48th ABR Highlight – BSA Bantam

When you get more than 800 British-built and British-branded motorcycles in one place, you’re assured of both familiar classics and obscure rarities. That was certainly the case for this year’s 48th edition of the All British Rally, where the makes and models we all know were joined by much rarer machines from Britain’s motorcycle industry.

Already the largest gathering of British motorcycles in the Southern Hemisphere, this year’s All British Rally (ABR) was believed to be one of the biggest in the event’s history. 

Held annually at Newstead in central Victoria, the ABR is presented by the BSA Motorcycle Owner’s Association. The three-day event sees entrants camp at the country town’s racecourse, with activities including organised rides of the region and a popular street display in the nearby town of Maldon (where the bike featured was photographed). Other elements of the ABR include trade stands, a swap meet and live entertainment for rally entrants at the racecourse.

Speaking of ‘familiar classics,’ the BSA Bantam is a bike that really needs no introduction. Based on a pre-war DKW design, the Bantam was introduced in 1948 and would be produced until 1971 – a remarkable 23-year run. In that time, the original 123cc two-stroke single would grow to 148cc, then 173cc, with variants including the Deluxe, Supreme, Sports and Bushman; the latter created exclusively for the Australian market.

Along with engine capacity, the suspension, electrics and other parts were improved over time, too.

While it’s hard to pin down a specific build year for the Bantam featured, the plunger rear suspension suggests it’s pre-1956, as swingarm suspension was introduced that year. It’s also possible that it’s a D3 model instead of the D1, as the D3 featured Wipac electrics as standard, along with a maroon colour option, which wasn’t available on the D1 until 1958. The D3 Bantam, defined by its 148cc single, was only built from 1954 to 1957, while the 123cc D1 remained in production until 1963.

A well-executed older restoration, this Bantam presented well, while more than 12,000 miles on the odometer suggests it’s been enjoyed regularly since the resto. Although tens of thousands of Bantams were sold in Australia, they’re now usually outnumbered at the ABR by bikes that were much rarer here when new. 

For JUST BIKES’ report on the 48th All British Rally, click HERE.