Although my 1936 project is still my priority, in the meantime I am also busy with a couple of other projects.
1922 H2
In progress
This is how it came to me. Quite a few rare bits were missing like the original BSA carburettor, the handlebars, foot boards, rear brake pedal to name a few. I have made some progress and I have been able to get it running, but there is still a long way to go.
Done
- Found missing parts like the original BSA carburettor, pattern handlebars, pattern foot boards, original rear brake pedal, pattern levers and Lucas #60 bulb horn.
- Made progress and got it running.
- Had pattern and original levers nickel plated and petrol tabnk repaird and repainted.
To do
- Source missing original parts gear link rod, rear brake rod, carbide head lamp, carbide generator and fit rear carbide lamp.
- Repair front mudguard and fit a leather mudflap and repair leatherwork toolboxes.
- Continue restoration and refinement work.
Notes
- Focus is on originality and hard-to-find period-correct parts.
W33-9 Special
Under restoration
This bike belonged to a friend of mine, who has passed away unfortunately. I was able to buy 2 of his projects and all of his parts. It was half built when I got it and by now I have taken the build a little further. I am now in the process of making new parts for it.
Done
- Took the build further from half-built state.
To do
- Manufacture new parts needed to complete the build.
- Continue assembly and testing.
Notes
- A sentimental project with provenance.
J34-11
Parts sourcing
I found this J34-11 in France. It was fitted with a 1936 engine. It did start but it didn’t run well. I took it apart; repairs took longer than expected due to previous-owner damage. I am still looking for correct crankcases. I found the correct open valve top ends but these need repairs. The frame is in primer awaiting a dry build.
Done
- Bike sourced (France), assessed and dismantled.
- Correct open valve top ends found (need repairs).
- Found correct crankcases (need repairs).
- Found NOS rear hub and brake drum.
- Frame in primer awaiting dry build.
To do
- Repair open valve top ends.
- Repair crankcases.
- Proceed with dry build and alignment checks.
Notes
- Complex due to legacy damage and engine/case correctness.
1940 WD M20
Partly painted
I found this WD M20 in France. It is a matching engine and frame number bike. It still has quite a few rare bits fitted. Under the black paint the original colour showed (KG nr. 3). Currently it is partly painted. I still have to refurbish the forks. The engine and gearbox have been rebuilt.
Done
- Matching engine and frame numbers confirmed.
- Engine and gearbox rebuilt.
- Partly painted; original colour visible under black paint (KG nr. 3).
To do
- Refurbish the forks.
- Finish paint and final assembly.
Notes
- Possibly a Dunkirk survivor (never rebuilt, no divisional markings) — intriguing history angle.
1934 War Office Twin
Needs technical attention
Bought at an auction. Cosmetically repaired but requires technical attention. Designed and produced for the War Office in 1933 and accepted after modifications. Also known as the War Department Twin. I am changing the exhaust system; rear exhaust pipe is a poor fit and silencers have no brackets. The petrol tank is leaking. Bowden cables were fitted incorrectly bypassing the ignition grip. Valve lifter lever was used as ignition advance; valve lifter not connected.
Done
- Cosmetic work done previously (needs technical sorting).
To do
- Correct exhaust system fitment and add proper brackets.
- Repair leaking petrol tank.
- Re-route Bowden cables correctly (restore ignition grip function).
- Reconnect valve lifter and correct ignition advance control.
- Get it running reliably.
Notes
- You can copy exhaust attachment details from your J12 with original system.
Discover my other restoration projects of BSA 1930s motorcycles, other than 1936, featuring the starting point and the current status.