Bantam Frame History

[Sinky]

Hi there, I'm new to the club!

My son and I found an old frame in a historic dump near our home, after a discussion on its condition we thought we would take it home and see if the numbers are still there, my business is soda blasting so cleaning it down wasn't an issue, after googling where the numbers might be it wasn't long before the frame number came up. Our discussions have now started on about how great it would be to get it riding again, not financially viable we know but more of a father son project thing and saving the bike! The frame will need some work but is repairable. So my initial question is...from the frame number we have, are we able to find out any manufacturing history like dates, cc, model etc. just from googling a few things I think it may be a D1 and may be about 1953? The numbers start with BD2s and there are 5 more numbers starting with 11, not sure if I can put the whole number on here? I hope someone on here can point me in the right direction?? Many thanks   

[Spaceman]

You can apply for a Dating Certificate from the BSAOC and that will tell you, among other things, the date and probably which Dealer it was delivered to from the factory.

The earliest D1 Bantams used a rigid frame with no rear shock absorbing but this one has a spring frame which was slightly better. These are not rare motorcycles and it certainly would be very expensive not to say very time consuming to restore the bike starting from just the frame.

[Dean Southall]

I thinks its a great idea to do this a dad and son project. It will cost you far more fimacially than it will be worth but that's without putting a price on the fun and satisfaction. All the parts are readilly available and its easy to work on so a realitively straightforward project.

[Sinky]

Definitely more a father son project than the cost although we have to b sensible and will try to stick to a budget.

[scousebantam]

Hi,
I am a new member and awaiting my membership paperwork and would like to add to this thread.
I purchased an old Bantam today and the frame number is either 3D2s or BD2s so I guess it is the
same year as the one in this thread.
Question is which one of the two numbers above is it likely to be? Appreciate any comments, cheers.
By the way the engine number starts with ED7B, can I assume it is a D7 engine in a D3 frame?

[JulianS]

The number would commence with BD2S.

Frames with this prefix were used-

On the 125cc D1 Bantam from start of 1953 season until end of production for civillian market in Autumn 1963 with a few GPO models being made right up until October  1965.

On 150cc D3 models made from start of 1954 season until late 1955 when the D3 was fitted with a swinging arm frame.

A dating certificate from the BSAOC will tell you which model it was, when it left the factory and to which dealer is was despatched.

[scousebantam]

Many thanks JulianS, yes I am going to apply for a dating certificate once my membership docs come through.
That's a great start for me to work on.