6 Best Low Cost Classic BSA Motorcycles To Buy

In this video our friend Dave Mitchell, from Mitchell's Classics, tells us his best low cost classic BSA motorcycles to buy now. These recommendations are based on Dave's experience and the bikes he's owned himself.
// FOR ALL CHANNEL ENQUIRIES (INCLUDING SPONSORSHIP AND ADVERTISING) please contact Alex Rollings - [e-mail]
// ABOUT THE CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE CHANNEL
The Classic Motorcycle Channel is for people who love classic, vintage and antique motorcycles. We are passionate about classic motorcycles and produce high quality motorcycle profile videos, restoration videos, restorer profile videos and also anything that takes our interest.
// CHANNEL PARTNERS
- John Oakes. John is a classic motorcycle enthusiast, rider and restorer and works closely with us on all our video content.
Instagram: @classicbikeman
- Dave Mitchell. Dave owns and runs a classic motorcycle workshop called Mitchell's Classics.
Website: www.mitchellsclassics.co.uk
// A BIG THANK YOU TO
- Dave Mitchell for taking the time to film with us on the day.
Website: www.mitchellsclassics.co.uk
- Steve Glover for the majority of the BSA photographs included in this video.
Check Steve's work out on his Flickr page here: www.flickr.com/photos/sg2012
// PHOTO AND VIDEO CREDITS
- BSA C25 Barracuda - Geni - no changes
commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi...
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- BSA C25 Starfire - Ronald Saunders - no changes
flic.kr/p/8V3hwh
creativecommons.org/licenses/...
- BSA C15 Trials - Craig Howell - no changes
commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi...
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- BSA M20 engine - Yesterdays Antique Motorcycles - no changes
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#bsamotorcycles
#bsaisback

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

If you like this video, you might also like our playlist on sales, auctions and prices where we have a lot of similar videos: kzbin.info/aero/PLLaaC3JrqSLA1o1L2riSGhIbsiy3f-f4w

[@richardortiz8704]

High maintenance all in these parts 〽️〽️〽️〽️〽️ unreliable

[@JR-bj3uf]

Get the A50. BSA suffered from the desire for more power. The 500 didn't stress the engine's internals and they were much more reliable if not a little lack luster. I was a British bike mechanic back in the 70s and 80s and this was an observation of mine. The more performance related a BSA twin the more issue it had.

[@Comm0ut]

That goes for others too. The 500 was perhaps the ideal Triumph twin displacement. (Shame about the shifter plate, mine like many tried to go into two gears at once with predictable results...)

[@robleary3353]

When I was 17 in the early 80's I wanted a motorbike. I bought a derelict BSA Bantam D3 swing arm for eighty quid. Dad and I rebuilt it (basic restoration). I'm in my 50's now and still have it (albeit in pieces, trying to restore it properly). Lovely little bike, perfect for a learner!.

[@ianwright3971]

No B31 and B33??....I can't imagine a list of good BSAs without them....

[@itchyvet]

I owned a 250 cc 1969 model Starfire, other than the oil leaks, was very happy with this bike. Even towed a Kawasaki 500 cc three cylinder two stroke for 300 K's after it broke down. Cost me set of sprockets and new chain and never saw the owner again. The Starfire never missed a beat during that trip. But the constant replacing of fouled points from the oil leak began to wear on me eventually, traded her in on a Honda 500cc 4 cylinder. Fantastic bike, not an oil leak tobe seen in the 200,000 miles I clocked up on that. It's only weakness was it's fuel consumption.

[@philwhitelaw3111]

You can never beat, or replicate, the sound of a british twin under load, roaring down the road. A polite rumble growing into a rasping growl at the turn of your wrist. Still gives me a thrill after 30 years owning one.

[@Uppercut314]

ABSOLUTELY 💯. bought my first Beezer in 1971. A 1969 A65 650 cc Firebird Scrambler I was 17 and from that point on, I never looked back! If you maintain these beautiful machines, know how to keep them tuned, ( and I learned quickly 👍 ) trust me, they will respond and give you the SMILE FACTOR for years to come. Note: It also didn't hurt that I ended up swapping out the stock cam for a Flat Track version 🤷, which turned it into a real MONSTER there after.. Cheers 😁

[@columbmurray]

Sounds like my former wife.

