1945 BSA M20, 500cc, sweet runner with V5C

1945 BSA M20, 500cc girder rigid matching numbers, good runner with V5.
Here is a lovely old oily rag example one of the most archetypal of all British bikes – the bomb-proof BSA M20. If you're going to have a British bike you may as well have one of the most typical British bikes ever built and if you're going to have an M20 they only look right in this original oily rag old bike condition. They are not for the shiny shows, they are for chugging around the lanes effortlessly and smoothly but not too quickly!
This example starts easily and sounds perfect mechanically, not smoking, running clean and crisp with deep mellow exhaust note. It chugs along beautifully, gearbox and clutch are all good. It is geared for solo and cruises comfortably at 45-50. It's an absolute pleasure to ride and an experience any motorcyclist should have. These bikes were built in their thousands for army use during WW2, the M20 was the British army's most used motorcycle of all time. This example is identical to the war time army issue machine but it left the factory just after the war as a civilian machine. Handling is great, brakes front and rear are excellent. Dynamo is charging well and is correctly regulated by the old Lucas MCR1 mechanical regulator. Lights dipped and main, horn & rear brake light all work well. Smith's 80mph speedometer is working well. The bike comes with little actual history other than a VMCC extract from the BSA factory records showing it has its original engine and frame. It was dispatched from BSA on 20th September 1945, so was most probably originally built as an army M20 but civilianised at the last moment when the war ended.
Frame number is XM20.341, engine number XM20.366.
It was dispatched to The Redhill Motorcycle Co. Redhill. There is an up to date V5C, registration number is OSJ 951, date of registration is 13th March 1946. It is registered as a historic vehicle, therefore road tax is free and it is MOT exempt.
Cosmetically the bike is old, original unrestored looking with loads of oily rag charm and the genuine patina that only time can create. The enamel on the frame is good, practical but touched up here and there and generally old looking. Tin-ware is the same, there are marks chips etc, touch ups and bruises but no rot. The whole bike is very sound but tired cosmetically and it suits it! The tank has very old crazed paint-work .It is very good and clean inside though and has not been linered. Wheel rims and spokes are all black painted and are sound. Tyres are both Good year block treads. The front does look old, the rear looks ok but must also be very old. There is no fin damage on the barrel but a couple of small chips on the top of the head which you would really have to go looking for to spot. Rear stand is in good order, no sidestand fitted. Saddles are lovely old period items in good condition.
All in all this is a great, very original example of the immediate post-war civvy M20. Practically identical to the army bike, this must be one of the earliest peace time M20s around. Don't miss this fantastic BSA, ideal for time travel this Spring & Summer!
Selling as a great runner.
Please note: THERE IS NO VAT and no other additional fees on top of what you actually bid, (apart from delivery fees if you want it to be delivered)
Payment please in order of preference: Bank Transfer, Card Payment, Cash on Collection.
UK & WORLD-WIDE DELIVERY NO PROBLEM! Collection in person or delivery can be arranged. (Please note in fairness to the delivery companies I cannot arrange delivery until full payment for the bike has been received.) I HAVE SEVERAL REGULAR, RELIABLE AND REASONABLY PRICED UK AND INTERNATIONAL DELIVERY CONTACTS THAT I KNOW WELL AND TRUST BUT YOU ARE VERY WELCOME TO COLLECT IN PERSON! PLEASE EMAIL TO ASK FOR DELIVERY QUOTE.
I can store the bike for a few weeks no problem so long as full payment has been made!