Hello all. I'm new to the Forum. I have a friend who inherited a pre-war BSA. We believe it's a 1927 or 1928 350cc OHV. Frame # is Z16040. Not sure of model. Missing head lamp and tail lamp assemblies but the rest of it appears to be all there. Owner thinks the last time it ran was almost 40 years ago. Pictures attached. Bike is located in the USA. New owner may want to sell but can't determine the value. Can anyone help identifying the model and estimated value based on current condition?
Looks like an L28.
probably late 1927 or early 1928.
Hello,
I'm looking for the BSA motorcycle you mentioned here in 2018. Do you still own it?
I agree that it looks like a 1927/8 OHV BSA but the strange thing is that the oil tank does not appear to be in the fuel tank. There are not two filler caps in the tank. It appears from the photos that the oil tank is under the saddle, tank cap missing, where the tool box should be? Not seen any thing like this on any pre 1930 BSA. I won't give an approx value as I don't want to held responsible and also doubts about the originality as per the oil tank.
Hi Alan,
This set up was available as an auxiliary oil tank. I have one on my 1929 Sloper with a heel operated foot lever. I would have to look in the catalogue whether this set up was also available on an L28 with only that oil tank fitted.
Regards, Leon
Hi Leon. Very interesting. I also have a 1929 Sloper with conventional sump oil tank. I also have an original 1929 BSA catalogue and there is no mention of any models with a separate oil tank where the tool box is on some models. Some models have the oil in the large sump and some are gravity fed from the dual petrol/oil tank. There are no models with a heel foot brake in the catalogue although I do know, as I used to have one, that the 1927 S27 De Luxe had a right hand side heel brake which is shown in the 1927 catalogue.
The catalogue page for the L28 Super which I posted in 2018 shows the oil tank mounted on the seat tube and the specification under "Lubrication" does confirm it.
The parts list for 1928 has to be read with the 1927 issue where the oil tank is listed as part 15 8500 complete with fittings.
Also listed in the 1927 book is an oil pump control pedal part 15 5675.
Hi Julian. Many thanks for the info, we live & learn. Regards