October 30, 2011
My grandfather, George Lawrie (1909-1965) served in the Military Police during the Second World War; spending the duration mostly in North Africa. I recall from a very early age pictures of him in the desert on an old motorcycle. Some old photo albums of my Gran recently resurfaced and a photo of him astride an M20 was amongst them. Great Stuff!
It just so happens that there is similar early 40’s military spec M20 up for auction at nearby Glenview IL; part of a lifetimes collection by a chap called Lee Roy Hartung of automobile’s and motorcycle’s. Hartung specialized in interwar items including: Hendersons, Excelsiors, Harleys, Indians, Flying Merkel and a 1913 Pope. Outstanding selection of important bikes from the teens, twenties and thirties. I spied the BSA amongst them on the aution page; here are a few detail shots of it in splendid original patina.
Given the coffers, and space, I would try and get it running as-is, and enjoy its simple thumping ride as my grandfather would have.
Posted in 40's, BSA, Military |
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October 29, 2011
As mentioned in the Che piece a couple of days ago, the British motorcycle industry turned manufacturing over to military needs during the Second World War. As well as Norton and Matchless; B.S.A. (Birmingham Small Arms) were to create some trusty rides that saw action across the globe. The Small Heath works created the side valve 500cc single designated the M20, which became the model of choice by the armed services. At its height 1,000 machines were coming off the assembly line per week – over 126,000 manufactured overall; some still in service today. The M21, a ‘big brother’ 600cc used for sidecar work was also produced.
Ride like an Egyptian… … the telescopic forks confuse me somewhat, so if anyone can enlighten: they are typically fitted with girder forks.
Sturdy looking sidevalve motor:
Here’s a great link to the specifics of owning a wartime brit-iron:
It looks a smasher in olive green, a veritable two-wheeled Jeep!
Posted in 40's, BSA, Military |
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October 1, 2011
A lovely shot of a late 60’s BSA Lightning A65. Evening sun at a low angle gives warm light; a road beyond beckons. Well framed image with a converging line drawing your eye to the machine.
Posted in BSA, Photography |
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September 8, 2010
Before Wikipedia there was Fact Cards; collect ’em all! On the reverse was the bikes specifications.
Good subheading: “High Performance”
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September 8, 2010
Here are a couple of period ads for the RGS… the v-neck sweater looks the part! Destination Fun indeed!
Posted in BSA, Motorcycle Poster |
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September 5, 2010
Here’s another project from the past; the rebuild of a super classic BSA RGS; the final swan song of the pre-unit 650cc engine in the A10. The project was picked up with a Home Depot rented truck on a snowy January from a snow-bound tin shed at a trailer park in West Chicago in 2001. A couple of carboard boxes held parts and another engine. An oily jigsaw indeed!
It took three years to build, dismantle, restore parts, purchase new items and have the final bike up and running. Again, the engine was rebuilt by Ed Zender. I rebuilt the chassis in a dark basement of an apartment we had on Halsted Street. With this project I leanred to wheel and deal on Ebay to amass many parts.
I chose a cafe racer look with rear sets and clip on handlebars; it ran like a champ and had that wonderful twin rort. However no easy place to store and difficult insurance forced it to be sold to another owner.
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