I recently purchased a BSA Bantam D7 from ebay as a restoration project to do over the winter. I don't know anything about motorbikes or engines so this should be interesting. I'm making this website as a reference for myself and hopefully as a clear, comprehensive guide to motorbike restoration for anyone else considering restoring a classic bike.
I do plan on riding this bike after it's finished, if it gets finished :) I think Bantams are very cool and you don't seem many of them around. Also being from Birmingham I don't think I could have chosen any other bike than one made by Birmingham Small Arms.
I'd like to say a big thanks to Jon who I bought the bike off for being so honest and helpful. Also for taking the time to respond in detail to all my questions. Thanks Jon!
You can find my contact information at the top of the page, feel free to contact me for any help, if you found my site useful, any suggestions you have or if you have restored your own BSA Motorbike and would like me to add a photo of it to the gallery.
Before going any further please read the disclaimer at the bottom of this page.
I do plan on riding this bike after it's finished, if it gets finished :) I think Bantams are very cool and you don't seem many of them around. Also being from Birmingham I don't think I could have chosen any other bike than one made by Birmingham Small Arms.
I'd like to say a big thanks to Jon who I bought the bike off for being so honest and helpful. Also for taking the time to respond in detail to all my questions. Thanks Jon!
You can find my contact information at the top of the page, feel free to contact me for any help, if you found my site useful, any suggestions you have or if you have restored your own BSA Motorbike and would like me to add a photo of it to the gallery.
Before going any further please read the disclaimer at the bottom of this page.
The Description Read:
BSA Bantam for restoration
This is a 1960 D7 frame with a 1966 D10 engine (175cc, 3 speed) fitted with a high level exhaust, so it is not a Bushman, more of an interesting looking Bitsa! It is a non runner, but will turn over, and has been in the back of the garage for 20 yrs. There are spots of rust on the chrome, the wheel rims are very rusty, the paintwork has various scuffs and scratches but it is 50 yrs old.
All I have done for the photos is wipe it over with a cloth and a bit of WD40.
The bike is complete apart from the following issues:
- No battery
- Original RH side panel missing, but I will include a rusty one from different Bantam.
- The seat is crudely covered but I will include what i believe to be an original Bantam seat cover in pale green.
- Kick start return spring presumed broken.
- Ammeter fitted to left hand side panel (presumed not original).
Previous owner had re- registered the bike in early 1980's with the original 1960's plate. Having recently obtained a dating certificate from the BSA owners club I have sent off docs to DVLC and now have a new red style V5C with original 1960 plate confirmed, date of reg as 1982 and 'DECL'/D MANUF 1960'. The taxation class is 'NOT LICENSED', so it should be zero tax when next applied for I believe.
Please feel free to ask any questions, and viewing by arrangement welcome.
Collection only (within 7 days of end of auction please).
Cash on collection.
BSA Bantam for restoration
This is a 1960 D7 frame with a 1966 D10 engine (175cc, 3 speed) fitted with a high level exhaust, so it is not a Bushman, more of an interesting looking Bitsa! It is a non runner, but will turn over, and has been in the back of the garage for 20 yrs. There are spots of rust on the chrome, the wheel rims are very rusty, the paintwork has various scuffs and scratches but it is 50 yrs old.
All I have done for the photos is wipe it over with a cloth and a bit of WD40.
The bike is complete apart from the following issues:
- No battery
- Original RH side panel missing, but I will include a rusty one from different Bantam.
- The seat is crudely covered but I will include what i believe to be an original Bantam seat cover in pale green.
- Kick start return spring presumed broken.
- Ammeter fitted to left hand side panel (presumed not original).
Previous owner had re- registered the bike in early 1980's with the original 1960's plate. Having recently obtained a dating certificate from the BSA owners club I have sent off docs to DVLC and now have a new red style V5C with original 1960 plate confirmed, date of reg as 1982 and 'DECL'/D MANUF 1960'. The taxation class is 'NOT LICENSED', so it should be zero tax when next applied for I believe.
Please feel free to ask any questions, and viewing by arrangement welcome.
Collection only (within 7 days of end of auction please).
Cash on collection.
I asked the seller a few questions and he was very helpful and quick to respond. It's always worth asking questions before buying something like this. It's better to be safe than sorry!! ... as my mother always said :)
The following is a response to the majority of my questions:
Hi James, its Jon here. Bike not stolen etc. I originally bought the bike in the mid 80's and stripped, rebuilt it straight away and I swear it started second kick. I rode off on it but the engine died after about 10 mins, I restarted it it died after 5 mins... I chased what I thought was an electrical problem, changing a lot of the electrics. Looking back I think the issue may have been fuel related but I never got to find out as I moved house a few times had no workshop and put it into storage. The bike may well have been painted - I have never seen one in that colour before. When originally registered it was stated as 'black' but I would describe this as a 'greeny, brown, black' not quite khaki, but looks a bit that way. None of the original transfers. Yes there is a dent in fuel tank, rusty inside? no idea. Yes bit of wear on rear sprocket, chain tension seems tight though. The loom is there, but is one of the things I would change if I was to restore - I dont believe they are that expensive (as are a lot of bantam spares), dont take my word for it, check it out. I guess frame is ok, nothing obvious but I really didnt get the opportunity to ride it many miles, so similar comments about brakes. As for the tyres, well they are at least 25 years old so please consider that... wheel rims are rusty and I reckon a lot of the chrome has gone. all the rest of the chrome is pitted, but you may be able to do something with it. Looks like someone may have melted their trousers on the exhaust at some stage.
