Re: Did BSA actually make any B30's, if so how many ?
Hi all.
The WB30 interests me. As much as I love the WM20, and I'm building one starting with a frame... The idea of a light weight OHV version of the M20 intrigues me.
I've ridden a Matchless G3L, and loved the short coupled good handling nature of it. The Matchy 350's are nice smooth little engines too.
That said, in a world where Beezas are better, much like 'the burgers are better at Hungry Jacks', A girder forked B30 would be a lovely machine to ride I'm sure.
So, after re-reading the section about the B30 in the 'British Forces' book, there doesn't seem to be much information on what exactly comprises the B30.
If one was to build a 'replica', as i'm sure finding one would be nigh on impossible, does anyone know what the B30 frame is? Is it the same as a rigid B31? Is the Girder fork the same as the WM20? Or is it all too hard?
Re: Did BSA actually make any B30's, if so how many ?
A daunting thought indeed! I have a parts list for the 100 RN WB30's (not illustrated). I've just had a quick look through the BSA parts lists for 1938/39/40 and none of the part numbers for frame or forks seem to cross reference. Because of the special lightweight requirement, I guess they are unique? The B29 frame and forks being probably the nearest?
Ian Wright has compiled quite a dossier on the WB30.
Ted Koks in NL built a lookalike WB30 with I think a B31 engine and front frame and modified M20 rear frame. He possibly used some pre war lightweight girders??
Re: Did BSA actually make any B30's, if so how many ?
It is possible to build a 'lookalike' using various BSA parts...Exactly what parts rather depends on how 'close' you want your lookalike to be to the original...
Basically, and perhaps obviously, the closer you want it to be to the original the harder it will be to complete...
If you just want a bike you can ride that looks similar to a B30 but is easily identified as a 'copy' then that is much more easily done...
Whatever you want to build the starting point is some research on the original...You will then need some knowledge of suitable alternative BSA parts that can be used or modified for use...So, what fits what in effect...
If you are happy to have a lookalike machine it would be a worthwhile project as they are a nice machine to ride...and there are also options such as a capacity increase to 500cc (or more) to think about!...Ian
Re: Did BSA actually make any B30's, if so how many ?
Thanks Ron and Ian.
Crikey, sounding like the WB30 would be quite difficult to build a copy of. Especially, as I'd expect parts, ie, frames etc of a B29 would be almost non existent.
Will take my time and research I think. It's good to know a little bit more about them though, so thank you.
Best I focus on my '42 WM20 first, and keep learning about them all. :)
