Post Listing Update: This custom trials bike sold for the BIN of $7,500, but was then relisted a couple of days later and eventually pulled off of eBay.
I’m baffled. I don’t even know what to call this motorcycle. BSA motor and transmission but that is just about it. It’s a no doubt custom built Trials bike fabricated around a 50 year old power plant. I’m not sure why that works for me, but there is no doubt that I am intrigued by this motorcycle. Hell, KTM will build you a brand new Trials ready machine for about the same money. With a warranty. It’s one of those things that make you go ‘hmmmmm’.
The original B40 was a warmed over C15 that was pretty good in the 50s but by 1967 the BSA 343 CC 22 HP motor was way behind the competition. This motor has been overbored to 375 CC and had the entire bottom strengthened but it will still float the valves at 7000 RPM. The frame, suspension, tank, seat, bars and controls are all top shelf. There is no doubt this is a competent Trials package with the motor the obvious weakness. For a realistic view of the BSA B40, see this article by Frank Melling on MotoUSA.
This 1967 BSA Trials bike is in San Luis Obispo, California and is listed as a total rebuild. The bike shows really well and has all the right parts to be something special. You could be absolutely unique at the next Trials race you go to with this. The bike has a Buy It Now price of $7,500 in an auction that ends Friday, December 9th
In all honesty, I still don’t have any idea why this bike intrigues me. Maybe because BSA is my favorite British single not named Emma Watson. I have been waiting a very long time to steal that line from Abhi, and it was worth it 🙂