Bantam Rebirth Mary's Bantam was untouched between 1976 and 2021 – Craig Carey-Clinch and Max Jowett recommissioned it
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ust a straightforward refurbishment I was told, when sent a photograph of a complete but tired looking 1965 BSA Bantam D7. Sadly, the photo did not resemble reality, which was several boxes of dismembered scrap. The restored Bantam’s debut at this year’s Overland Event was only a matter of months away, so Max and I had a job on our hands. After Mary completed her trip, the bike went into storage for several decades, but in a damp shed. She had got on with her life and had disappeared from the motorcycling world’s view. More recently she tried to have the Bantam restored, and a business which shall remain anonymous agreed to do the job. Unfortunately, they brutally ripped the bike apart, creating enormous damage in the process, wrecking the fork legs and smashing the barrel. They did get the chassis painted, but these parts were carelessly stored, gathering scratches and scrapes. Quite a lot of other bits had gone missing. Max and I quickly agreed that I would focus on the mechanics while he would preserve the bike’s unique identity in its tinware and the all-important stickers. This was a challenge as extensive corrosion had set in on the mudguards, the treatment of which would be likely to destroy the stickers. A creative solution was required. A list of parts and work required quickly grew, but Mary took it all in her stride and authorised the work. Not everything could be returned to the bike's 1976 condition – the tank had rusted beyond recovery but an identical one was sourced at Kempton www.britishmotorcyclists.co.uk
Autojumble. With a tired finish from years of use, and the correct colour, it was perfect for the bike. Another set of D7 forks from Kempton replaced the originals, which were beyond saving. The original rims were rotted right through, so these were replaced with rims in ‘trade stainless’ which come in a slightly dull finish and look the part. New bearings were fitted, plus new chain and sprockets, while Dunlop sponsored the project by kindly donating new tyres in the correct tread pattern for the era. The basic rolling chassis came together quite well with new swinging arm bushes and headstock bearings – it was great to see the Bantam once again supporting its own weight on the workshop ramp. Top left: As arrived, a collection of parts, some damaged, some missing Top right: Speaking at the Overland Festival Right: Reunited after 45 years, and the smile made it all worthwhile
Motorcycle R I D E R
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