Help identifying a BSA and a Matchless engine

Bahnstormer · L Plate Warrior Joined: 15 Jun 2011 Karma :

Hi All,

I am trying to Identify 2 1950's engines and also determine their worth and wondered if you could help identify, and maybe cost these ?

The first is a BSA Single with AMAL carb (possibly could be a pre Unit ?)
The second is a Matchless 450 or 500

Pics here:

https://cid-3e5821c5d92dfcad.photos.live.com/browse.aspx/BSA%20%5E0%20MAtchless-AJS%20Engines

Cheers all.

stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

Looks like a BSA B31 or B33 engine.

EDIT: Matchless G9?

Value will depend on rarity and how knackered they are. The ?matchless? one looks like it's been used as a mud anchor for a canal barge.

I doubt either is worth any spectacular amount of money unless they turn out to be off a particularly rare sub-model. A non running matchless twin in better nick than that could go for £150.
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jjdugen · World Chat Champion Joined: 03 Jun 2011 Karma :

Agree with the last poster, but. The BSA single is the basis of the Gold Star engine, if it has an alloy barrel it might be worth something. The twin is Matchles/Arial, the two firms combined in the fifties. It was a bad engine then (cranks snapped) and looks like a terminal case now.

stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

Although it should be noted that there are currently more BSA "Gold stars" in existance than BSA ever made. In other words, a lot of people have spent a rediculous amount of money for a B33 with tarted up bodywork and an aftermarket alloy barrel.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

Bezzer · World Chat Champion Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Karma :

The BSA is a 1959 B33 according to the numbers I've got in a BSA buyers guide book.
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Bahnstormer · L Plate Warrior Joined: 15 Jun 2011 Karma :

Thanks all. Have been clearing a house of a relative, and needed some info. Also had a complete AJS 350 and BSA Bantam.

Lovely machines !

Bezzer · World Chat Champion Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Karma :

Nice find, nothing of note or special just good old working class machines/engines that need a bit of TLC Thumbs Up

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mjn51 · Traffic Copper Joined: 04 Feb 2011 Karma :

the BSA looks very similar to this one
https://www.flickr.com/photos/gordoncalder/3291610858/

CLASSIC BSA B33 MOTORCYCLE ENGINE
Best viewed on:- B l a c k M a g i c

BSA B33 500cc Single - Around 1950 - 1955

The Matchless looks like
https://www.flickr.com/photos/gordoncalder/3683196486/

CLASSIC MATCHLESS G12 MOTORCYCLE ENGINE

Lone-Wolf · World Chat Champion Joined: 13 Jul 2004 Karma :

Bahnstormer · L Plate Warrior Joined: 15 Jun 2011 Karma :

Thanks for the info all.

Cheers,

IzziNoHo · L Plate Warrior Joined: 22 Jun 2011 Karma :

HI, It's definitely Matchless G9 500 - I have one. To be honest the engine is not worth much in that condition, Rocker covers £10 each, Heads £10 each, casings £50 but worth sticking on ebay anyway because we all want spares Smile

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