While tandems were most popular before the war, cyclemotor engines such as this were a post-war phenomenon, introduced because new motorcycles were in short supply and bicycles were the most feasible form of transport. Many couples in the 1930s used tandems for their holidays, and families would often fit their tandem with a child’s sidecar. They epitomize a period in Great Britain when cycle touring became very popular. The advantage of a bicycle is its lightness and the independence offered to the rider, and it’s obviously much easier to store than a tandem.ĭespite these disadvantages, normal vintage tandems are becoming increasingly collectible. It’s certainly the combined team that makes tandem riding such a wonderful experience. While a cycle tandem is dependent on both riders always using it together, a motorized tandem can be ridden without the stoker.īut they say a tandem is not a tandem without the stoker.

The front rider of a tandem is known as the ‘captain’ or ‘pilot.’ The rear rider is the ‘stoker’ (during the war, known as the ‘tailgunner’).

Rather than a rider with pillion passenger, as on a motorcycle, a tandem requires a joint effort. (Don’t strain your eyes: I’ve reproduced close-up pictures at the bottom of this page).Īpart from an engine, what sets a motorcycle apart from a bicycle is the motorcycle’s ability to carry a passenger.īut a tandem is different.

Included in this sale is a photocopy of the original BSA Winged Wheel Instruction Manual you would have received with the engine. BSA introduced them in 1953, and you could fit the engine to your own bicycle. The flywheel cover is missing from these photos but I’ve ordered one, which will arrive soon (I was too excited once it was up and running, so had to take photos right away)Īccording to the logbook the engine is from 1954. It has just come out of the workshop and, as you can see in the video on page 147, starts easily and runs well. So, may I introduce you to the latest BuyVintage project – It often involves waking up at 3am thinking something like: ‘Why not put that BSA Winged Wheel into the pre-war BSA Tandem?’ As I collect vintage bicycles such projects are usually within the realms of possibility, though it may take a while to decide on the match. One of the things I enjoy most about restoring cyclemotors is matching cycle attachment engines to interesting frames. This is its page from, which is where I advertised it. 1954 BSA Winged Wheel fitted to a 1939 BSA Model T94 Lady-Back Tandem

Bsa bermuda bicycle history