[@jjrider6758]

Great to see Dave again, it seems like a long while since we saw any of his videos, hope to see more soon.. This video has actually come in really handy for me as I'm currently looking for my first Beeza - I have always had Norton twins and AMC Heavyweight singles up until now but I fancy something a bit different from what I've already had but that isn't a Triumph ! - I'm thinking '56 or '57 A10 but I wouldn't say no to an A7.. Anyway, we'll see what pops up..!

[@johndonlon1611]

Angus Campbell can sure show you BSAs that have been totally thrashed before he got them. Check out his videos on the A70 restoration, especially the teardown. The engine was just savaged before he started working his magic. What Dave says here is gospel.

[@gavinspencer1796]

By far the best presenter on this channel. We want more of Dave. 😬

[@KB-uu4fy]

I took my motorcycle test in the army age 17 on a B40 in 1975. The whole army had them not just the Royal Signals. I did 1000’s of miles on one as a despatch rider and general duties in the RMP. Most regiments in the BAOR also had a cross country motorcycle team, and we had loads of competitions. I have a 1968 B25 Starfire, which my dad bought new, and a 1969 Lightning, which I have had 40 years. Both are original and used regularly. I am now umming and ahing about buying a 2022 BSA Goldstar……. Have heard good things on KZbin about them. Love your videos and have learned a lot, thanks 😊

[@bundook303]

Good to see you back Dave. I hope you have some more "projects" in store. Cheers!

[@steveadams8799]

Great video. Good to see you back Dave. Hopefully more workshop videos to follow.

[@ThePhatax]

So glad Dave is back! He’s so easy to watch! Very knowledgeable!

[@splodge5714]

Great to see Dave back. That was an enjoyable watch, look forward to some better weather and getting a ride on my Super Rocket. Wonderful bikes.

[@davemitchell2401]

Thanks Dave, I always enjoy watching this channel especially you working on or talking about classic bikes and not because we have the same name! :)

[@coobye]

Good to see Dave back.

[@valveman2898]

Nice one Dave, good to see you back

[@steveh2544]

Another ace video. 👍 And so many beautiful BSA motorcycles.

[@trevgreen9515]

Dave knows everything, I am inclined to open my ears !!

[@MotoTvWoodsFarm]

enjoyed watching some great advice

[@artyfarty87]

Some good insights in this video, thank you xoxo

[@rfmrs2506]

Thanks fo sharing your extensive knowledge, one of each would be great!

[@edwardm9227]

Amongst my biking mates when I started one had a B25 and two had the Starfire which I couldn't afford, ended up with a 58 Tiger Cub which I took to France and it rewarded me by seizing the big end!

[@michaellawrence5492]

Well grounded share of the BSA Thanks!

[@columbmurray]

I'm now 80 years. My first bike in 1968 was a Starfire B25. I enjoyed it much and went everywhere in the UK. When I passed my test I traded it in , on the never never costing an arm and a leg ,, for the new Norton Commando . Worse decision , a lot of trouble and being small I never 'fitted' the bike. Wished I'd just kept the Starfire. There's a lesson here somewhere.

[@Kevin-cy9cv]

I had a B40/SS90 when I was young, chrome mudguards, goldstar silencer, it was great. Until my friend traded in his D14 Bantam for a Triumph T90 I thought it was the best thing since sliced bread.

[@buxvan]

I had 2 SS90's in the 80's.

[@martinpye549]

c15 had a model called the sportsman, a version very rare and collectable. If you can find one, buy it. Was the sportier version. The A7SS is an absolute beauty, and you're bang on in regards to the a65. Terrific model. The earlier ones were more rounded and very pretty. Serviced regularly, they will last forever.

