BSA B31 1949

[Mark Austin]

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:


Cheers,
Mark.

[matcho mick]

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

[firko]

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.

[Tim754]

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

[subanator]

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.

[Tim754]

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...