BSA B31 1947

[@oldergeologist]

The sound brought back memories of when I was 18 in Melbourne a long time ago. The weather was similar too! I had the plunger frame model. The front down tube broke and being young and stupid we tried to braze it, of course that didn’t last. I ended up riding with three coat hangers holding it together. Even so I loved that machine.

[@sgch101]

I know what you mean. It’s funny how you can get quite attached to some of these machines.

[@beowulf5982]

I loved the sound of this old single and whilst watching the video am sure i could feel the vibration too..Many thanks for sharing. Best wishes.

[@sgch101]

We'll make another similar film in the next few months, with a better soundtrack! Some of the "whine" on the current film was due to the microphone vibrating on the rear rack of the bike (everything vibrates!).

[@daddybob6096]

Mine must have been a later model, the speedo was a Smiths on the handle bars. I bought it second hand about 1957 when I was 17. I'm now 77. It had a bad habit of spitting back through the carb when kicking it over, caught fire once but we managed to beat it out with a sack. I graduated to a B33 about a year later, huge difference power wise. Loved the BSAs also road AJS and Thunderbirds later in my life as a traffic policeman. Bob New Zealand.

[@sgch101]

+Daddybob It sounds like yours was slightly later, Bob. The speedo moved to the handlebars after 1948, which would have made the tanks cheaper to produce, I guess. Interesting to hear about the better performance of the B33 as I've never had a go on one of those. I'm now wondering if I should add a sack to the toolkit... Great to hear from New Zealand - this internet thingy never ceases to amaze! Simon

[@williamnethercott4364]

Gorgeous bike. I used to have a 1961 Triumph 3TA years ago and I still miss her. Your B31 looks and sounds excellent.

[@sgch101]

Glad you enjoyed the little film. Thanks for the kind comments!

[@richardpope3063]

Hello Simon. Enjoy re-watching this ride. Great when equipped with tools specific to the B31 for rapid servicing. I remember raising the saddle on mine, giving benefits; vision and knee angle. My present follie is thinking of using a 350 B26 engine in a 1951 ZC11S4 springer, for a short wheelbase with very eager power, tough gearbox, and spring heel. PS the Yorkshire road has the essential features for the smaller M/Cs... lumpyness, various cambers, puddles, and so on. Best wishes.

[@sgch101]

Thanks for the comments Richard!

[@yudistirardn]

It was fun, With countryside & old bike BSA, i'm really needed ❤

[@Phinkinfurmiself]

Looks like you are enjoying yourself, the bike sounds fantastic. I too have a B31 1951 love it!

[@sgch101]

Yes, it's great fun to ride. I saw your films which spurred me on to have a go with mine!

[@sgch101]

Hi Richard, Good to hear from NZ - looks like you have some lovely riding routes there! The lifting handle sounds good - mine can be a pig to put on the centre stand, especially if there's a load on the rear rack!

[@richardpope3063]

Hello, NZ calling. I enjoyed the ride commentary and chatty music. The XB32.945 was mine for 12 years, a great little tractor, nicknamed "greenfly". A lifting handle a-la C11 springer, and the aircleaner elbow were the bee's knees in add-ons.

[@piearm1271]

A very nice bike, ridden with panache and sympathy, nice rewarding and engaging ride.

[@lotnylotny671]

B6344...the nightmare of truck drivers, but for the old motorcycle such roads are the best :)

[@Wooley689]

Great video, thanks for some inspiration.

[@sgch101]

Glad you enjoyed it. Cheers, Simon.

[@johnturnbull5103]

lol been up and down that stretch of road a few hundred times

[@FerdyAchmad]

idolaaa

[@enharmonia]

Très belle vidéo!!!

[@sgch101]

+enharmonia C'est très gentil - Merci beaucoup.

[@richardpope3063]

Merry Christmas Simon. Do you plan to ride during this winter?

[@sgch101]

Hi Richard, Normally I would take the B31 for a few rides in the winter but, with the current COVID restrictions I’ll keep it in the garage and try and sort out a little oil leak at the cylinder head! Have a good 2021, Simon.

[@MartynStubbsTBS]

What engine oil can you use please?

[@sgch101]

Monograde without detergents - SAE40 in the summer and SAE30 in the winter.

[@MartynStubbsTBS]

@@sgch101 wow thankyou

[@1212tomcat]

Duckems 20x50 was what I used.

[@tedelliott4577]

I have the 1948 rigid frame and love it. Now the 3rd gear has disappeared but it will be sorted very soon.