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.
WD B40 Mk2 M (Jordanian Army)
Make and Model: BSA B40 M
Year of manufacture: 1968
Military Reg no:
Dispatch date: Jordanian Army – 21/02/1968
Military History:
This MK2 Military model is one of the 200 machines delivered to the Jordanian Army.
Detailed info still under research
Civilian History:
Restoration is now moving forward – The engine has been fully rebuilt by the legendary Dave Smith (AKA Rupert Ratio) not only has Dave rebuilt this to his meticulous standards, but the motor has been fitted with a SS90 camshaft and piston and a big valve cylinder head which has been gas flowed by Dave himself – Nice inlet port Dave!!!
The build is now underway with a target date of Spring/Summer 2025