OzVMX Forum

Marque Remarks => British (BSA, Greeves, Triumph etc) => Topic started by: Mark Austin on April 05, 2008, 11:26:59 am

Title: BSA B31 1949
Post by: Mark Austin on April 05, 2008, 11:26:59 am

Hi lads,

I'm thinking of buying a BSA B31 1949 model - its a road bike. Its a runner, but I'm not sure of its condition.
Does anyone know much about them and can offer some advice?

I think it looks a bit like this:
(http://www.vintagebike.co.uk/Bike%20Directories/BSA%20Bikes/images/BSA-ZB31-51.jpg)

Cheers,
Mark.

Title: Re: BSA B31 1949
Post by: matcho mick on April 08, 2008, 10:50:12 pm

G'day Mark,fwiw,B series motors are generally pretty good,solid,mainly dependable,no probs with spares (if you need them),not too familiar with plunger rear beezers,later s/arms better,it's the earlier box too,M20/21 s/valves used them too, multi spring clutch was pretty awful,(but still works ok i guess),guess it depends on $ asked?,hths?,cheers Mick

Title: Re: BSA B31 1949
Post by: firko on April 08, 2008, 11:09:07 pm

A lot of these old B31 Beezas were put on a methanol diet and used for short circuit in the 60s before the average bloke could afford a JAP and before Jawa/ESOs were freely available. They were as reliable as a slant six Valiant and despite their weight and lack of sophistication could be made to perform pretty well.
A mate of mine had a bike very similar to the one pictured a few years ago which he had on club rego and used it for rallies and such. It never let him down to my knowledge and I can remember riding it out to Amaroo Park for the 6 Hour race one year while he rode his Goldy. It drew a bit of attention from old blokes with fond memories of riding them in the 50s.
In conclusion they're nothing exciting but are good, solid old buggers that can take a fair bit of abuse.

Title: Re: BSA B31 1949
Post by: Tim754 on April 08, 2008, 11:18:12 pm

Ditto above relaxed fun. The clutch can be fitted with a kit from England that is worlds better too. Tim

Title: Re: BSA B31 1949
Post by: subanator on April 10, 2008, 11:10:58 pm

Quote from: Tim754 on April 08, 2008, 11:18:12 pm

Ditto above relaxed fun. The clutch can be fitted with a kit from England that is worlds better too. Tim

Any info or brand to search for this kit, or related web page?
That kit would also suit my M23.

Title: Re: BSA B31 1949
Post by: Tim754 on April 11, 2008, 05:10:29 pm

Umm .. been searching for it... remember I found it using "Google"  on a British based web site about Classic road racers ?.... thinking thinking...I later saw one on ebay and got it for 22.00 pommie pounds ....No I do not have it now... Tim   Thinking thinking...