I am looking for a genuine BSA RAF B40GR. Must have correct GR frame and engine numbers and of course the correct contract brass plate. Prefer a machine with a known history. Must be roadworthy. Please email with details and photos please.

Dave

email (option): d.stapleton78@btinternet.com

Might be difficult to find a RAF one rather than an ex-Army one............

When I was serving in the RAF 30 years plus ago now (was it that long ago ?) the B40's had gone in the UK at least by 1982, replaced by the Can Am Bombardier with the 2-stroke 250cc Rotax engine (and a nightmare too.....don't get me started)........but, RAF in Germany (BAOR) still had a few B40's in service up to 1982 - 83.............

My pal in the REME (in Germany) told me he hung on to his B40 as long as he could....

However, when he returned from leave one summer the b******s had got rid of it and replaced it with a Can Am... ...Ian

email (option): ian@wright52.plus.com

Hi Both,

I served in the RAF Police for 22 years and rode RAFP B40 GRs in the 1970s, I remember them being replaced with Can-Ams but I got the ride the other replacement in Germany, a Triumph TR6 750.

Anyway I know these RAF B40s are thin on the ground but you have to start somewhere to find one, I know of two that have been sold in the last year. Not as plentyful as Army B40 GBs, but much nicer to look at.

As I have a genuine NOS ex-MoD Avon 'Avonaire' Police fairing complete with WDB40 fittings sat in my garage, all I need is the bike to fit it to now

Dave

email (option): d.stapleton78@btinternet.com

Good luck with the quest Dave....Ian

email (option): ian@wright52.plus.com

RAF Police BSA B40GR

This is Sgt John Garvey, one of the RAF Police riders who took part in the Daily Mail Air Race in 1969.

email (option): d.stapleton78@btinternet.com

the trouble with the b40 being scares is lots of them have been converted into trials bikes I had a terrible job find one in as demobbed condition I got one in fair condition missing its pannier carriers and chain guards but the engine/gearbox casing were shot so I sold it

email (option): roger.beck@node6.com

Yes, sadly ex military machines are open to such 'abuses' having a low value at 'demob' and at least in the past, virtually no following....

Norton 16Hs have been sacrificed to build replica pre war Nortons..

Triumphs, Ariels and Matchlesses of the war period were hacked up to make trials and scrambles bikes or to serve as daily hacks and more recently, TRWs have gone as 'Trophy' donors and B40s as trials bikes.

That's without mentioning all the other service bikes like the Dockyard Police T140s, Royal Signals Display Team bikes, Norton Rotaries etc. etc. and lately the Armstrongs....

Fortunately the remaining B40s, TRWs and Armstrongs have benefitted from the growing interest in military machines and some are being saved and valued for what they are (or were)...Ian

email (option): ian@wright52.plus.com

Well, lets hope I can save another B40GR from a Muddy life...

email (option): d.stapleton78@btinternet.com

B40G engines are VERY VERY highly sort after for vintage/classic racing - as they are basically a B44 bottom-end with end-fed crank as apposed to the spit and hope C15/early B40 effort.
They can be used in the early racing class's (round barrel jobbies..)

Good luck - i've been loking/chasing a set of B40G cases for +4 years, last ones i came across went for £800 - just for the 'cases.

email (option): ginantonik@tiscali.co.uk

One of the reasons I'm trying to save another WDB40 from being broken up...

email (option): d.stapleton78@btinternet.com

Got one!

An ex-RAF WD B40GR in RAF BlueGrey with original matching numbers

Will post some photos and more info when it is safely in my garage.

email (option): d.stapleton78@btinternet.com

Well done Dave!...Fortunately there are still some out there that haven't been hacked up for parts....Ian

email (option): ian@wright52.plus.com

Thanks Ian, yes my patience paid off, it's an ex-RAF Germany motorcycle. It needs a bit of cosmetic TLC but overall it's in good condition.

email (option): d.stapleton78@btinternet.com

Sometime in the early 80's I went to party in Bristol from East London (the sort of thing you used to do in those days) on the back of an EXWD B40 piloted by my diminutive mate Neil. The bike ran faultlessly there and back the next day with only the interesting interludes of my encounter with Pauline, a radiographer from Tooting and the B40's lack of brakes around the North Circular. Both exciting times!
Richard

I ran a GB40 for a couple of years about 23-25 years ago..It proved to be a reliable bike and a nicer ride on the road after I fitted a 'standard' ratio gearbox..

The bike is still around, still running and still looking the same...and only about 6 miles from where I live...Ian

email (option): ian@wright52.plus.com