M20.... to be or not to be...

[GLENN]

This looks like a fairly honest M21 to my opinion.  :  https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1947-BSA-M21-600cc-Rigid-Classic-British-Motorcycle/153816447810?hash=item23d02cbb42:g:5xIAAOSwIZJeNCqC

Bit pricey in my opinion but looks more genuine than the photograph you have shown of the other one you're lookin at. It appears to have the wrong handlbars,  carburettor, mudguard stays, battery holder, seat stay bolts, petrol tap, numberplates, control levers, twist grip, ammeter, headlamp, headlmp switch, petrol tank (cap is opening to the side), most of the studs and bolts and the rear mudguard looks like a reproduction one.  I also don't like he chromed fittings liket fonk linkahe and damper knob -always look like an indian or middle eastern import.  Just my opinion - better to hear before you buy something, people are great at pointing out the flaws in stuff after I've bought it and paid too much!  Glenn

[Mike Farmer]

 

We've moved on a bit since then

Mike

[berniej]

Not trying to compete with Mike for the most ambitious restoration project but.... if you can find a project like this then they do come cheaper.... and these sidevalves are quite simple bikes to work on. The one on the pallet is now pulling a sidecar quite happily after a bit of fettlin'.

Cheers,
Bernie

[GLENN]

looks great Mike!  Is that the final colour? 

[Mike Farmer]

 

No its currently in a shade of Light Ivory With a thought to do it in the desert colour. I'll try to post an updated pic once I can figure out how to move my pics from my old system to this one  It went to Egypt in 1944 and I bought it from there 2014. Still had the tyre sizes in Arabic. At least what remained of them and the wheels/spokes were very sound

As for the original state of it--I recon we could call that a draw.

Mike

[Mike Farmer]

 

With luck I have now posted the original pic and the latest. We'll see

Mike

[Mike Farmer]

Try again

[berniej]

Luxury.... yours came with a wheelbarrow! 

[Mr Jones]

Thanks for all the info, much appreciated, especially pointing out what's not original. I'll have a closer look at that M21. Would you say that's mostly original?

[berniej]

The photo is not very hi-res but I'm not sure that the rear mudguard looks right. If not, it can be hard to find originals and the readily available Indian-made replicas will likely need a bit of work to get them to fit.

Cheers,
Bernie

[Mr Jones]

I see they want £5000 for it which seems a bit steep considering the overall condition. Any ideas on what a realistic price should be for it? If I have that info I can try negotiating with them.

Cheers Lindsay

[GLENN]

I take it you're referring to the M21 in the link I sent from ebay?  I think its a bit expensive but looks mostly correct to me.  I'd like to hear other opinions on it though. 

[Mr Jones]

Hi Glenn,

Yes, I contacted the company to see if they could budge on the price considering the condition of it but he's convinced the price is (in his words) "a very good price for this model".... so no joy there....

Cheers Lindsay

[Mr Jones]

Finally ended up with an M33 basket case........think it's all here except the seat.........

[GLENN]

Rigid frame and girder forks, looks like an excellent project!  Do the engine and frame numbers match? 

All the best,
Glenn