BUYER’S EYE

You asked us to investigate the values of classic British motorcycles at the affordable end of the spectrum. Rowena Hoseason discovers that lightweight two-strokes and smaller four-strokes are selling like hot scones by the Cornish seaside. So what does a budget of £3000 buy these days?

THE CHEEP-CHEEP CLASSIC

Let’s begin with what has always been the obvious choice for anyone who wants to enjoy the classic experience on the cheap: BSA’S back-to-basics Bantam. Built between 1948 and 1971, the little lightweight began as a 123cc rigid with inexpensive components and developed over the decades into various 172cc models, from basic commuters to sprightly sportsters.

BSA built more than 200,000 Bantams and many of the earlier / smaller capacity models have been retrofitted with bigger engines and other upgrades. The details of who’s done what over the past 60 years have been long lost in the mists of time, so many vendors – especially online and at auctions – don’t actually know what they’re selling. Engine and frames numbers don’t match: models are misdescribed; few machines retain their original numbers. You won’t be risking vast sums of money on one of these purchases, but it definitely pays to join the BSA Bantam Club to buy direct from an enthusiast owner who knows his chickens…

You’ll certainly have plenty of choice: we found nearly 40 Bantams offered for sale in February, from a D7 listed as simply a ‘great runner’ for £1800, to a ‘1984 model’ which might’ve been restored a couple of years ago and hasn’t been used since. We’d give that one a swerve, even at ‘offers around £1500’ and consider something instead like a D7 instead which was listed at £2000 firm. It had a very detailed description, the current owner for more than a decade, and came with plenty of supporting paperwork dating back 30 years. Looking through Facebook’s marketplace might be worthwhile: avoid the obvious dealers and seek out private sellers who list machines like a 1966 D10 in full working order for £1395, or a matching numbers D7 for £1750.

Do be careful if you’re tempted by one of the late four-speed Bushman machines or tricksy trials models. A genuine Bushman is worth twice as much as a bogstandard three-speed D10, which makes faking them a profitable venture. Check the paperwork – and talk to the BSAOC to make sure its numbers match their factory records.

Photos: RC Rchive; Andy Tiernan, Venture Classics and Pembrokeshire Classics; Bonhams and H&H auctioneers You asked us to investigate what’s happened to the values of classic British motorcycles at the affordable end of the spectrum. Rowena Hoseason discovers that lightweight two-strokes and smaller four-strokes are selling like hot scones by the Cornish seaside. So what does a budget of £3000 buy these days?

The blue bike is exactly one of those mix-n-match machines which is a long way from its original condition and needs final fettling – but it could be a bit of a bargain. The frame came from a D14, c1968, while the engine is a three-speed 175 from a slightly earlier D10. The new owner’s first job will be getting it officially dated and registered with DVLA, and then it looks ready to ring-dingding…

Introduced in 1959, the 172cc D7 replaced its D5 predecessor and benefitted from a new frame, with damped forks and larger brakes. This red 1961 example was restored a few years ago and has been used very little since then so would need a once-over before returning to the road.