[@truethought369]

The C25, had high comp piston, & could be a bad starter. Change piston to power max 8.5 to 1, no more problems. Personally I liked the C11G plunger. It had a longer wheelbase than the C15 with a lower seating position. Also the old M21 side valve, with tall gearing would be great for runs. As you can tell by my choices, I have a few more years under my belt. Thanks for your run down of BSAs, we are happy as people have kept these old bikes going in for us to enjoy today. Thanks again, 🇬🇧🔧😀

[@charliecoutts3003]

Brilliant and sound advice. Thanks very much! 😀

[@glyn829]

Enjoyed watching 👍 good advice there I've a C15 there's just something about it I like , I'd love a bigger twin one day

[@buxvan]

Passed my test on a D14 in 1980, had a couple of SS90'S which were great, have owned my 1970 Royal Star 500 since 1982. (Have had no timing side bush problems & it used to get regularly thrashed) Never had a Goldie but I've got a Yamaha SR500 & an XT500 & what great bikes.

[@shingerz]

Great video im just running my a10 in after full rebuild ,these bikes handle brilliant for 62 year old im.out on it every chance i get can't fault it sounds great too ,shame you don't see many about maybe that's why I get a lot of strange looks when out on it 👍

[@Johnkels100]

Hi Dave Great to see you have developed your passion. C15 M21 memories. 😄

[@precbsfender]

My first bike was a 1969 BSA 441 Victor special, great little thumper, always got me to where I was going without failure..

[@jamesfanning5279]

This video is the story of my biking life. Started on a second hand '67 model D10 Bantam which I had for six months covering 5000 miles round the country (totally reliable and easy to work on) , then bought a brand spanking new B25 Gold Star 250 on which passed my test in 1972 , then it was a '67 A65 Lightning 650 (reliable and rugged machine) and today a few decades later it's a genuine '62 A10 Rocket Gold Star in clubman trim for which I paid an eye watering sum but which provides huge enjoyment recreating those good old ton-up cafe racer days ! Despite three '70s decade Norton Commandos , a '59 G12 Matchless 650 , a modern Donington Norton 961 Commando and an Egli-Vincent along the way , always loved my BSAs.

[@rayfoster6980]

On my first day as a mechanic at the Triumph, BMW, dealership I had to help cut up and throw in the dumpster2 BMW Isettas and a pair of BSA Bantams.

[@pauliebots]

Hey Dave! We are in the middle of a nor'easter here on Long Island dumping over a foot of snow on us. Good to see this vid come up. I had no idea how many models BSA had. I'm a triumph man myself. Replica? Also new to me. Beautiful bikes, beautiful video! Thanks guys!

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Hey Paulie, yeah, a replica's where people make a bike from separate chassis and engine. It's a thing over here, you might have another term for it over there. Thanks for your support! Alex (Dave sees the comments)

[@johnmarsh2078]

For a single I always fancied the BSA 441 Shooting Star. Roller bottom end and TLS front brake. The power egg A50/A65 is a nice motor in single carb guise. Had both and never had the fabled timing side main bearing rumble. I'm sure it was because I changed the oil every month or 1000 miles. I got oil for free in the 70s.

[@jonallaway2002]

C15s are great (so are A10s). The C15G is the best one, if you can find one. Roller bearing, large journal big end, proper ball timing side bearing and end-fed crankshaft, points on the side. The C15SS80 was also a good one - as fast as the '80' claimed and with surprising acceleration.

[@grahamclarke1319]

Thanks for a really interesting informative video Dave. i owned a A65 Thunderbolt with a Watsonian double adult sidecar but unfortunately sold the outfit back in 85. Im now toying with the idea of trying to get hold of one again preferably with a sidecar . Really miss the sound of that lovely engine.

[@carlarthur4442]

I had a 175 Bantam in the sixties the only thing that killed it was someone pulled out on me and that was the end of that . My cousin had a D1 . Great info 👍

[@lindsaymcpherson4744]

Great video excellent advice the 1000cc G14 1937 is a favorite !!!

[@rafaelpelizza5757]

Que buen video como siempre..saludos Rafa de mardel plata Argentina

[@EnglishVeteran]

I owned a B31 in my youth. Never let me down. Another good bike I’d say?

[@andrewkitchenuk]

Same. Cruised 2 up at 60 all days and had no problems in 3 years of ownership.

[@raymondlerat425]

I owned a B31 when I Was seventeen years old....in the Middle of the seventies...Perfect bike reliable..easy to ride every day...

