1923 BSA Flat Tank 550cc (500cc) Side Valve Model S23 3.5 HP

Beautiful old BSA 1923 Side Valve 550 (it's says on the documents that it's a 550 but we're not sure - think it's probably 500 - like all the other S23s).
The bike was registered in Gwent in 1923. Has original number but it is now non-transferable.

I knew the last two owners of this bike - it was bought by a friend of mine at Kempton Park in 2005 as a non-runner. He kept it untouched for a few years. before selling it to a friend of his who did exactly the same thing. Eventually the original friend suggested I bought it back again as he knew I was looking for a proper vintage project at the time - even though my main interest is Nortons.

I got it going last year for what we know to be the first time in about 10 years but really could quite easily have been fifty years.

I doubt if the bike has been used much since the 1960s - I have a little documentation from the owner back then. He appears to have spent some time identifying which would suggest that it spent some time in a barn before that too.

Anyway it's back in use now. I have replaced the primary chain. the timing chain and the drive train. I have rebushed the links in the girder front suspension. Both tyres are new. I have had the magneto rewound and renovated. My area of interest in these bikes is the mechanics. I am selling it because I've got it running properly and I have several more in the queue to get running (all Nortons now). I have not touched it cosmetically. It could probably use a sympathetic restoration to the saddle but actually there isn't much more too it than that. It is very original. in fact. completely original - you are unlikely to find a more original one. The brakes are straight out of the twenties. You need to keep an eye on your speed because of this. It can actually be hustled along a lot quicker than its braking ability would advise. We think this bike is likely to have spent probably half of its 90 years not being used.

Completed 2014 Banbury Run.

There is a little video here of me starting the bike last Friday I think. It has been awkward on occasion but on the whole it's a pretty good starter. This was it being started for the first time in months.
Collection is from Bushey. Herts (nr Watford). Cash on collection.
In theory you could ride it home but I'd bring a van or trailer. I'm prepared to deliver it up to 50 miles from Bushey for £1 a mile.