1942 BSA Military Mk.V Roadster
With Rifle Clips
Serial Number: ‘BSA 59’
This is a very interesting Mk.V BSA: all the others I’ve seen have frame numbers starting with the letter ‘T.’ This one, however, proudly shows its manufacturer’s name – ‘BSA 59.’
It also has the date ‘1942’ stamped on top of the handlebars.
Photo thanks to Bob George/ The Boneshaker No. 159, Summer 2002
Frame No. BSA 59
Paul, who was the BSA marque specialist for 20 years, tells me that BSA did make a special batch for the Irish army, that bore a different series of frame number. I wonder if this was one of them?
FRONT RIFLE CLIP
It’s also blessed with original rifle mounts. I’ve started to use them as a pattern for a replica pair. I’ll let you know how I get on.
The above photos are after the bicycle’s restoration. Those below are before restoration.
REAR RIFLE CLIP
The photos below are before the bike was restored.
28 x 1 1/2 WARGRADE TYRES
I started a separate page on the BSA & Military Bicycle website for War Grade Tyres, to compare the various types available.
MK.V
MILITARY ISSUE PEDALS
These pedals appear to have seen plenty of boot action. In contrast to the sliding pegs of the BSA Airborne, these enormous pedals are larger than those fitted to tradesmen’s bikes, and were obviously manufactured with boots in mind.