[@davebarrowcliffe1289]

20 years from now, who's going to look after these fabulous machines?

[@helenloughton2418]

Had 3 bsa b31s lovely reliable bikes.a7ss nice machines a a500 good.bushman bantam was OK.c25 barracuda loved it but constant fettling .my advice any pre unit bsa is a great bike.

[@billconnor103]

Love watching hope it all continues bill near Durham

[@bobmurphy5966]

Had a few different BSA's over the years, worst I had were the C15's, I could never get them ticking over properly. The best is what I'm riding now B31, it never fails and can ride for miles without any issue.

[@magni1200]

Good summary. I had a 59 D7, 67 Thunderbolt and 36(?) M20 with girder forks and no rear suspension. Just thought I should say that the M20 did not like being ridden hard. It would seize if kept at 60mph for more than a few minutes. Just kept it at around 50 after the first couple of surprises :-0 Stripped and rebuilt both the D7 and M20. Easy to work on.

[@michaelwhite8031]

Great video. I don't own a bike, but would love one of those .

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Right on Michael, thanks for watching the video :)

[@piersmarchington]

Great video, would it be possible to do some more in depth buying guides. Especially the M20 ;) thanks

[@7CAJONEZ]

The unit construction twins had small crank bearings and also were criticized for sloppy tolerances because BSA machine tools were worn out. Don't know. They just brought back the Goldstar in India but.....it is nothing like the DB34GS that I had. Wonderful thumper.

[@rexstewart6111]

I had a C15 myself at age of 17. Loved the bike.

[@Richard-pe4cx]

so did i , a c15 star

[@dorseyjack3206]

@@Richard-pe4cx I had an A7 Shooting Star at the time but my friend had a c15 it was a good bike. We used to call them Cfa's

[@PhilbyFavourites]

I must be five years younger, I had a 1976 Kawasaki KH250. A friend had a C15 because his dad said he wouldn’t help him buy Japanese. In my Dad’s defence he had an A10 with sidecar… Depending which side of the fence you fell when you were 17 defined what you rode and lusted after for the rest of your life. 1250GS in the garage now and almost every biking itch has been well and truly scratched, including Harleys one of which was the ‘73 Electraglide I drew on my school books. Never meet your hero’s……..

[@rexstewart6111]

@Phil B I had to sell my bikes when the family was young there was a KH250 sat at the side of a house I used to pass so I asked about it and got it as a non runner very cheap. I enjoyed that bike very much.

[@PhilbyFavourites]

@@rexstewart6111 hi Rex, glad you had a good time on it. I got mine at 17 in the hot summer of 76 and followed behind my parents car on it when we went on a family trip from Portsmouth to Carlisle then Glasgow all via the A roads as I wasn’t to pass my test until the October of that year. My overriding memories are that it took nearly 50 miles of running for it to stop smoking puffing blue smoke and running clean (by about Newbury). I was covered head to foot in insects after the first day’s run to Carlisle (that doesn’t happen now - where are the insects) and finally the South of England was burnt to a straw coloured crisp. All of Carlisle was verdant green…. Glad I’m still a southerner with a bike 🤓🤓. Where do your KH take you?

[@julianburgess6947]

I had a BSA Lightening.So unreliable, needed two major overhauls in 40,000 miles. One of the happiest days of my life was when I looked out the window and found it had been stolen. Julian

[@columbmurray]

Sad

[@garycb8592]

Still enjoying my 71 Lightning. It's really a bitsa T-Bolt lower, Lightning head. Other non stock parts.

[@dorseyjack3206]

I would love an old A7 Shooting Star.

[@57eleven1]

I had a 1967 Lightning given to me about 20 years ago as bonus for building a guys house. This was before all the barn find shows. We literally found it in a shed near the Atlanta prison downtown. He paid $500.00. I wasn’t a rider at the time and kept it for years but never got it running. It looked great but I was I too busy running a company so I sold it and I’ve regretted it since. I want to buy one. There’s one for sale in Colorado for $6,500. Seems like the going price for one in great shape. Are those fairly reliable? If I buy one I don’t want to be working on it all the time. I bought a 2013 T-100 Bonneville new and I’ve put 61,000 miles on it. The BSA style led me to the Triumph. I love it. Started riding at 51 years old. Better late then never lol Great video. Thx for sharing

[@charleshealy1307]

In the background, at the very beginning of this program, he had what looks like a triumph T160 Trident up on the stand. Now that is a motorcycle! The very pinnacle of that era of development, in my humble opinion.

