine bracket.
The starting procedure is ...
1. Turn petrol on and ‘tickle’ the carb (press and hold down the spring loaded knob on left side of carb until fuel dribbles out)
2. Check the choke is off
3. Kick the motor over a couple of times to prime the engine.
4. Turn the ignition switch (top of headlight, on the right) so that the ‘I’ faces forward.
5. Kick the motor over with the throttle partly open.
6. Repeat!
NOTE ... the choke is in the off position when the cable is taut. My bike only rarely needs choke so I’d try it without to begin with, only put the choke on (loose cable) as a last resort.
This will only work if the battery is charged. If partially discharged there is provision for an “emergency” start ... turn the ignition switch so that the ‘E’ faces forward. BUT don’t run the engine for long in that position or you will damage the battery/wiring.
The light switch is also on the top of the headlight, ‘H’ to the front for headlight, ‘L’ for sidelights. The silver toggle switch on the ‘bars is for dip or main beam, the button is for the horn.
Riders’ handbooks turn up on Ebay and are a good investment. The D14 can be a bit temperamental but it should start if the basics are right.
