Bobbers have never really been my thing, but damn is this one cool chopped up bob-job. It captures, in the owners words, “The beauty and simplicity of thirties era motorcycle styling and design,” a statement I concur with, while at the same time boasting some updated amenities that allow for a more convenient owning/operating experience. This custom British scoot sports both obvious and subtle features that together result in a simply awesome one-off motorcycle. A lot of custom fabrication and fitting was required to bring this project to fruition, though it could arguably pass for a factory offering to someone unfamiliar with the model or production year as it’s a a particularly clean build.
I absolutely love the look of a girder fork on a custom that’s aiming for a pre-war look, and this example is no exception. The fork – which is fitted with a rare Lucas DU142 headlight – was borrowed from a 1939 BSA M20 and required some custom machining to match the (NOS) BSA M20 axle to a newer BSA wheel. This included utilizing new bearings, bronze bushings, and aluminum spacers. In the owners words: “The machining was done to close tolerances resulting in a very tidy, very safe arrangement”.
Wonderfully complimenting the vintage-looking front-end is custom hardtail in back that the seller explains was “properly done”, with the engine sitting completely level, which is supposedly a rare feat on a BSA chopper or bobber build. The girder suspension is reported to perform flawlessly and the seat’s springs apparently provide more absorption than you’d think, resulting in what the current owner describes as “quite comfortable.” This example – which was originally chopped in the ’70’s – still retains its original (steering) rake which is pretty cool too.
Sitting between girder fork and hard tail is a twin-engine from a ’66 BSA A65 Star. The 654cc air-cooled OHV twin supposedly made 54hp at 4,500RPM, though I couldn’t verify this. The A65, which was produced for a decade starting in ’62, featured a four-speed gearbox to chain-drive transmission that together with the engine was good for a cool reported 100 mph top speed. The oil tank on this example is from a 1940’s AJS, which utilizes an internal oil-filter, which serves as a crucial upgrade. The battery box is interestingly composed of a modified WW2 ammo box, and does a great job of concealing a modern lithium battery and electronic ignition while keeping in line with the character of this build. This one-off BSA features a 12-volt negative earth electrical system that’s said to function properly with all wiring having been soldered.
The rear-fender on this BSA bobber is a ducktailed ribbed aluminum unit that was manufactured by 7 Metal West, while the Haifley Brothers are to thank for the custom seat. Like the headlight, the taillamp is an original Lucas fender lamp from the ’30’s, a touch that definitely adds to this bike’s cohesive visual-theme. The wheels are 19″ Jones rims, (WM2 front and W3 rear), wrapped in new tires with heavy-duty tubes. This build has recently gotten a handful of new components such as its Battery Tender, lithium-ion battery, Wassell electronic ignition, and Barnett throttle and brake cables.
The carbs on this example have new jets, and were recently thoroughly cleaned and inspected. The previous owner reportedly cleaned the sludge trap when they had the engine apart for inspection and the current owner did two oil-changes in their first 100-miles with the bike to ensure any gunk would be flushed out. The current seller also installed an alloy quick-change sump-plate with a magnetic drain plug for good measure. The ad also mentions that the “carbs and side covers, as well as the hubs still bear the custom chrome from that bygone era. Although the side cover chrome is a little weak.” This bike is an awesome one-off creation that was masterfully constructed and looks fantastic. This custom BSA is said to be in solid running condition which is important as many old British bikes can basically turn into expensive gremlin collections.
You can find this one-off 1966 BSA chopper/bobber build for sale here on Craigslist in Oceanport, New Jersey with a price of $7,950.