1930 BSA E30/14 and Colonial Sidecar

1930 BSA E30/14 and Colonial Sidecar

BSA launched the first Model E in 1920 with a 50-degree, side-valve, V-twin engine of 770cc fed by an Amac carburettor and with both exhaust pipes directed forward to a collector/silencer mounted below the front of the engine. The powertrain included a three-speed, hand-change gearbox and both the primary and secondary drive chains were fully enclosed in aluminium cases. The brakes, front and rear, were of the 'dummy belt rim' and rubber block type derived from earlier belt-driven motorcycles. The frame featured cantilever fork front suspension and sidecar mounting lugs. The fuel tank was flat-sided. Engine power was rated at 6hp and the side-valve mechanism was exposed.

The Model E then evolved along with mainstream motorcycle technology so that the valve-train became enclosed, the exhaust system featured a Brooklands-style fishtail, the brakes were changed to the internally-expanding type, girder front forks were added and electric lighting replaced the earlier acetylene system.

This 1930 E30/14 example with a Colonial sidecar is in exceptional condition, having covered so few miles that it is still fitted with its partially-worn, original tyres. According to papers accompanying the bike, it was owned by one family from new but had been in storage since 1933 when discovered in New Zealand and sold to a private owner in Minnesota in December, 2001. It was then dismantled and professionally refurbished. The woodwork on the sidecar is in perfect condition, as is the exhaust system. It was purchased for the NZ Classic Motorcycles collection from the Minnesota owner via a US auction house in August, 2009, and came with its original order form, its July 1930 registration papers, its original instruction manual, a Lucas electrical equipment guarantee and its original tool kit all in perfect condition. It was acquired by Transport World in May 2016.

  • Maker
    Birmingham Small Arms Co
  • Date Made
    1930
  • Place Made
    UK, West Midlands, Birmingham
  • Object number
    CMM276