1938 BSA WM20 500CC Sidevalve

A vintage motorcycle displayed in a museum. It has an exposed engine, wire-spoked wheels, and minimal bodywork, with a sidecar visible in the background. There are informational plaques and other vintage vehicles in the background.

In 1960, this bike recorded 104.6mph over a two-way run on bakers beach by a well-known local rider, Barry Chaplin.

Close-up of a reflective metal surface with red handwritten text that says '104-6 MPH' and 'Bakers' and a round metallic object with indented text. The background shows blurred mechanical parts.

During the 1950s many speed trials were held on Bakers Beach in an attempt to better the world speed record of 97.8 mph held by Jock Weston on a 600cc SV Ariel in England.

The engine was developed and tuned by noted Launceston engineer and tuner Bill Gough, and many modifications were carried out. The inlet port was completely redesigned to allow a more efficient mixture induction. The engine would easily pull 9000RPM running on special alcohol fuel. Mr M.J Woodfield, who has restored the bike to period specification kindly loaned the vehicle for display.

Close-up of a vintage racing motorcycle engine with visible chains and gears, part of a display at a museum.
A vintage racing motorcycle on display indoors, with a red frame and a yellow circle on the front, surrounded by a black rope barrier.
Close-up view of a fire truck's front section with a worn yellow circle painted on a red surface, blurred background, and part of a police tag hanging from equipment.
Close-up of a metallic part of a vintage motorcycle with stickers, including a Union Jack with a red stamp over it and a B.S.A. Motor Cycles Ltd. badge, showing bolts, hoses, and part of the frame.