Bob's 1952 BSA Bantam custom bobber
Bob's pickup is a 1940 model Chev, which he has customised into a 1950s, semi rat rod-style cruiser. With its slammed airbag suspension, exposed rear wheels and whitewall tyres, the pickup looked the part on its own, but Bob decided he wanted a companion machine to load into the back of it. Given the tray's limited space, the bike had to be small, but also suitably 'retro' to match - a late model CBR or Ninja 250 just wouldn't do! A good mate of Bob's from the rodding scene, Greg Love of New England Rods & Customs in Armidale, NSW, came to the rescue with the ideal bike - a BSA Bantam. In terms of size and spec, the little Bantam suited Rob's needs perfectly. The bike was a 1952 'D1' 125cc single (the 150cc 'D3' Bantam didn't arrive until two years later) with plunger rear suspension. When purchased off Greg, who also graciously allowed Bob access to his workshop for the duration of the project, the Bantam was in original, unmodified condition, but it didn't stay that way for long!
With the plan to make a bobber, Bob broke out the angle grinder. To start with, the springs in the plunger suspension were cut in half to give the bobber a lower look to match his slammed pickup. That was fairly easy, but the next alteration was a bit more complex. On viewing this bike, classic BSA aficionados will no doubt note the additional length this creation has over a standard Bantam. Bob achieved this by cutting the frame at the trailing edge of the fuel tank and adding a five-inch spacer top and bottom. This not only helped achieve the longer, lower look that Bob was looking for, but also enabled the saddle to sit in the new, lower well created behind the fuel tank. Bob also fabricated the additional vertical downtube for extra strength to the rear of the frame. The front suspension was untouched. Of course, it wouldn't be a bobber without the 'bobbed' guards. Bob removed both and shortened the front guard before repositioning it at the rear.
Mechanically, the Bantam had seen better days, so a full engine rebuild was required. Bob fitted a new big end kit, new main bearings and seals, and 40 thou oversize pistons and rings, so it not only runs sweet, but it's got a bit more 'oomph' than a stock D1 Bantam. The kick start was removed, which sounds like an odd move, but Bob told us it looks better push-starting this machine than kick-starting it! The lengthened frame meant a new chain had to be fitted, too. The other notable change to the mechanicals is the replacement of the foot shift gear change, with a long 'suicide shift'. These hand shifters really look the goods on retro bobbers, and Bob's bike is no exception. Bob bent and shaped the shifter himself, while the wooden handle at the top is from one of his grandfather's old screwdrivers.
With the mechanicals done, it was time for the finishing touches. A slate grey paint colour was selected to match the pickup, and laid on by Bob's son, Shannon. Oxide and cream pinstriping on the tank, guards and tool box cover, which picks up on the same treatment given to the pickup, was done by Tony Marks of Airspeed in Goulburn. Bob hand-painted the rear guard, as well as the BSA logo on the tank. The wrapped exhaust and fishtail muffler is suitably old school, as is the tool roll slung beneath the headlight. The headlight is stock, but the tail light comes from a Model A Ford, with both lights running off a magneto. Bob made that low-slung seat from an old-style saddle he found, and you'll notice in some of the photos that it's single spring, too.
All up, the bobber Bantam project took Bob approximately three months. Since completion, Bob's taken his unique creation to several hot rod shows and car and motorcycle events. Being so different, it never fails to get attention or draw a comment, which Bob told us runs the gamut from 'how cool' to 'why have you destroyed such a nice bike?'! Both the bobber Bantam and Bob's pickup have also featured in a calendar for New England Rods & Customs, shot by Black Rose Photography (www.blackrosephotography.com.au), who provided photos used in this article.
Having proven that you can 'bob' a Bantam, Bob has moved on to his next project, a 1930s-era Royal Enfield frame and modern Yamaha XT550 motor. We can't wait to see that one when it's done!
In order to focus on his next project, Bob has decided to put this bike on the market. Asking price is $4,000. See the advert in this issue, or call Bob on 0431 745 122 for more details on this unique custom bobber.
