1941 BSA WM20 500cc SV. Military WW2 Survivor. Good Runner. Vintage / Girders

You know when you see adverts claiming that a bike is a "time-warp" machine, etc.? Well, how about a 1941 BSA WM20 that's never been restored or even disassembled? It hasn't actually been used since 1977, but has just been pulled out of a barn.

It starts on the first kick, runs great, and ticks over perfectly – truly remarkable for a 75-year-old bike that hasn't been started in nearly 40 years. Now, that's a time warp! Not like some 1980s Honda that's been sitting in a shed for 5 years and folks get impressed when it makes promising noises—like all that import stuff on the market.

This is the real deal. Built to fight the Germans, laid up in the 70s when it wasn't worth more than scrap, but still good to go. Now that's impressive. That's a time warp.

So, here's the story: this is a 1941 BSA WM20, a 500cc side-valve single that was first registered when it was demobilized in 1971. Unfortunately the last owner has miss placed the log book and its not on the computer so it will need re-registering. but the eagle eyed amongst you will have spotted that it has a tax disc on the top of the forks. and it comes with 2 old MOT certificates. so recovering the number should not be too problematic. Either the BSA owners club or the Vintage Motorcycle Club who I definitely would recommend are excellent at this sort of thing and can more or less do this for you now from start to finish.
The engine is sweet as. Starts easy. returns oil. no smoke. no rattles. looks to be low mileage. its amazing. The bike has been lathered in WD40 by the last owner when he laid it up in 1977 and its set like glue all over the bike. but has preserved it. I have put a new battery on it. have sent for a new headlamp glass as it was missing. I went ahead and inflated the tyres, and well, it's about good to go. It does have a Velo-type silencer and a later style carb, but the rest of the bike appears to be genuine original parts. The reproduction market wasn't even around when this bike was laid up, so it all looks to be authentic 1941 BSA equipment. Correct speedo. tinware etc.
Its very scruffy and would need an oil change maybe etc. but this can be put back into service in no time at all. The big question is do you restore it. or do you leave it original? That's going to be the debate with this bike. I am reluctant to even clean it. I know which camp I am in. but there are plenty out there who would love to bling this up. The choice will be yours. you pays your money. and you takes your choice.
Viewing is welcome. Collection is preferred. although I can arrange delivery within the mainland UK by courier for £100.