$10,900
Santa Monica, California
Category
Standard Motorcycles
Engine
500
Posted Over 1 Month
Recent Comprehensive Mechanical Restoration! 1946 BSA M33 Engine Number Number: YM33 288 First introduced for 1948, the BSA M33 combined the B33’s overhead-valve engine and the cycle parts of the M20 sidevalve. The B33 engine closely followed B31 lines, but with larger (85mm) bore and heavier flywheels. By the late 1940s, BSA’s surviving sidevalves – the 500cc M20 and 600cc M21 – retained the rigid frame of pre-war days and were marketed for sidecar use. The ‘hybrid’ M33 was intended to provide more power in that application, which it did with ease. Produced initially with rigid frame and girder front fork, the M33 switched to BSA’s new telescopic fork in June 1948, while the plunger-suspended frame, optional from 1951, became standard on the M33 for 1956. A good, solid, all-round performer by the standards of its day, the M33 could top 60mph with sidecar attached, cruise comfortably all day at 50-plus and return in excess of 50mpg. Production ceased in August 1957. The bike offered here, of early 1948 production, features the girder front fork, and is likely the 187th produced. The bike was recently mechanically restored and runs exceptionally well. The previous owner displayed the bike, which resulted in the need of a complete overhaul. The engine was thoroughly gone through and runs well with good power for its 500cc displacement. The gearbox was replaced with a later, better model, and shift well through an excellent clutch. The bike features a Draganfly-sourced CNC steel bodied oil pump. All cycle parts were renovated including new bronze bushes being installed in the front forks, all wheel hubs were rebuilt with brand new bearings and the wheels were rebuilt, all using NOS parts. Cosmetically, the bike is in very good condition. The paint and chrome on the tank is excellent with one scratch on the top red paint. The frame was refurbished and powder-coated and the wheels, mudguards and other parts are all in very good, older restoration condition. The last owner wanted a bike to ride. The above work was carried out by a local marque expert and the result is a fantastic machine, ready to go. It starts easily, idles and offers responsive power. The clutch is smooth and the brakes work remarkably well. All in all, this is a great opportunity to acquire a rare and fantastic riding early British icon of cool.
Trim Excellent
