By 1930, BSA’s range of motorcycles had grown quite large, but some of the best-remembered models of that era are the ‘Slopers’, so-called for the sloping inclination of their large single-cylinder engines. The first Slopers were built in 1927 and were offered in a variety of engine sizes, and in side-valve and overhead-valve guides.

By 1930, the Sloper range started with the 349cc o.h.v. L-series and ran through the 493cc side-valve S-series to the largest of them all, the 557cc side-valve H-series. The H30-8 was the basic model, supplemented by the H30-10. Buyers of an H30 Deluxe benefitted from several upgrades, namely an improved kind of petrol tap, a steering damper, a more powerful clutch and different gear ratios.

Throughout its run, the Sloper was a consistent seller and was well-regarded by motorcyclists who wanted a reasonably large machine with which they could comfortably cover distances and reach decent speeds. With its large, heavy flywheel, the Sloper engines were known for their steady but purposeful tickover and rhythmic bass-baritone exhaust note. Typically, one might expect to cruise at around 55 mph but a top speed of 75 mph was within reach.

It remained in production until 1935, by which time its engine had been enlarged yet further to 595cc.

This BSA was manufactured on 29th May 1930, but its registration record with the D.V.L.A. only goes back as far as 1990, hence it carries an age-related number. Since 1990 it has had four owners, the vendor having acquired it in September 2013.

In the previous ownership, it was used regularly and won several accolades. It participated in the V.M.C.C.’s Banbury Run over five consecutive years from 2009 to 2013. In 2009 and 2011 it won Silver awards, which improved to Gold in 2012 and 2013. On four occasions, it was transported overseas to run in the Ibbenburen Motorrad Veteranen Rallye in Germany. Arguably the highlight of its life so far came when it was featured in The Motorbike Book (Dorling Kindersley, 2012).

The vendor has kept the bike in fine fettle, seeing that it gets regular use on fine days in the summer.

Paperwork with the bike includes the V5 and a certificate from the BSA Owners’ Club which confirms its authenticity as an original, matching-numbers example. An extensive M.o.T. history covers the years 1996 to 2001 and 2004 to 2011, although it has not been tested since it became exempt, and a lot of past tax discs have been retained. 

There are a lot of invoices detailing jobs such as the magneto renovation, and also some much-valued owner’s literature, which is a godsend if you intend to do your own maintenance.

The Sloper is presented in beautiful condition. It sports a light patina, obviously having been the recipient of a previous restoration which probably took place around 1990, when the bike was returned to the road. It has mellowed attractively but is still in fantastic order, and it would be a wonderful addition to any motorcycle show or private collection.

The paint is in an excellent state across the whole bike, with no obvious blemishes. The rider’s seat is in very good condition, having probably been renovated in the past. Certainly, it has received some recent attention as the seat springs are one of several new items fitted. Also new are the pillion pad, headlight, tail light, headlight clamps and footrests. There is nothing to let the bike down, with all the ancillary fittings presenting extremely well. 

Perhaps a perfectionist might see fit to replace the knee grips, which are slightly scuffed around the edges, but there is little else. A little bit of weathering is apparent in places such as on the handlebars, shock absorbers and so on, but that is all part and parcel of an old bike which gets ridden, and it’s all very discreet. Besides, old bikes always look better for showing a few signs of use.

We are advised that this bike is in excellent mechanical condition, with the engine running sweetly and everything functioning just as it should do. The vendor assures us that engine does not smoke or leak anywhere and only makes the right noises, which are transformed into music when they pass through that splendid Brooklands silencer.

The BSA has been treated very well by the vendor, who has exercised it regularly every summer but kept it inside over the winter, which is really the best way to ensure it doesn’t suffer mechanically or cosmetically.

Money has been spent as and when necessary, and work completed in the recent past includes:

 • Magneto renovated by Dave Lindsley

 • New clutch parts from Cornucopia

 • New carburettor

 • Cylinder barrel resleeved and new original piston installed

 • New valve guides and springs.

Bidders will note that the BSA no longer retains its Deluxe fuel tap, and is instead fitted with a 90-degree one from the standard model.

It brakes well and in a straight line, and the gears slot into place nice and smoothly. The tread on the tyres is good, so it sounds to us like the BSA really is in its prime.

The BSA Sloper must be one of the best Vintage-era bikes to own and use. The big, slow-revving engine is a good all-rounder for its day, with enough bottom-end and top-end power for you to use it on the road and not be too troubled by modern traffic speeds. It’s old and uncommon enough for it to stand out at most motorcycle rallies, but enough survive in preservation to ensure that they have plenty of enthusiast support.

This is a lovely example that is in just the right condition for regular trips to shows and rallies during the summer. With its light patina, it’s not so immaculate that you’d be afraid to turn your back on it, but if the Gold awards it was winning as recently as 2013 don’t testify that it’s an outstanding example, nothing will. 

Thanks to the efforts of the Vintage Motor Cycle Club and Sunbeam Motorcycle Club, there are all manner of events up and down the country where you’d fit right in, and a bike like this on the right roads must be something close to heaven.