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Yeah, we did a series on that bike, it was in a fairly bad state when it came to us. Thanks for watching Charles :)

[@londonglide]

Had a 1968 B25 when I was a lad. Pretty sure it wasn't a Starfire, it didn't have the Starfire side panels. Engine was rebuilt at a shop in Fulham, and I remember getting a train up to London, and carrying the engine back home on my own, in a cardboard box......

[@stevec7876]

Very interesting video, my late father had a 1960’s shooting star. I sold my last bike 2005, a fireblade. Now getting close to retirement thinking about following in the old mans footsteps. What do you reckon on a late shooting star please.

[@nathansealey6270]

Enjoyed watching it my great grandfather was a huge bsa fan until his death in the 1990s. & the A50-65’s were & still are hugely popular over in the states, they were used heavily in flat-track racing & sprint/drag racing as well as desert racing. They is still alot of information on performance modifications kicking about, the only real issue I have heard with these particular engines is crank end play from worn trust bearings. Bsa could easily be compared to Honda for reliability for its day.

[@richardcovello5367]

I heard they will chew up rod bearings if used for sustained highway speeds (60-70mph). Happened to a friend of mine- round trip from Niagara to Toronto & back (150 mi). Made it there, kacked on the way home.

[@claimnumber515]

My second bike was a BSA Bantam 125cc 1952. I paid 2 pounds for it. My first bike was a Corgi 98cc paratroupers bike which I swapped for an RAF pilots dingy I found on a dump. The Bantam started first time every time. I was only 9 years old. Happy days.

[@WilliamBHickock-kj4yy]

In the USA we call that putting lipstick on a pig 🐷!! Out of all the motorcycles I've owned and I had one I could get back, it would be the 1970 BSA A50 Royal Star 500.Those bikes also included a 1972 BSAA75 Rocket Three 750.

[@dr.andreww.mintojnr.1059]

Nice bikes and informative presentation. Could you comment (video, perhaps?) on the later BSA singles (early 70's b25 and b50 ranges)?

[@191895]

I have a B50SS, purchased new from Floyd Emde, a dealer in San Diego in 1973. At that time the end was near for BSA as a manufacturer, but they supported the bike during the warranty and I had a reliable bike. The B50 engine was strong; it had 3 main bearings on the lower end, larger crank pin, forged piston, shotpeened connecting rod, thicker cases, upgraded transmission bearing and gear cluster and a upgraded oil pump (shared with the big twins). In another words a much stronger engine than the B44 it was based on. Once the drill was established first kick starts were the norm. From what I have learned the total production of the B50 platforms was 5760 which make them somewhat rare. From what I have seen the final year(s) models of M/C made by BSA/Norton/Triumph were the best with the overdue upgrades installed, but it was too little, too late as we all know.

[@neophobiagarage1845]

Thanks for that ! Very good video. Always thought Moto Guzzi had the best sound.....🤔 hmmm.....

[@bharatc.sampat6406]

Wonderful

[@Mike40M]

Being a Norton man, my first BSA was a B34 Gold Star. Disappointing handling and hard to start. Then a B44 Victor Special which died in a barn fire after 13 years. Now has a B40WD and two B44VS. All runs well. Pleasant bikes but not suited for longer distances or hard cornering. For touring I prefer the Vincent and for track the Manx.

[@bsastarfire250]

I've got a Starfire , very pretty , bike and reliable if not thrashed.

[@stefanpaege2046]

I like the scene with the M20 speeding on a country lane… Only one question though: How long did it take you to reach that speed? (please specify in hours) 😀😃😄😁😆😅😂🤣

[@patrickdoake6022]

Last c15s had roller bearings 66 67 period reckoned to be best c15

[@wschell4023]

Hi. Love your channel and learn a lot. I’m hoping you can help me with my project. I’ve just acquired a 1957 Square Four. I’m in Canada so will have to source spares online for the most part. Can you help me locate any Ariel parts suppliers?

