This 1913 BSA Model K veteran flat tank motorcycle belongs to some friends. They have had it in the family for many years. It sits alongside a few other early motorcycles. However, this one is used regularly.
To my knowledge, this motorcycle has completed 13 London-Brighton Pioneer runs. It runs very well, but needs a little encouragement when starting from hot. I suppose most of us would be the same if we made it to be 111 years old.
BSA Models H & K were widely used in WW1 as despatch rider transport for both the Australian & British military. BSA supplied an optional sidecar (model 2) for passenger transportation.
A little history of the early BSA years
The Birmingham Small Arms Company began experimenting with powered two-wheelers prior to 1900. Like many bicycle manufacturers, they were quick to catch onto the latest craze of bicycle frames being powered by a combustion engine. Development of these machines was rapid up to around 1910, when machines began to appear in production that we now recognise as motorcycles.
The first motorcycles made by BSA in the early 20th Century were powered by Minerva engines. Around 1910, BSA introduced a motorcycle that was completely designed and manufactured by themselves.
WATCH Video – BSA Model K motorcycle
By 1912, BSA had settled on a simple model designation, beginning with the Model A.
The Model A had a fixed engine with 3½ hp, 2 Speed, 500cc.
The Model B had a free engine. The Model C was supplied with a two-speed free engine.
The Model D was called the “Tourist Trophy” and was a short wheel base frame.
In 1913 the models A, B, C, D and E were all available in France, along with 3 models of Duco sidecars. For the observant, I say that the featured model K in the video is a 1913 motorcycle. That’s because it is listed as that on all of the documents, including the Pioneer Certificate. As I recall, most manufacturers ran model years from September on year through to August in the next year.
In 1914 BSA produced two models. One with 3½ hp 2 Speed 499cc and one with 557cc 4.25 hp 3 Speed, Chain Drive.
For 1915 the choice continued between the 85×88 3.5 H.P. model and the 85×98 4.5 H.P. model.
The 4.5 H.P. machine was offered as being especially suitable for sidecar work. It also had the 3-speed BSA gearbox with foot controlled clutch that was introduced in 1914. It also had a double barrel BSA carburettor. (Note that the machine in the video also has the double-barrel BSA carburettor)
Both of these models could be bought in chain-cum-belt version or in all chain drive with encased chains. The latter would have cost you a little more.
By 1916 the Model K 557cc 4.25 hp had Chain & Belt Drive with 3 Speed gears. Model K production ceased in 1916 but resumed after the war and continued into the 1920s.
About the BSA Model K veteran flat tank motorcycle
The first model to have the marque’s green and cream fuel tank colours was initially supplied with a 499cc (3.5 H.P) side valve single cylinder engine with just a single speed. Drive to the rear wheel was through the typical belt-drive.
Later on, the BSA Model K veteran flat tank motorcycle was supplied with a three-speed countershaft gearbox, as in the model shown here.
The BSA Model K veteran flat tank motorcycle was such a success that they decided to make a more robust model with a larger capacity engine. The Model H started life in 1914 and ran right through into the early 1920’s. The frame tubes were stronger. The forks were certainly more robust. It had a 3-speed gearbox like the Model K but also had chain drive.
Spare parts for your pioneer / vintage / veteran motorcycle
If you are looking to buy some early BSA motorcycle parts, please see my current selection of BSA spares, or view the Pre-1915 selection of parts. For motorcycles between 1915 and 1930, view this selection.
If you are not already a member, you can gain access to a great deal of information through the BSA marque specialists within the VMCC. Please consider joining the Vintage Motorcycle Club.
