1942 BSA M20 Motorcycle

Engine: Vertcal, single-cylinder, four-stroke, air-cooled
Displacement: 496 cc (30.3 ci)
Bore & Stroke: 82 x 94 mm (3.2 x 3.7 in)
Power: 9.69 kW (13 hp)
Transmission: 4-forward, manual
Weight: 168 kg (369 lb)
Original Cost: Unknown  

Designed as a general-purpose motorcycle for convoy escort and dispatch use, the M20 saw action in almost every theatre of war and was used by the British Army, the RAF and the Royal Navy. They were also used by forces in Sweden, India and South Africa. Nearly 126,000 M20s were produced and used for military duties until 1955. This example served with the Indian Army until 1967.

Chronology:

1861 - The Birmingham Small Arms was founded.
1910 - BSA's first motor bicycle is introduced.
1919 - BSA Cycles Ltd. created as part of BSA Group.
1919 - BSA introduces their first 50-degree V-twin Model E motorcycle.
1953 - BSA withdrew motorcycle production from BSA Cycles and creates BSA Motorcycles Limited.
1950s - BSA group continues to expand but by 1965 competition from Japan and Europe was hurting BSA's market share and BSA wasn't keeping up with some of the technological innovations, like electric start, that the competitors were introducing.
1968 - To try to gain back some of the lost market share, BSA announced several changes to their existing lines and introduced a new three-cylinder bike, with focus on the US market but it was too little too late.
1971 - BSA is reorganized due to financial difficulties.
1972 - In near bankruptcy, BSA becomes part of the Norton-Villiers-Triumph merger and the last BSA bikes are produced.
2001 - Purchased by donor in Iowa, USA.
2018 - Donated to the Reynolds-Alberta Museum.