BSA Bantam D1 1953 Introduction and ride

A walk around my 1953 BSA Bantam D1 looking at any modifications made including fitting indicators and mirrors and a start up and ride around the parking area where I live. BSA Motorcycle
Classic and Vintage Motorcycles. Classic British Motorcycles. Motorcycle trip. 2 Stroke engine.

[@TrevorLewis-md7cg]

a little bike that brings back very fond memories . got thousands of guys to work in the 50s and 60s including me ' thanks for vid lovely little bike

[@RoadTripsinCornwallUK]

Thanks. Great little bike, fun to ride and gathers a lot of attention :)

[@jonnno243]

First bike I ever bought was a bantam D1 . Bought it in 1967. Cost me £5. Ran for ever until I bought a tiger cub for £60 a few years later. Both bikes were so much fun.

[@RoadTripsinCornwallUK]

My older Brother had a Bantam 175cc when I was bout 14yrs. I always wanted a D1 with the single seat and hardtail and finally got one as a retirement prezzie to myself. Guaranteed smiles with every mile.

[@Qspecialman]

A really nice bike. I took my motorcycle test on a D1 in the '60s. During the test you had to ride slowly while the examiner walked along the pavement to prove your slow riding control, keeping level with him. This D1 would tick over in first gear and go slower that the examiner, without touching the clutch lever. Fantastic machine. One question, perhaps my memory is playing up but I seem to remember that the D1 had a rigid rear frame and the D2 had plunger suspension. Perhaps you could clarify that for me?

[@RoadTripsinCornwallUK]

Not an expert but I think the so called D2's referred to the Frame Number being changed and not the plunger suspension as such. :)

[@PepeLepew-rm9ft]

Provenance the tooling is ww2 war prize from DKW.