To conclude this bike is a restoration project. If I was to look at it again, I would strip, inspect and rebuild the lot. Things like crank seals should be replaced, the big end bearing was 'marginal' last time, so I would check that again. Whether you want to make it a shiney museum piece or a working classic with 'patina' is up to you. As for its originality, well it is already non-original, with the D10 engine and I am sure that the exhaust, although bantam, not from this model I think. I dont want to be overly negative about it, as I think it definitely has potential and looks cute and is rusty but not deeply corroded - but will need a lot of work and some bits to get it going again.
If you have any doubts either come and have a look or retract your bid. I wont really get a chance to take more photos as its dark, unless I get back from work at a reasonable time tomorrow...
All the best, Jon
The following is a response to the majority of my questions:
Hi James, its Jon here. Bike not stolen etc. I originally bought the bike in the mid 80's and stripped, rebuilt it straight away and I swear it started second kick. I rode off on it but the engine died after about 10 mins, I restarted it it died after 5 mins... I chased what I thought was an electrical problem, changing a lot of the electrics. Looking back I think the issue may have been fuel related but I never got to find out as I moved house a few times had no workshop and put it into storage. The bike may well have been painted - I have never seen one in that colour before. When originally registered it was stated as 'black' but I would describe this as a 'greeny, brown, black' not quite khaki, but looks a bit that way. None of the original transfers. Yes there is a dent in fuel tank, rusty inside? no idea. Yes bit of wear on rear sprocket, chain tension seems tight though. The loom is there, but is one of the things I would change if I was to restore - I dont believe they are that expensive (as are a lot of bantam spares), dont take my word for it, check it out. I guess frame is ok, nothing obvious but I really didnt get the opportunity to ride it many miles, so similar comments about brakes. As for the tyres, well they are at least 25 years old so please consider that... wheel rims are rusty and I reckon a lot of the chrome has gone. all the rest of the chrome is pitted, but you may be able to do something with it. Looks like someone may have melted their trousers on the exhaust at some stage.
To conclude this bike is a restoration project. If I was to look at it again, I would strip, inspect and rebuild the lot. Things like crank seals should be replaced, the big end bearing was 'marginal' last time, so I would check that again. Whether you want to make it a shiney museum piece or a working classic with 'patina' is up to you. As for its originality, well it is already non-original, with the D10 engine and I am sure that the exhaust, although bantam, not from this model I think. I dont want to be overly negative about it, as I think it definitely has potential and looks cute and is rusty but not deeply corroded - but will need a lot of work and some bits to get it going again.
If you have any doubts either come and have a look or retract your bid. I wont really get a chance to take more photos as its dark, unless I get back from work at a reasonable time tomorrow...
All the best, Jon
Unfortunately I don't have a van or a trailer. My boss said I could borrow his van to go over to Malvern and pick it up. Malvern is only about a 45 minute drive from where I live it Birmingham so it wont be too much hassle to collect it. But.... 2 days before I was due to pick it up my boss's van broke down (or so he said), so I've had to give a mate of my fathers £60 to drive me over there and pick it up. So that's £60 to add to the restoration cost and I've not even got the bike yet. So it's defiantly worth making sure you have a reliable way of picking up the bike before you consider restoring one.
Disclaimer:
This website serves solely as a reference and a log of the work I have carried out for my own motorcycle.
You should always have a competent understanding of any work you do on your motorcycle.
Always consult a professional in this field if in doubt.
Always have a professional check any work you have done on your motorcycle.
Always read the instructions on any chemicals, cleaners, lubricants, oils etc and follow said instructions.
Always read and fully understand the danger and correct operation of any tools or machines you use.
Always wear/use the appropriate safety equipment.
I will not be held responsible for any damage to your property or person as a result of following instructions on this website.
This website serves solely as a reference and a log of the work I have carried out for my own motorcycle.
You should always have a competent understanding of any work you do on your motorcycle.
Always consult a professional in this field if in doubt.
Always have a professional check any work you have done on your motorcycle.
Always read the instructions on any chemicals, cleaners, lubricants, oils etc and follow said instructions.
Always read and fully understand the danger and correct operation of any tools or machines you use.
Always wear/use the appropriate safety equipment.
I will not be held responsible for any damage to your property or person as a result of following instructions on this website.
Sorry for the formality but you never know what sort of trouble you could get in to.
I hope you find this site useful and enjoy restoring your motorcycle.
I hope you find this site useful and enjoy restoring your motorcycle.