BSA Owners' Club Forum

The BSA Workshop => Singles => Topic started by: Phil C on 13 August, 2017, 11:19:33

Title: Starfire?
Post by: Phil C on 13 August, 2017, 11:19:33
Following on from my recent deliberations as to what bike to get as a first classic, being someone with no motorcycle maintenance experience, six foot four inches tall, and wanting to keep costs down,  I went to the Somerset VMCC autojumble at Shepton Mallet yesterday morning and saw a Starfire parked outside. I had previously thought I didn't like them appearance-wise (although I had one in about 1971 when I was 18) , but I must say I thought this looked nice. Maybe I should get one. Any thoughts,  anyone?  Phil.
Title: Re: Starfire?
Post by: Dean Southall on 13 August, 2017, 18:04:05
I have had 2. The first was on long term loan in the seventies (1970s btw!) as a daily ride and communting from Brighton to Guildford to visit my partner at college. Great bike and no problems. It just lived outside and started and went when I needed it to.

About 15 years ago I got one in bits and rebuilt it. Easy build with reasonably priced parts. Went great when built and I then lent it to a (large) mate who commuted daily from Nottingham to Loughborough for several months with no problems. I only sold it to make space when another project came along and I had enough other bikes to ride.

Pokey enough without being a great big lump to manhandle around the garage.

In your position I'd go for one again.
Title: Re: Starfire?
Post by: Phil C on 14 August, 2017, 18:18:23
Thanks Dean.  Helpful and interesting.  Phil.
Title: Re: Starfire?
Post by: TerryG on 15 August, 2017, 03:09:30
I've just acquired as a 70th birthday present from my wife a 1970 Starfire. I'm not much of a mechanic ( I only change the oil on my normal ride, a 2003 Triumph Bonneville) but so far this seems fairly easy to work on. I've had no trouble getting the few parts I've needed so far so I'd say go for it and dive in,
Title: Re: Starfire?
Post by: Phil C on 15 August, 2017, 19:10:08
Thanks Terry. A Starfire is a definite possibility.  Phil.
Title: Re: Starfire?
Post by: sam on 16 August, 2017, 18:09:07
I'm 6'5'" and had the Triumph version TR250W, all bikes are small for me but I had no problems with size. I even have a Bantam.
Title: Re: Starfire?
Post by: Phil C on 16 August, 2017, 18:38:42
Thanks Sam, I'm delighted to hear that. You also ride the Bantam with no problem? What other old bikes have you had, and have you found any of them too small?  Phil.
Title: Re: Starfire?
Post by: sam on 16 August, 2017, 19:06:53
I guess I look a giant when I ride the Bantam but theres nothing I can do about it. I have a WD B40, a Bantam and an A65. I bought a modern Triumph Scrambler and was able to raise the length of the shocks and put a higher seat on, that helps. If you want a big bike that's interesting, have a look at the ex army MT 350.  I have one and they are a great bike if you are tall.
Title: Re: Starfire?
Post by: Phil C on 18 August, 2017, 22:04:34
Thanks Sam.  Phil.
Title: Re: Starfire?
Post by: Beesy on 03 September, 2017, 09:33:00
I think that star fire may have been mine! Was it maroon and white? If so thanks for the compliment.

I think the star fire is a great little bike. Easy to work on. Spares are relatively easy to find and performance is adequate for most modern roads, especially with the tls front brake. I try to avoid long dual carriage ways etc.

I find it comfy to ride for longer periods. But you do need to keep the revs up and use the gears a lot to maintain a good speed.

I understand the b44 gives similar performance without having to work the engine so much.

Title: Re: Starfire?
Post by: Phil C on 03 September, 2017, 10:18:23
I don't remember the colour (memory going, getting old) but it was the only one there that morning as far as I saw - and very nice. I'm keeping an eye out for a Starfire amongst a few other possibilities. It's probably favourite at the moment. Thanks for the tips about revs and gears.  Phil.