restoration BSA Para Bike & BSA War Time Finish Bicycles

A few years back I bought a BSA Para bike which was all original but in a poor state so I had everything shot blasted & then painted in Brown (right or wrong ?) to match the 1942 RAF AM Air Ministry light which I have fitted to it because 3 of my vehicles are RAF.

Its stood in my spare room for years but I might get round to assembling it while I'm off :-D

Next bike I bought was a 'brand new' Ladies 'War Time Finish' bought at an auction after it was found in a house loft of a deceased estate.

Same wheels, handle bar grips, War Grade tyres, & other parts as the Para bike which is why I suspect not many survive, note the wooden pedals which are like new & unworn.

Next one I found was a mans 'War time Finish' in used condition but complete.

It also uses the same Wheels, Tyres, Brakes, Cables, Handle Bar, Levers & 40 model Saddle as the Para Bike which is why this is the only one I've found so far.

The bike is complete & awaiting assembly, this bike also has wooden pedals.

Next one is a Ladies 'War Time Finish' with rod brakes, this is in a very poor state & did have the saddle / chain guard missing but I now have them.

Note none of these bikes have any chrome & no rear reflector.

Last one for now is a Ladies Rod Brake BSA / Hercules ? 'safety model' identical in every respect to the BSA but badged Hercules, were they the same company & was this badge engineering like 'Austin & Morris' ?

At the moment its missing the correct front wheel but I have one on its way from Brighton

My main interest is in motorcycles but this thread has excited me, some very nice original cycles Ian. I now have a new interest.

Steve

My main interest is in motorcycles but this thread has excited me, some very nice original cycles Ian. I now have a new interest.

 

Steve

Hi Steve thanks for thumbs up :thumbsup: if your really interested PM me your email address & contact number & when one comes up in your neck of the woods I will give you the nod.

I've turned quite a few down as the sellers wont post or let me a arrange a courier & its too far to bother driving. Regards Ian

There is no mention of these bikes or frame numbers anywhere as far as my investigation has found.

This is the BSA frame dating from the old bike museum which lists only para bikes.

http://www.oldbike.eu/museum/1930s/1939-2/1939-bsa-opperman-gold-special-model-985/bsa-frame-serial-numbers-dating/

VERY nice selection of bicycles! I like the look of Parabikes, & have owned three over the years. However, they LOOK very nice. But they are most uncomfortable to ride I found! If you have to turn the handlebars a bit wider than the 'Norm'. Your feet foul the front wheel I discovered! HARD work cross country with only one crank tooth set available as well! :-D

There is no mention of these bikes or frame numbers anywhere as far as my investigation has found.

This is the BSA frame dating from the old bike museum which lists only para bikes.

http://www.oldbike.eu/museum/1930s/1939-2/1939-bsa-opperman-gold-special-model-985/bsa-frame-serial-numbers-dating/

Have you tried this forum for help with dating the frames?

http://thecabe.com/forum/

Ian , Steve! The perfect combination of your interests. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SA_n8tDsYJM&app=desktop :cool2:

Ian , Steve! The perfect combination of your interests. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SA_n8tDsYJM&app=desktop :cool2:

:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

Saved another Men's BSA 'War Time Finish' bike yesterday in fantastic original condition plus period dynamo lighting & war grade tyres (seller fitted the modern saddle)

From my research this is early WW2 as it has rubber pedals & a lovely BSA headstock badge, later in the war they went to a BSA decal on the headstock & wooden pedals.

The reason these men's bikes are so rare is they are broken up for parts as the tyres, wheels, rear sprocket, brake levers, cables, handle bars grips & saddle are the same as the Para Bike.