The History
For those interested, most of the history surrounding this 1935 BSA is passed on from Tommy Robinson, his wife Margaret, and daughters Patsy and Linda. They have all relayed the interesting past of this vintage motorcycle to its current owner, the Grandson of Tommy Robinson.
This 80-year-old gem of a motorcycle was purchased by Tommy Robinson almost new in or around 1936. It has been in the family ever since. The story, which appears to be true is that it is one of three in North America.
Tom Robinson had this 35 BSA and several other beauties during his riding and racing days. This is the only motorcycle of his remaining in the family. The others were sold on his passing.
The 1949 C.M.A article on "Riders You Read About" tells you more about Tom, an avid motorcycle racer and old time British Motorcycle enthusiast.
Sometime in the sixties, Tom had a stroke. During his time rehabilitating, one of the family members decided to repair the BSA. Unfortunately, he was unsuccessful, and it wasn't reassembled correctly. The bike and parts unassembled were returned to Tommy.
Tommy Robinson passed away in 1972. His wife Margaret asked Tommy's Grandson to clear out their shed. Along with what would now be priceless pattern making tools, he took to the dump a key piece of the 1935 BSA, the big end bearing. Years later he would learn of Tommy's friends going to the dump in search of it upon learning of its fate.
On Tommy's passing, one of his local rivals and owner of a motorcycle dealership tried to buy the BSA on multiple occasions. His daughter Patsy refused to sell it.
Over the years, many people offered to take this rare machine and rebuild it. However, after each attempt, it came back with more boxes of parts. Soon it sat in a Kamloops barn before it was given to Tom's Grandson by his mother Patsy. The only caveat on being given the BSA is that it would not be sold to Tommy's long time rival.
It was brought to the Lower Mainland and stored in a shed for about 2 years. One day in 1991 the history of the BSA was relayed by Tommy's Grandson to his friend Pat. The next day Pat brought motorcycle enthusiast and restoration specialist Harry to view the machine.
That day they took the frame, tires and boxes of parts for the beginning of its restoration.
Meticulously Harry and Pat worked part time on restoring the BSA. Parts were ordered from around the world. It took about seven years, but it was restored and running once completed. An amazing restoration job on their part.
Once restored and running, Harry had no room for the motorcycle amongst his vintage bikes. A storage spot had to be found. Wanting others to enjoy this beauty, the tough decision was made allowing the Trev Deeley museum to show it. Then located in Richmond, it sat on their revolving pedestal as one of their star attractions.
The Trev Deeley museum relocated and did not have room for the BSA. As a result, a new show home was found for it in Langley BC at one of the local motorcycle dealerships.
Finally, this web site was created to allow all British Motorcycle enthusiasts to enjoy the photos, history and memorabilia associated with Tommy's vintage 1935 BSA motorcycle.