BSA Bantam D1

A BSA Bantam D1 1949 motorcycle

Key facts

  • Year

    1949

  • Country

    Great Britain

  • Capacity

    123cc

  • Cylinders

    1

  • Output

    4bhp at 5,000rpm

  • Performance

    50mph

  • Price new

    £76

  • Loaned by

    Private Collection

  • Manufacturer

    BSA Cycles Ltd

The Bantam was the best selling small motorcycle of the 1950s. The two-stroke engine and gearbox unit was based on designs from German manufacturer DKW. These had been acquired as war reparations and were re-worked from metric to imperial dimensions by BSA. Later developments led to 150cc and 175cc versions of the Bantam.

From the 1920s the Post Office favoured small BSA motorcycles for use by telegram delivery boys. This practice continued in the 1950s and 60s with many thousands of Bantams being ordered. The Bantam was also used in trials events and tuned versions were popular in club road racing. Bantam production ended in 1971.

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Panoramic view of the first floor of the National Motor Museum

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