BSA M20 & M21 Pros Mechanicals: Simple, but some head-scratching required. Handling: Surprisingly good. You can throw these around. Forks: Tele models are predictable. Girder bikes are crude. Starting: Sorted bikes fire-up with a gentle nod and a prod. Spares: Still enough parts around to keep them rolling. MOT: Not required any more. No road tax required either. Looks:. Classic Brit single appeal. Olde worlde charm. Sound: BSA M20/M21 sidevalves chuff very satisfyingly. Clutch: Fairly light and smooth in action. Resale: Military bikes in high demand. Less so civvy iron. Magneto ignition: Separates the sparks from the electrics. Re-enactment: Dress like a despatch rider. Fun for some. Investment: WM20 military bikes hold their values well. Brakes: Later post-war M21s have good front stoppers. Tough: Solidly built. All steel and cast aluminium. Engine: Strong. Exhaust valves need care and love. | BSA M20 & M21 Cons Economy: Poor. 40-45mpg at cruising speeds. Oil: Most leak a little from one or more joints. Manageable. Performance: 45-50mph cruising. Flat out at 60. Maybe. Brakes: Generally poor, but careful set-up helps. Acceleration: Hopeless. 0-50mph eventually. Maintenance: Regular lovelorn tinkering required. Tools: Whitworth spanners. Some special items needed. Comfort: Pillions will hate it. Riders will merely endure. Lighting: 6-volt electrics. Feeble all round. Gearbox: Prone to leaks. Demands slow changes. Carburettor: Standard Amal 276 likes to sneeze fuel. Sidestand: Not on WW2 or pre-war bikes. Horn: Altettes need good set-up. Otherwise feeble toot. Sparks: Learn to set ignition points. Not too hard. Storage: They wet-sump and prefer daily exercise. [Okay, tell me more about BSA M20s/M21s...] |