It’s a well known story. The BSA Bantam, the Harley Davidson Hummer, the Russian Moskva and the Yamaha YA 1 were all copies of the German DKW given out as war reparations. I would really like to know how Japan (Yamaha) qualified for reparation from Germany, but that is a question for another time.
The BSA Bantam is not only BSA’s most popular model ever sold (between 200,000 and 500,000) but the best selling English bike ever. The 125 CC model D1 was sold from 1948 until 1963, with the only major upgrade being plunger rear suspension in 1950. The 175 CC D7 first appeared in appeared in 1959 and remained in the catalog until 1966 when it was replaced by the D10.
The writer from Sump magazine doesn’t think very highly of the Bantam and has a very funny must read review here. Classic British Humor.
The 1965 BSA Bantam used a 175 CC air cooled two stroke single cylinder motor that made 7.4 HP with a three speed transmission for a top speed (listed) of 57 MPH. A swing arm rear suspension with twin shocks and telescopic front suspension with bad brakes on both ends with 18 inch wheels completed the package.
This particular 1965 BSA Bantam is in Danville, California and is listed as used with a large list of restored/replaced items. The bike is currently bid at 1,525.00 with reserve not met
Sources:
Wikipedia
Classic British Motorcycles
Sump
Motorcycle Specs