History of my Bike

Manufactured in a batch in 1971 which were destined for service in Canada with the Police Force it was exported in 1972. Fitted with a large steel tank which may have been due to the type of work it would used for, it also has a centre stand which was not standard for the B50SS ( the parts list shows it as an optional extra) although the frame had mounting lugs fitted as standard. The rims on the wheels were manufactured by Jones, which I am informed were not the normal manufacturer and may have been due to cash flow problems at the time of manufacture. Returning to England in 1993 it was a desirable mount for conversion to Trail or Road Racing, but the owner (who used to be mechanic to John Banks) felt that it was wrong to allow it to go in this way as there are few of the Street Scramblers left on the road in this country. It was registered road worthy in 1997 and had done about 500 miles on the road when I purchased it.

Purchased the BSA B50SS on the 20th February 1999 and although it was road worthy there was quite a bit of restoration required. The seat was most noticeable, but other aspects included the wiring which had been done using two colours or sheaving with masking tape labels. The back wheel rim was corroding and the brake anchor plates both needed cleaning up. The electrical control box was not mounted correctly (note the angle at the front) and the rear light unit was held in place by 'tie wraps'. The Speedometer is wrong for this bike and balances precariously in it's rubber housing, so this will be replaced and a tachometer fitted at the same time.

In May 1999 after some work. May 1999 and the bike is looking a lot better. A new wiring loom has been made using the correct colour coded wires and the control box has been secured properly after cleaning up. A new saddle has been fitted and the rear light unit has now been modified to bolt onto the mudguard. Problems with the tick-over have been rectified by fitting a new carb and air filter as the one on the bike was out of a set for a Triumph Trident. The bike is now safe to ride and runs well.

July 1999, The brake anchor plates, both front and rear have been removed and polished up. This was done using varying grades of emery cloth, before polishing with The bike as it looked in November 1999 buffing wheels. The rear spring and damper units have been replaced with Hagon units which not only enhance the looks, but also the handling of the bike. The sump guard has had to have new lugs made as they had fractured and left the guard flapping. Next on the list is new tyres which may not enhance the looks, but should show benefit when on the road.