B22 or B20

[deanroi]

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

[Ian C]

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

[deanroi]

Thanks Ian
So are we saying it is a b22 empire star ?

[Ian C]

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.

[deanroi]

No
I don't think the log book is actually from this bike !!

[Ian C]

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.

[JulianS]

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.