[@wideyxyz2271]

sage advice

[@nordland2235]

They sound soooo gooood.🙂

[@keithagn]

Please do more project bikes for us! Thank you! Regards from Canada

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Hi Keith, we did some filming with Dave this week actually. This video is over on our second channel and it's just a test for another style of video we have in mind, but we thought we'd share it with people. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iGXcXqOna7eNg7s

[@keithagn]

@@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel Great! Thank you, I will watch it as soon as I can!

[@jog7940]

I bought my son a restored 1968 BSA Bantam D14/4. Having problems starting it due to incorrect fuel mixture I believe. Any advice on getting mixture right would be appreciated. Thanks.

[@MyMax147]

1960 BSA A7 500 Classic, Extensively Rebuilt Engine With Bent L/H Valve Is this hard to fix, any idea of price to fix it or is it something I could do as a DIY Thanks

[@cameronrichardson3108]

Grandpa pal has a BSA rocket gold star clubman it’s gorgeous it will do 60mph in 1st gear 😂he’s done various period upgrades to it, I have a royal Enfield bullet 350 could never afford a BSA

[@Bananassking]

How about the 650 golden flash?

[@ianh.6825]

If you asked a child to draw a motorcycle, I think something that looked like the A50 / A65 would be the result. This isn't a criticism. I think they look great.

[@lindawilson813]

What about the A7 and B31 good alround bikes

[@dago_0730]

Newbie question. Were BSAs cheaper than Triumph or Norton, back then?

[@robertadams4415]

In my 20s I had a 650 thunder bolt thought it was a good bike

[@pm270100]

good ho got an old 53/54 A10 flashi need help to get her going

[@tinymotogarage]

How about a video like this but bikes to take on the track 🙂

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Good idea!

[@pedrothewise2584]

I got stopped on a Francis Barnet 150 plover only 15 no papers wasn't exactly a getaway bike.

[@andygato2452]

❤

[@MrPatch25]

what about the A7 shooting star 500

[@andrewpreston4127]

As I recall, from back in the day, late '60's and early '70's... I don't recall C15's being referred as 'strong bikes'. I do recall it being said that sooner or later, they would run their big ends. Which is exactly what happened with my 1962 C15. The later B25's and C25's, as they came out of the factory, were tuned to the point that they were just about hand grenades. ( Somewhere around 25 bhp, compared to the 15 bhp of the C15 ).

[@johnsmith5726]

What no A7 SS, you mean my pride and joy is not your pride and joy too, I am crestfallen to say the least. I think I will subscribe, just to teach you a lesson. :-)

[@needparalegal]

Being in the USA our only affordable vintage bikes are Harleys.

[@butlindsayforge5403]

Replaced dozens of those horrible timing side bushes in the sixties and ground the journals.on the twins.....put me off for life. Prefer a triumph or norton.

[@Richard-pe4cx]

would the A65/A50 be the last all new designed engine to come out of the UK before the collapse of the old bike manufacturers ?

[@Calvadoslash]

Never liked the looks of the unit BSA twins, reminded me of a Bantam on steroids. The pre units are much nicer in my view!

[@martincvitkovich724]

Thunderbolts Rule

[@ianmerrilees5707]

When I was eighteen I bought a BSA B40 SS 90 great bike until some idiot knocked me off it.

[@patrickdoake6022]

Shooting star 441cc, empire star 1930s bike?

[@markellott5620]

My first bike was a C15 SS. It was horrible. Had been used and abused, which wasn't the bikes fault. The cotter pin on the kickstart sheared on a regular basis and the points kept slipping round, which were design faults so something to watch for. If I was to buy a British classic again, I'd go for a pre unit model.

[@brendanoneill3]

Derry

[@brkirk2089]

🤔 Promo-SM.

[@TheBikerDodge]

So, buy a Bantam, sell it, lose money. Buy a C15, sell it, lose money. Buy a B40, sell it. lose money. Buy an A10, sell it, lose money. Buy the bike you want and put the money you would've lost into that.