1953 BSA B33

Post Sale Update: This B33 sold for $8,853.53 after 20 bids on eBay.

I look at this and other classic British singles, and I know I see something that isn’t really there. Like a dream, or maybe an icon, that is honored in my mind. If not common Brit singles were at least routine when I started riding in the mid 60s. I always knew if I could afford one it would be the coolest thing ever. I can still close my eyes and hear the sound.

The 350 CC BSA B31 was released in 1945 and the 500 CC B33 was released in 1947. The bikes looked nearly identical, and both sold reasonably well for BSA. Originally built with a rigid frame, plunger rear suspension became an option in 1949 with the full swing arm package available in 1954.

The B33 was really all about the motor. It got the reputation as slightly stodgy and a little bit fiddly (starting one promptly was an art form) but very long lasting and dependable so long as you did your routine maintenance religiously. The B33 was considered an excellent sidecar tug.

The 1953 BSA B33 used a 499 CC air cooled overhead valve single cylinder motor that produced 23 HP and weighed 375 LBS. A four speed transmission gave the B33 a top speed of near 80 MPH with a legitimate cruising speed of around 55 MPH. Plunger rear suspension softened the ride without sacrificing handling, and the brakes were considered ‘okay’.

This particular BSA B33 (VIN # BB31S2347) is in Cedaredge, Colorado and is listed with ‘completely rebuilt motor. . professionally painted.’ The speedometer is non functioning but the owner says it has low mileage since rebuild. The reason given for selling is that the owner is turning 80. The bike is currently bid at $4,150.00