BSA Owners' Club Workshop Discussions

The BSA Workshop => Pre War => Topic started by: deanroi on 29 Aug, 2022, 13:00

Title: B22 or B20
Post by: deanroi on 29 Aug, 2022, 13:00
I have just bought a 1937 250, the frame number is JB20*** and engine JB22*** it came with a buff logbook saying its a B22 1937 250

can anyone help with id for the model ? I am confused B22 is a Empire Star but JB20 feral would be a B20 touring ?

TIA Dean
Title: Re: B22 or B20
Post by: Ian C on 29 Aug, 2022, 13:18
BSA used the same frame number for a series of models such as yours. The information that follows I have gleaned from the BSAOC frame number explanation database as available to everyone. Thus for the 1938 model year the JB20 xxx frame number was used for the B20 Tourer, B21 Sports and B22 Empire Star, so the engine number would not match the frame number for the Sports (engine no. prefix JB21) and Empire Star (engine no. prefix JB22). HTH
Title: Re: B22 or B20
Post by: deanroi on 29 Aug, 2022, 13:29
Thanks Ian
So are we saying it is a b22 empire star ?
Title: Re: B22 or B20
Post by: Ian C on 29 Aug, 2022, 13:49
I'm no expert on the pe-war Beezers, but your buff logbook I assume lists the original serial numbers that match your bikes frame and engine numbers? If this is the case, your bike would more than likely have left the factory as a B22 Empire Star. To make certain, you could apply for a Dating Certificate from the club.
Title: Re: B22 or B20
Post by: deanroi on 29 Aug, 2022, 13:59
No
I don't think the log book is actually from this bike !!
Title: Re: B22 or B20
Post by: Ian C on 29 Aug, 2022, 14:16
Does it have a current registration document (V5 if in UK)? If it's not registered, you will need your dating certificate from the club to progress your application.
Title: Re: B22 or B20
Post by: JulianS on 29 Aug, 2022, 14:17
Below showing the number sequences for the 1938 season models.

The 1938 models were produced from early autumn 1937.

A dating certificate would tell you what you have.