BSA S25 500CC Side Valve Vintage Motorcycle 1925 Barn Find

Welcome to the Motorcycle Emporium

Classic Motorcycle Imports based in Winchester Hampshire

For Sale 1925 BSA S25 Sports 500cc Side Valve Single 

Frame Number: S1393

Engine Number: 8030

BSA added the 350cc and 500cc side valve models to its broad range of machines in 1923. the 350cc machine was priced at ?57. the larger capacity 493cc bike was ?70. The gearbox on the 500cc bike was the proven 3 speed countershaft item developed in house by BSA and used since the beginning of the decade. This particular bike appears very original still wearing its famous green and cream paint work we have not attempted to clean the bike and it is pictured as it was purchased. The bike has a disc indicating that the last time it was on the road was in 1971.

Cosmetic 

As can be seen from the photographs this machine is in very good cosmetic condition particularly for a machine that is very nearly 90 years old. The petrol tank is the smaller one and three quarter gallon item. the colonial version of the S25 had a larger two and half gallon tank. it is in very solid condition. as would be expected the paint has faded. does have marks and has peeled in some places but the steel beneath is clean. Our research indicates that this model should have a small tool box between the frame tube and the rear mudguard is missing from the bike. The mudguards are both solid and in good condition the paint beneath the dust looks to be in good order the correct smaller valanced front guard is a little askew and is not sat central in the bottom stay come front stand. this is not an issue it will just require the mountings loosening and a tweak back into shape. The seat base is good and solid. the leather cover has deteriorated badly over the years and will need replacing.

The engine turns over smoothly. while we would normally attempt to start any motorcycle we sell in this case we felt full recommissioning was need before any attempt was made to bring this old girl back to life. beyond anything it will be a very special moment for the new owner. The gears all select on the three speed box. this is charming in its own right. with the BSA Three Speed legend across the top. The levers from the end of the bars are missing and the cables will need replacement. the advance / retard cable in particular has broken off at the magneto.

The silencer is in poor condition the rear tail pipe having rusted. I have researched the silencer and I am not able to ascertain whether this is the correct item or not. the down pipe is in good shape.  

The wheels are both in good condition and are fitted with dummy rim brakes with wooden blocks these are working but we cannot vouch for their efficiency. The tyres are clearly very old. to the point I am far from convinced that they are not original. they are labelled Dunlop Motorcycle Cord Extra Heavy Made in England. I think they are beyond use but do add a real charm to this bike.  

The frame and forks are in very good shape. the paint beneath the dust looks to be in remarkably good shape.  

On the whole this bike does not appear to have done a great deal of work in its very long life. looking at items such as the tyres and brakes. these could of course have been replaced but if so it was a very long time ago. This is a beautiful machine with a real charm and there can be few better ways to spend the long winter evenings than restoring it to running and road going condition and then there is all of the joy of riding it!

International Buyers: We are more than happy to deal with International buyers. We ship World Wide please contact us for prices.

Please review the pictures carefully they form an integral part of the description.

We do not hold the title for this bike so a dating certificate will be required in order to register the bike we can provide contact details to obtain this.   All duties have been paid and the bike is registered on the NOVA database. all paperwork will be supplied and the registration process is very straightforward. We spend a good deal of time working with the DVLA and HMRC to ensure that are bikes are compliant with all current legislation in order that our customers do not have any difficulties in obtaining age related registrations. we have not had a problem with this in over 650 motorcycles we have sold.

Please consider carefully before bidding on a motorcycle we have for sale if you are new to the world of motorcycle maintenance. This motorcycle is a classic machine. it will need to be maintained and cared for. and if you can’t spin the occasional spanner we would not recommend purchase.

If you want to view the bike: Call Tony on 07745 650984. We are happy to meet up 7 days a week when possible. We also open most Saturdays from 10am to 4pm. stock levels change but we seek to have a broad range of classic bikes in stock so feel free to drop in for a look round. Our address can found at http://www. classicmotorcyclesearch. co. uk/contact-us/

Our Feedback: Our customers say we offer a good honest description. we are helpful. we are professional. collection and payment is made easy. communication is good and many customers buy from us more than once. Please see our feed back list.

How to register your motorcycle:

1.  MOT the motorcycle on the chassis number.

2.  Insure the motorcycle on the chassis number.

3.  We at the Motorcycle Emporium will provide the following forms:

· An invoice.

· All customs and excise paper work as evidence that import duties have been paid.

· A V55/5 – Application for a First License for A Used Motor Vehicle Form

The original title where that is available. if the original title is not available a letter from the manufacturers UK importer will be required. we will supply contact details and forms needed. If the manufacturer no longer exists. as in the case of classic British machines. then the DVLA will accept dating certificates from a certified list of suppliers.

4.  Take all the paper work to your local DVLA office and you will then receive a certificate allowing you to purchase a number plate. the Tax disc will follow 2 to 3 days later. Please note. as from October 2013 all paperwork will need to be sent directly to the DVLA.

5.  A normal V5C Registration Certificate will follow by post within the next 28 days.

Finally don’t forget that you will need to advise your insurance company of the newly issued registration number.

6.  Need help after buying. just give us a call on 07745 650984.

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