BSA WD B40 GA - Australian Army
Make and Model: BSA B40 GA
Year of manufacture: 1967
Military Reg no: N/A
Dispatch date: N/A
Military History: N/A
Current information and thinking:
This particular machine was one of 3 bikes taken off the production line and never sent to Australia.
Following a detailed look at the machine – Dave Smith ( Rupert Ratio) and I believe it was used by the factory to “mock up” some of the fittings to be used on the yet to be built contract for the British Army.
It shows evidence of repositioning of the external oil filter, air box, carb, rear light assembly conversion to 12 volt and exhaust etc,etc
the speedo is showing 1,500 miles which could well be original as it retains the original tyres fitted in very early 1967.
I acquired the bike still unregistered from a father and son in the West Midlands who had bought a number of bikes where the original owner died.
the story is- that a guy bought some machines from the BSA factory when it was closing – He was a road haulier in Birmingham and then stored them.
when it was found, the bike was covered in thick dust and grime, which in many areas of the machine protected it over the years.
It remains in original factory paint
.
It has now been registered and is on the road.
BSA WD B40 GN - Royal Navy
Make and Model: BSA B40 GN
Year of manufacture: 1969
Military Reg no: N/A
Dispatch date: 29/12/1969 – MOD Hilton
Military History: N/A
Civilian History:
I acquired this GN in February 2017 – little is know about its history following demob, other than I am the 3rd owner.
The restoration ethos for me with this machine was to do make the best job I could as they are so rare I wanted it to be the “standard” for reference. To this end I gave Rupert Ratio the motor for a full rebuild to standard military specification. In addition, I have used 95% genuine nuts and bolts to ensure originality.
BSA WD B40 CA/FT Prototype (Maud)
Make and Model: BSA B40 CA/FT
Year of manufacture: 1965
Military Reg no: To be researched
Dispatch date: 06/04/65 – FVRDE – Chertsey Surrey (Irvine, Scotland) latest WD Spec
Military History: To be researched
Civilian History:
This ultra rare WD B40 prototype was located in Somerset. Following negotiations with the previous owner Pete, it has now become part of my collection.
From records it was discharged from Military service on the 15th September 1967 and aquired by Dawsons Cars and Motorcycles Ltd in Shakespeare Street, Nottingham. It was subsequently sold on to a new owner in Wales, where it exchanged hands a few times, but remained in Wales until being located in Somerset.
BSA WD B40 Mk1 GB (Old Girl)
Make and Model: BSA B40 GB
Year of manufacture: 1967
Military Reg no: 66 ET 47
Dispatch date: 23/06/67 CVD Hilton
Military History:
28/09/67 47 Light Regiment Royal Artillery
02/12/68 CVD Ashchurch
19/05/69 155 Wessex Regiment RCT (V)
Sold off 28/06/74 Ruddington
Civilian History:
It came into my ownership, when on the 22nd of April 1978 I purchased it for £200.00 from Banbury, Oxon. It was taxed and MOT’d.
It was then used for a number of years as daily transport up until 1987, with a couple of short on and off the road periods.
It made a few trips across to Belgium for summer excursions, usually with a “Tax Applied for” posted in the tax disc holder!!! 1987 was the last year the bike was ridden in that era.
The old girl remained dormant in numerous sheds and garages and moved several times. It was in the winter of 2002/03 that she was made ready for a come back! March 2003 saw the old girl once again MOT’d and taxed and has remained on the road ever since.
B40 Mk2 Rough Rider
Make and Model: BSA B40 M Rough Rider
Year of manufacture: 1969
Military Reg no: N/A
Dispatch date: 12/05/1970 – Elite Motors, (Tooting) Ltd
History:
These were made in one batch of 108 machines from July 1969 (hence “HC” prefix to both frame and engine numbers – it doesn’t mean high compression), although they subsequently trickled out of the factory until 1972. The main changes for the Roughrider were the option of fitting a high level exhaust system and single seat as shown. Australian models are thought to have fitted the low level system.
Civilian History:
This Rough Rider was first registered to Elite Motors on the 13th January 1971. It changed hands a couple of times in 1972 & 1977. It remained in long term ownership up until recently. It remains in original unrestored condition, including its original factory fitted Dunlop K70 tyres. A very unique example of this rare late B40
BSA WD B40 Mk1 GR RAF
Make and Model: BSA B40
Year of manufacture: 1970
Military Reg no: 37 AX 99
Dispatch date: 24/06/1970 CVD Ashchurch.
Military History:
This GR was built under Contract WV9274 (14 Machines) This was the last of four such contracts for 135 RAF Police Escort Motorcycles.
16/12/1970 – Issued to the RAF
31/12/1970 – Issued to, and on charge with RAF Germany . Held in Storage at 431 Maintenance Unit , RAF Bruggen, Germany.
16/06/1977 – Issued to and on charge with, RAF Gutersloh, Germany.
11/09/1980 – Struck off charge at RAF Gutersloh, Germany and returned to the UK RAOC Ruddington.
Civilian History:
This GR has been known to me since 2009. Its previous owners have been in Norfolk, Huntingdonshire, Wales, Herefordshire, Shropshire, Yorkshire and now finally back with me into East Anglia again.
However, I finally purchased in November 2019 partially restored/built, so it has laid languishing in the garage until this year (2025), where it is nearly finished and ready for the road. – I will not be fitting the full Police Escort fairing etc as it takes up to much space in the garage, but is retained for potential later fitment.
BSA WM20
Make and Model: BSA WM20
Year of manufacture: 1942
Military Reg no: 90 YC 61
Dispatch date: 28/09/1942
Military History:
Info to follow
Civilian History:
Info to follow
BSA C15
Make and Model: BSA C15
Year of manufacture: 1961
Dispatch date: 15/08/1961 – Hallet of Canterbury, Kent
Civilian History:
Info to follow
BSA A7 SS
Make and Model: BSA A7 SS
Year of manufacture: 1960
Dispatch date: 08/02/1960 – Bob Foster – Dorset (Ex TT Rider)
Civilian History:
To follow