17/07/2026
Dear Tamworth & District Classic Motorcycle Club,
I hope you’re all well.
My name is Mark, and I’m hoping you might be able to help me trace my late Grandad’s beloved motorcycle – a 1959 BSA Bantam 175cc, registration VYJ 219.
My wonderful Nan recently passed away, and my Grandad, William Green (known to everyone as Bill), sadly passed away in 2012. Since going through their belongings, I’ve been trying to reconnect with a few memories of his, and finding this motorcycle has become something very special to me.
Bill lived in Warton, Warwickshire, and owned the Bantam from 1993 until around 2007. He was an active member of the Tamworth & District Classic Motorcycle Club as well as the BSA Owners’ Club, and the bike was a huge part of his life. I’m hoping that someone within the club may remember either Bill or his Bantam.
He eventually sold the bike to help me buy my very first car – something I’ll always be grateful for.
From my research so far, I understand the motorcycle is still registered and currently recorded as SORN, with the last V5 having been issued in 2012. That gives me hope that the bike may still be tucked away in someone’s garage, waiting to be rediscovered.
I’d love nothing more than the opportunity to see the bike again. If the current owner ever decided they would consider selling it, I would be genuinely interested in buying it back to keep it in the family.
If anyone recognises the registration VYJ 219, remembers Bill, or has any idea where the bike might be today, I would be incredibly grateful for any information or if you could put me in touch with someone who may be able to help.
I’ve attached a photograph of the motorcycle, along with a picture of the BSA Owners’ Club badge that was proudly displayed on the bike, and a couple of motorcycle club pin badges that belonged to Bill. Somewhere there’s also a photo of me as a very young child sitting on the Bantam dressed as Robin from Batman & Robin, which I’m still hoping to find!
I appreciate that this is a long shot, but the classic motorcycle community is wonderfully close-knit, so I thought it was worth asking.
Thank you very much for taking the time to read my message. Any advice, information, or suggestions would mean a great deal to me.
Kind Regards,
Mark
