12/11/16 Update – Well, looks like the sale did not go through because this Bantam is back up for sale. Now it’s got a BIN of $4,500
Post Sale Update: After being relisted multiple times, this Bantam sold for $4,000.
Between 1948 and 1971, BSA produced between 250,000 and 500,000 Bantams making it a very iconic British motorcycle. Except that it wasn’t exactly British, it was German. DKW gave up the design of their RT125 as war reparations, and that is where the Bantam has it’s roots. Not only BSA but Harley Davidson based their 125s on the RT125.
The 1955 BSA Bantam used a 125 CC air cooled two stroke single cylinder motor that produced 4.5 HP and sent it through a three speed transmission for a top speed of 45 MPH. The original Bantams were rigid frame, but by 1955 BSA had added plunger rear suspension.
This particular 1955 BSA Bantam (VIN # 32498) is in Walnut, California and is listed as a 6000 mile survivor. The return spring on the kickstarter is broken and the bike is (Virginia) titled as a 1952 though numbers show it to be a 1955. Current bid is at $2,500 with reserve not met