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The Bantam was a two-stroke motorcycle produced by BSA from 1948 to 1971. Over 250,000 were sold.
History
The original design of the Bantam came from a German design, the DKW RT 125 that was received as part of war reparations. This fact was not made widely known until long after the demise of BSA and for many years the Bantam was thought by many to be a 'truly British' lightweight motorcycle. The BSA designers converted the design to meet British conventions and into Imperial measurements for manufacture in Birmingham.
The first Bantams were available only in all-over "mist green", and sold for £60 plus tax. Over the years it gained improved suspension, electrics and the engine size increased from 125 to 175cc.
Models
Main variants listed, most models were also available in competition form or with extra refinements. Nominal engine sizes given. BSA used the letter system for their range of motorcycles.
D1
- 1948-1963
- 125cc, 4 bhp single-cylinder engine.
- Three gears, foot operated
- Top speed 45 mph
- Telescopic front suspension, rigid or plunger rear suspension.
D3
- "Major"
- 1954-1957
- 150cc, 5.3 bhp
- Telescopic front suspension, plunger rear suspension (changed to swing arm from 1956)
D5
- "Super"
- 1958
- 175cc, 7.4 bhp
- Telescopic front suspension, swinging arm rear.
D7
- 1959-1966
- 175cc, 7.4 bhp
- Telescopic front suspension, swinging arm rear.
D10
- 1966-1967
- 175cc, 10 bhp
- Telescopic front suspension, swinging arm rear.
D14/4
- 1968-1971
- 175cc, 12.6 bhp
- Telescopic front suspension, swinging arm rear
External links
"BSA Bantam"