BSA first experimented with powered two-wheelers in 1905 using a standard-type bicycle. This first BSA motorcycle used a proprietary engine - probably the Belgian Minerva - clipped to the front down-tube, but it was not until 1910 that the firm introduced a model entirely of its own design and manufacture. This was produced, not at the famous Small Heath works in Birmingham, but at the old Eadie Manufacturing Company factory in Redditch, which had been acquired in 1908. Displayed at the 1910 Olympia Show, the first series-production motorcycle to feature the marque's distinctive green and cream tank colours was a 499cc (3½hp) sidevalve single, which was built initially with single-speed, belt-drive transmission and later on with a three-speed countershaft gearbox. Well engineered and equally well made, this first BSA proved an enormous success and changed little over the next few years, though for 1912 a two-speed hub gear was available together with an all chain drive model suitable for sidecar work. Correspondence on file indicates that this 3½hp hub-geared BSA was restored by the Sammy Miller Museum circa 1988; re-commissioning will be required before further use and thus the machine is sold strictly as viewed. There is no registration document with this Lot.
BSA first experimented with powered two-wheelers in 1905 using a standard-type bicycle. This first BSA motorcycle used a proprietary engine - probably the Belgian Minerva - clipped to the front down-tube, but it was not until 1910 that the firm introduced a model entirely of its own design and manufacture. This was produced, not at the famous Small Heath works in Birmingham, but at the old Eadie Manufacturing Company factory in Redditch, which had been acquired in 1908. Displayed at the 1910 Olympia Show, the first series-production motorcycle to feature the marque's distinctive green and cream tank colours was a 499cc (3½hp) sidevalve single, which was built initially with single-speed, belt-drive transmission and later on with a three-speed countershaft gearbox. Well engineered and equally well made, this first BSA proved an enormous success and changed little over the next few years, though for 1912 a two-speed hub gear was available together with an all chain drive model suitable for sidecar work. Correspondence on file indicates that this 3½hp hub-geared BSA was restored by the Sammy Miller Museum circa 1988; re-commissioning will be required before further use and thus the machine is sold strictly as viewed. There is no registration document with this Lot.
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
