Danish Army
Specific: This machine was received just after
WW II, presumably from the British forces in Germany.
Historical: First attempt to have the M20
accepted by the War Office in the run-up to WW II was in
1935. The War Office requested seven motorcycle
manufactures to submit single-cylinder 500 cm3 machines
for evaluation. BSA Motorcycles Limited offered the 499
cm3 side-valve type W35-6. The bike failed to complete
the obligatory Mechanisation Experimental Establishment
(MEE) 10.000 miles reliability test, and in 1936 a 496
cm3 version, the first M20 was submitted. This version
failed the trials as well,but did at least complete them,
and during 1937 further 3 versions were submitted.
The improved models was judged as "acceptable"
and 2 batches with small changes were delivered in 1937.
Volume production of what was first known as the K-M20
took place from 1939 (designation changed to W-M20 within
the same year), and after final refining it was
standardised in 1942. From that on only minor changes
were made to the bike.
The M20 was intended as a general purpose motorcycle for
task such as convoy escort and long distance
communication duties.
The motorcycle was used by all British armed services,
and remained the standard service machine through the
1950´s. Several was still in use at the end of the
1960´s.
Around 126.000 were made - more than any other WW II
bike.
Length: 2.18 m (86 inches).
Width: 0.73 m (29 inches).
Height: 0.99 m (39 inches).
Weight: 176 kg (392 lb.).
Engine: Own 1-cylinder, 0.496 cm3 (30 cubic inches)
displacement, air cooled, carburettor.
Horsepower: 12 at 4.100 rpm.
Transmission: 4-speed.
Transfer case: None.
Electrical system: 6 volt.
Brakes: Mechanical.
Tyres: 3.25 - 19.
Fuel type: Petrol.
Fuel capacity: 16 liter (3.5 gallon).
Range: 280 km (175 miles).
Crew: 1 + 1.
Additional: Some of the RAF bikes were
added a sidecar manufactured by Swallow.
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