Memorable Motorcycles: BSA M20 Photo Gallery

Although far from state of the art, the BSA M20 was nearly indestructible.

The gas tank on the BSA M20 had a screw-down filler cap to help ensure safety on the battlefield.

The girder forks of the BSA M20 were crude, but they were also unbreakable.

The Lucas magdyno provided separate ignition and lighting - excellent for battlefield reliability.

Military instrumentation was extremely basic on the BSA M20.

The side-valve single engine on the BSA M20 was simple and rugged, making it ideal in combat situations.

Valentine Page was charged with creating a 500cc side-valve single with lots of torque for the British military and the BSA M20 is the result.

Ease of maintenance, simple engineering and the use of cast iron and pressed steel made the BSA M20 an appealing choice for the British military.

British Despatch rider with his BSA M20 in the field.

BSA M20 riders were trained in bulk during World War II.

Though designed for road use, the BSA M20's were surprisingly reliable off-road as well.

The BSA M20 might not look flashy, but it would get you home.

Here some British Despatch riders show off their BSA M20 to Allied soldiers.