Vintage Military BSA B15 V-twin Project 1934 RAF 6 Squadron Warhorse J34-11 J12

Up for sale is a 1934 RAF BSA B15 500cc V-twin project. I have owned a fair number of these wonderful twins but never came across one as interesting as this.

This bike is in need of total restoration. Every bearing seems to be worn out. The bike came to me in a dismantled state with many missing parts. many of which I have managed to locate. The frame has been repaired. the forks re-tubed and are in bare metal. The whole plot has been loosely assembled. The engine is missing pushrods and valve cotters but apart from that everything is pretty much there. The main bearings and big end are shot. The gearbox is untouched but looks in superb condition.

The good points:

NOS Petrol tank – genuine BSA (some storage dents but very solid)

NOS oil tank – genuine BSA (storage soiled/dents)

NOS clutch chainwheel – genuine BSA

NOS clutch centre – genuine BSA

NOS crankpin & conrod bearings – genuine BSA (just needs rollers)

NOS side stand – genuine BSA

NOS valve springs – genuine Terry's AERO

NOS valve guides – genuine BSA

NOS valves – genuine BSA (2 only)

NOS cylinder head gaskets – genuine asbestos type

NOS Brooks saddle cover – genuine WD issue LV6/MT1/TE/S831

NOS primary outer chain cover – genuine BSA B15

Standard bore cylinder barrels V good cond– early type and correct for 1934

Matching cast iron pistons V good cond– genuine BSA and correct for 1934

New toolboxes – Czech Republic (top quality)

New toolbox catches – UK manufacture - top quality

New battery plate – UK manufacture – top quality

Frame repaired using steel/brass etc. (ready for blasting/enamelling)

Forks re-tubed etc. (ready for blasting/enamelling)

Re plated pushrod tubes (dull nickel RAF spec)

Good cams

Good rear drum sprocket – (taken off a 1938 J12)

HISTORY

B15 is an RAF designation and with just over 300 produced is extremely rare (not to be confused with the later E15). The BSA dispatch books show that this bike was not part of a regular military contract but sold privately to the War Office in June 1934. Apart from a BSA roundel on the tank top. the bike had no contract number. military markings and was finished in black. These unmarked ‘off the record' vehicles (including armoured cars) were destined for the middle east. They were used in numerous ground combat operations by RAF Intelligence/ 6 Squadron during the Arab Revolt in Palestine. Later history is not know but during WWII the squadron moved to North Africa and is also were this bike was found.

Frame Number: B15. 29*

Engine Number: GHR. 29*

The engine number matches the frame number but the last 3 numerals are in arabic! I believe that this was the bikes identification/registration number. I have seen similar markings on an RAF Morris truck stamped by WO in Palestine. circa 1935. There are numerous other numbers on the cases. There could well be more below the paint as all the early bikes had silver painted cases. There are also traces of blue-grey and desert-bronze paint on a hidden part of one of the frame tubes. Both are RAF colours but much lighter in shade than the European equivalent. This also suggests that this bike had 2 military overhauls.

The bike was also subject to lightning and ‘standardisation' which was normal practice by the WO during the war years (from about 1940 in North Africa). What this means in real terms is that the military needed to cut down the inventory of spares. All unnecessary parts were binned and consumable parts that could be adapted from the BSA WM20 were fitted. A good example of this is the rear hub/ sprocket. The bike has lived with these parts for 75 years and it doesn't seem right to change it back to factory spec. In my mind the bike is in original condition for its intended role.

With less than half dozen examples in existence. the B15 is extremely rare. All the surviving European machines have been re-stamped as J11's by the dealers which has made genuine B15 bikes far more collectible (and more valuable) than the civilian models. Finding a BSA V-twin that was used in the combat zone during the inter war years and then in WWII is unheard of. Fantastic British military motorcycle from the last days of the Empire. This bike is the real deal.

Payment & Delivery/Collection

Balance to be paid by bank transfer

Collection from Herne Hill. London SE24

Can deliver - UK mainland approx. cost £150. Remote regions/highlands may cost more so please contact me.