1938 BSA WM20 500CC SIDEVALVE
In 1960, this bike recorded 104.6mph over a two-way run on bakers beach by a well-known local rider, Barry Chaplin.
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.
