Pre-bids

1970 BSA Saracen Bantam

Highlights

  • One-off bike, thought to be a development project from BSA's comp department
  • B175 Bushman engine with a one-of-eight transmission
  • Titanium swinging arm pin and front axle
  • Saracen frame built from Reynolds 531 tubing

The Appeal

Sometimes a bike arouses fascination thanks to its history. During the late 60s and early 70s, BSA were hard at work on all manner of trial bikes and projects, and one of them was this. Originally assembled by the BSA Competition Department as an experimental product, this was very specifically the work of BSA's prototype golden boy, Brian Martin - attempting to bring a 'customer-tier' Bantam Trials product to fight off the likes of Bultaco. The framework, meanwhile, came from the Saracen Company of Stroud, while the engine was sourced from Bushman. It was arguably well ahead of its time...but the company wouldn't last long enough to find out.

In 1972, BSA folded with very little fanfare, and engineering departments were told to pack up and ship out. It was a 'free for all' - everybody could get what they could grab. That included the BSA Saracen Bantam, which never got a chance to enter production, although if you were to ask any enthusiast, they'd tell you it would have been a hit!

This bike was never 100% completed at BSA, and was only first registered for the road in 1975. Since then, it's been cherished by the keepers who've known its story. Now in its current ownership for over 10 years, this fine mount is a true one-of-one bike that's ready for recommissioning for the road.
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History and Paperwork

  • Built in 1970 as concept bike
  • Registered in 1975
  • In current ownership for 10 years
  • Supplied with:
    • V5c
    • A collection of handbooks and manuals
    • A small collection of invoices
    • Some old MOT certificates
    • A typed up history of the bike
    • Some catalogues and parts books 

The Condition

  • Beautifully presented, lightweight motorcycle in excellent order
  • Frame made from Reynolds 531 tubing by the Saracen Company, Stroud
  • No sign of any significant paint loss, dents or dings
  • Original decals and branding
  • Fuel tank is clean and well-kept
  • Seat is free of any rips or tears
  • All mechanical components look in sound order 

The Mechanics

  • 175cc twin-stroke engine
  • Rare gearbox - one of only 8 known to have been built
  • The vendor notes that the clutch is as-fitted to Bonkey Bower's ex-factory bike
  • Honda Flywheel Magneto
  • Electronic Ignition
  • Rickman Front Hub
  • Some suspicion that the Magnesium Forks were sourced from Jeff Smith's factory bikes, though this can't be confirmed
  • Has not been ridden in some time
  • Being sold as a non-starter
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Pre-bids

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A pre-bid means you're able to place a bid before the official start of the auction. You will be notified whether or not you are the highest bidder when the auction starts.

Auction Details

  • Year2025
  • MakeBSA
  • ModelBantam
  • ColourRed
  • Engine size175cc
  • Seller TypePrivate
  • TownBradford-on-Avon
  • CountyWiltshire
  • CountryUnited Kingdom
  • Auction ends

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