17. 1941 BSA W-M20
Source: National Motorcycle Museum- Anamosa, Iowa
The BSAM 20 almost didn’t make the cut when it underwent review by Britain’s war office in 1936. She could only reach 69 mph and got 56 miles to the gallon. Plus, there were engine cylinder problems which needed to be corrected. However, by the middle of the second World War more than 126,000 were placed into active military service (seems like they overcame their problems). The BSA M20 was possibly the longest serving motorcycle for the war effort with production running from 1937 to 1955. She was reliable, easy to maintain and perfect for escorting convoys in almost every war theater.