BSA D7 Super Bantam

1965 BSA D7 Super Bantam motorcycle on display in the National Motor Museum.

Key facts

  • Year

    1965

  • Country

    Great Britain

  • Capacity

    173cc

  • Cylinders

    1

  • Output

    7.4bhp at 4,750rpm

  • Performance

    57mph

  • Price new

    £129

  • Owner

    National Motor Museum Trust

  • Manufacturer

    BSA Motor Cycles Ltd

Mary Sievier bought this BSA Bantam second hand for £99/10s, intending to ride to Russia. Refused a visa, she rode to India instead. She left the UK in October 1967 with just £80 in her pocket and travelled via Turkey, Iran and Afghanistan. After reaching India in 1970, Mary shipped the BSA to Kenya and rode to South Africa.

Next, Mary circumnavigated Australia and rode the length of New Zealand before exploring Malaysia, Thailand and Laos. She ended up in Hong Kong where she met her future husband. Mary took secretarial jobs as she travelled in order to finance her adventure. The final leg of her remarkable journey took Mary across the USA, returning to the UK in 1976. She travelled around 50,000 miles (exact figure unknown after three speedometers failed) experiencing only two punctures throughout.

View more

Panoramic view of the first floor of the National Motor Museum

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