Unusual BSA frame?

[JimMc]

Hi all, apologies for posting the ubiquitous BSA frame type question but I am at a loss with this one. Also, not sure which thread I should post in for this, maybe the "Looking for BSA"?

The previous owner had taken off some of the reinforcement metal at the head trying to find the frame number and it doesnt seem to have one. It looked like someone welded over it, but there isnt a number. I have checked all locations and all over the frame and there isnt a number on it. Also, it's got reinforcement welded in and an unusual metal box section under where the tank sits

It had an oil tank where the battery would go and an airbox where the toolkit would have been. Any ideas at all?

The bike was in bits when we got it, we are trying to identify it so we can rebuild it.

Thanks



https://photobucket.com/share/96d54c61-a3e5-4030-beff-7f50f01d2b10

Sorry, cant seem to insert the URL

[Catz]

It's not an A10.

[idie]

It looks like a frame for a B31 or B33. No number and a large rap round on headstock usually means that it is a replacement frame from BSA, 1959 on. Dealer would have stamped the old frame number on whilst the old frame was scrapped. My Shooting Star has such a frame.

[DAVE BRADY]

Hi,

A pre-unit single frame with lots of strengthening.  It looks like the front down tubes sustained a fracture just below the head stock and may have suffered similar stress damage to the footrest loops.
Both of these parts of the frame are often used when mounting side cars and then being subjected to a lot of use/stress.
The additional bracing to the head stock would also suggest that stress/load will be part of the life of this frame perhaps in competition. The use a central oil tank and probably a larger air box/filter would suggest the same.  It also looks like some of the original fuel tank mounting lugs etc. have been removed and others welded on perhaps for a non-standard tank.
Do you have photos of any other parts such as the fuel tank.

To post images use the box below 'click or drag files here to attach them'.  You may need to reduce the size.

Dave.

[JimMc]

Thanks all/Dave

I was on the competition side as well, but the lack of frame number meant I was chasing my tail slightly.

The engine we have for it is this - Year 1951, Model B32GS GOLD STAR, Engine prefix ZB32GS, 350cc. The gearbox looks like the same sort of vintage, they dont seem to be orginial to the frame and older. The fuel tank looks standard, I have attached some pics of it and the oil tank. Right now we are doing an inventory, collecting and tagging with the view to reassembly. We had intended in registering it for the road, but right now, it's all a bit of a puzzle. There are a few bits missing, but nothing we couldnt get here etc.

[limeyrob]

That makes sense.  So its competition 350 Gold Star that's been heavily modified, probably for scrambles and perhaps even with a chair.  Frame could be a Gold Star frame but later than the engine.  What is stamped on top of the gear box?

[JimMc]

Hi, just checked the gearbox, and I cant see anything stamped! I have looked all round it, cant see anything. I suppose the millon dollar question is, if the frame has no number, will I ever be able to register it for the road?

I dont mind the work I need to put into the bike, it's as much about sentimentality as anything else.

There is also some small rust holes in the lower frame, where is sat on the ground, but again, I dont mind that sort of thing.

[DAVE BRADY]

Hi,

A standard road fuel tank but the gear box looks like from an earlier model and not for a swinging arm frame.

As for getting the bike registered for the road, it may be worth asking the BSAOC Machine Dating Officer. 

Dave.

[JimMc]

Hi,

A standard road fuel tank but the gear box looks like from an earlier model and not for a swinging arm frame.

As for getting the bike registered for the road, it may be worth asking the BSAOC Machine Dating Officer. 

Dave.

Thanks Dave

[JimMc]

I stand corrected on the gearbox markings. There's not STD or ratio, but there is L C K?

It looks better in real life, the pic makes it look like a cave drawing!

I think the other picture is just damage

[JABBA99]

Have you checked the steering head for frame number (see atatched of my B33)?

You can still get it road registered - I've had a couple of queries on frames with no / disfigured markings recently, and the info from DVLA is the first thing you need to do is to apply for a new VIN and get that stamped on the frame to identify the machine.

Once that is in place then we can arrange the inspection and vehicle report to support the age related VRN / Reconstructed Classic process.

The contact at DVLA is ....

Kits & Rebuilds
Longview Road
Morriston
Swansea
SA6 7JL

Email: DVLAVIN@dvla.gov.uk

You need to write/email supplying your name, address and reason you require a new VIN. 

The club can then help with the Reconstructed Classic application.

[JimMc]

Thanks Jabba, very helpful

Also, I have attached some pics, there could be the remnants of a "D" at the bottom, but it looks smaller than the usual stamped characters.

I may try and take the paint off, I though it was surface corrosion, but it may be old primer

[JABBA99]

Good luck with cleaning up.

One thing - looking at the photo of the frame it does look like the "kink in the lower tube has been brazed / welded in??  Is this the case (difficult to see for sure in the photo) ... if so then probably an A7/A10 frame modified for a single?

[JimMc]

Good luck with cleaning up.

One thing - looking at the photo of the frame it does look like the "kink in the lower tube has been brazed / welded in??  Is this the case (difficult to see for sure in the photo) ... if so then probably an A7/A10 frame modified for a single?

Thats intersting you should say that, I thought there has been some brazing on it, I could maybe take some closer pics and post then for reference. 

Thanks again Jabba

[JimMc]

Could be brazing?