Hello,

I have a question about the instrument console on the fuel tank of an early M21.
My console has one blanking plug and three large holes for instruments. Was it like this in the original?

On the internet I’ve only found a few photos of such consoles with a blanking plug, but never with three large holes. Does anyone know anything about this?

I would be grateful for any information

I’ll try upload photos, hope it works :)

email (option): lukaslulas66@gmail.com

Here's an extract from the 1939 parts list.

The hole in the middle is for the inspection lamp. I don't know what that big hole is for, but I'm sure it's where the oil tell tale button should be.

Yours looks to have an oil pressure gauge. So maybe an earlier model? Ron

email (option): ronpier@talk21.com

Hi !
Thanks !


But that’s exactly the question and the puzzle.
Because I know that in the standard layout there was a lamp/indicator at the bottom, a switch in the middle, and at the top the ignition switch and the ammeter.

However, mine is exactly as shown in the photo. And I honestly doubt that someone would put in that much effort just to make such nicely finished mounting holes.

I have also found a few photos online of these consoles with exactly the same blanking plugs in the middle and, for example, with no lower hole for the lamp at all.

So my question is: what edition or version is this?

Because with this layout of holes, the console should contain: an ammeter, an ignition switch, and an oil pressure gauge.

What I’m really looking for are some source-based information or documentation about the existence of consoles with this layout.

Mine comes from my M21 Dutch Pattern….

email (option): lukaslulas66@gmail.com

Leon Hoppenbrouwer's site provides copies of a lot of pre-war Spare Parts Lists.

There may be others, but the panel with three large holes is listed for the 1938 Y13 and was fitted with Ammeter, switch, oil pressure gauge and inspection lamp. It would seem that the Y13 had a gauge instead of a tell-tale, hence the larger opening.

That bottom hole looks far to big for an oil pressure gauge or ammeter?
Here is Leon's site to peruse. He'll be stopping at my hose near the end of the month, so I can also quiz him.

www.bsa1930s.nl

Ron

email (option): ronpier@talk21.com

Well I don't know why the link doesn't work? I use it often for reference?
try this one:-

https://www.bsa1930s.nl/

Ron

email (option): ronpier@talk21.com

What is the history of the bike, did it come from Europe? did the Germans fit a small speedo into it?

I like the blanking plug in the centre, we know they stopped illuminating amp meters in the headlamps for the blackout so it makes sense.

Rob

Another problem here Rik. you only get 59 minutes to edit....as long as you don't exit the site first. Ron

email (option): ronpier@talk21.com

It's a clunky forum, Ron. Even the admins can only delete posts. No editing powers at all. That said, if you turn the garden hose on the Dutchies, don't forget to post the video ! :grinning:

Hi

Thank you. I check the website … But yes if you can ask your colegue would be allso great. Any informations needet :)

email (option): lukaslulas66@gmail.com

Hello,

The history of the motorcycle is largely unknown. It is a matching-numbers M21. The only confirmed information is that this BSA did in fact go to the Dutch Army. I have verified this through the BSA club that holds the archival records. I have the exact details at home, but at the moment I am abroad.

Returning to the topic — that is all from the confirmed history for now. Everything beyond this is only speculation.

It was probably captured by the Germans and after the war most likely statek in Germany. The motorcycle was repaired in a rather improvised/ half profesional way: the front suspension was replaced with one from an NSU 601 OSL, the front mudguard is from a DKW NZ, the front wheel I have not yet identified, and the handlebars as well. The saddle is also from an NSU.

This is why I suspect it spent time in Germany — the style of modifications and the condition of the original parts seem to point in that direction. The engine and gearbox were not “repaired” with a hammer and chisel (in a typically Russian way). The rear wheel is a mixture of different German components, each from a different bike, but the fit and the welds suggest that whoever did the work actually knew what they were doing.

That is as far as the speculation goes.

Later, in the 1990s, the motorcycle was bought at a classic vehicle flea market, by a friend of my father. I personally remember this motorcycle from my when I was young — it was standing in the corner of his garage…

To make a long story short, about six months ago, after many attempts, I finally managed to buy the motorcycle back from him. For now I am slowly collecting the missing parts and to bring it back to life.

That was when I bought it. Now it’s in parts ;)

email (option): lukaslulas66@gmail.com

I think top left should be an oil pressure meter. Underneath, there should be a hole in the tank where the oil hose goes through.
On the top right should be an ampere meter, probably a little bigger older type.
In the center there is an inspection light - maybe deleted because of the war.
Below is a light switch, again a somewhat bigger, older model.

That is a 1935 type instrument panel.
Top left should be a Eureka oil pressure gauge 15 or 25 psi from 1936.
Top right 8 amperes not amps(post war) Lucas
Bottom is Lucas switch 4 position until 37 then 3 position
Centre is a Lucas DC40 inspection light Brass.

switch left, big ammeter right, trouble light center, small hole for oil pressure pop up bottom. I have very original 37 m20 that has been on forum picture

email (option): millcrocfarm@gmail.com