Sturdy single

The archetypal mid-1950s English all-rounder. After the swinging arm model was introduced in 1954, production of both rigid and plunger versions continued for a couple of years, but by 1956, when this bike was built, they’d finally been discontinued.

CONSIDERING A CLASSIC?

Perhaps you’re about to buy your first old Britbike, or are seeking to rekindle old passions.

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Before you purchase, we suggest you cast a critical eye over BSA’s postwar 500cc single-cylinder B33. In the 1950s the B33 was a popular choice, an everyday motorcycle that carried the masses to and from work, and families to their favourite weekend picnic spot.

Pictured here is a 1956 swinging arm B33, which evolved from BSA’s prewar M-Series machines, designed by gifted engineer Val Page.

Rigid frames and telescopic forks were standard equipment on early B33s, but plunger suspension and then swinging arm frames soon followed. BSA enjoyed phenomenal success with its B-series models because they were tough, reliable, and well-engineered motorcycles.

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Read more in June’s edition of CBG
 


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