BSA Bantam powered Wassell 175 trials bike - my machine discussed.

This machine has featured in a few of my videos over the recent years, usually being ridden in the woods in the company of friends, or around the lanes when there has been snow. However, it turns out there are some who would like to know more about the machine itself, so here is what I know about it.

[@richardcross7633]

Had a Sachs engined version for years, nice little machine.

[@vincejones3872]

Hi Paul. I believe that the big diameter pipe was just a coller screwed to a standsrd barrel! Love the vid's. All the best.

[@paulhenshaw4514]

Thanks, Vince!

[@bobmurphy9380]

Hi Paul - interestingly today someone who deals in supplying certificates to register bikes with DVLA had a look at my Wassell and said the way he reads my frame number is - 57 (or 67), is probably the year it was made and its number 50. The WF is obviously Wassell Frame and the B at the end is Bantam. Hope he is right!

[@michaelhawke1245]

Hi Paul Was at college with one of the Wassells in the 70's.He used to turn up on one of these now and again and do tricks and jumps in the car park.He said they had a few unsold ones in the warehouse we could have for trade.Needless to say we were all skint and noone bought one.

[@paulhenshaw4514]

Hi Michael, that's interesting - thanks for sharing!

[@shug831]

Thanks for the rundown on the specification. A neighbour of mine bought a BSA trials bike second hand around 1977, couldn't get the thing to run. I would have loved to get it but I was only 14 then and had little to spend. Ah sweet memories.

[@Mr39knuck]

Hi Paul, thank you I always enjoy your commentary. Glad you kept the bike in the family. I hope your Dad did not gouge you on the selling price.

[@hermangibbs8163]

Thanks Paul.

[@morrisminor56]

Thanks for that.

[@paulfloyd228]

My June 68' D14/4 has an engine number in the 8000 range so your motor must predate that , Tim Randles the dating officer of the BSA Bantam Club should be able to tell you exactly when it was made and who it was shipped to. Great videos btw!

[@paulhenshaw4514]

Thanks, Paul!

[@davidwilliamson9162]

Thank you for posting this Paul I was aware ov wassle making bars n cables ect in the 70s but never knew about the bikes,wonder if they made anything else?

[@TriumphBeezaman]

Seem to remember them sold as kit form to take 125/175 Bantam engine then not long after selling complete machines with Sachs 125 engine. I'm sure Wassell are still supplying parts for British bikes but for the trade only in Lincoln.

[@mickbrown8249]

Had Sachs Sprite 125 trails70' 73' Great bike ..photo only now, red Fiber Glass tank..

[@philmuskett265]

I had a DOT with a Villiers motor. Constantly oiling the plug up.

[@bobmurphy9380]

Hi Paul, I got a Bantam D14/4 Wassell but can't find which number it is, I have the frame number WF 8750/B (or it could be 6750). I'm guessing the WF stands for Wassell Frame.

[@paulhenshaw4514]

Hi Bob, I will see if I can get a look at mine tomorrow, the number on mine is on the headstock.

[@bobmurphy9380]

@@paulhenshaw4514 Hi Paul - did you find where the number is on the frame. I love to find out what number mine is.

[@jonathanjenkins4867]

Hey paul,what about the dent in the tank ? Fun in the snow perhaps 😁

[@bananabrooks3836]

I'd have to rectify that tank dent if it were mine.

[@paulhenshaw4514]

All part of it's history, don't remember how it happened now.

[@juanzero5398]

What forks are you using and do they fit a D10 ? Or do you know of any front ends that would fit a D10 please?

[@paulhenshaw4514]

The Wassell has Metal Profiles forks.

[@shaz2shaz7]

hi paul, i know this vid is a few months old now but i wanted to know does this have the original aloy air collector box, if so would it be possible to give me dimensions, so i can fabricate one, also im trying to source the original silencer any help would be great, there is a vid of my bike on my channell thanx mick.

[@paulhenshaw4514]

Hi - it might be a while before I can answer that in any detail, but there is a rather crude, hopper shaped device between the side panels, connected to the carb on mine.

[@shaz2shaz7]

@@paulhenshaw4514 thanks paul it sounds like it the original should look like a upside down triangle with the replaceable filter mounted on top, i have the original brochure with all the parts listed and pics, i can send you a pic of the airbox, if it helps, thanx mick.