BSA Owners' Club Workshop Discussions

The BSA Workshop => Twins => Topic started by: brians on 24 Nov, 2023, 17:34

Title: Electric start for BSA A10 Golden Flash 650CC 1955
Post by: brians on 24 Nov, 2023, 17:34
Steve Mcfarlane's http://startyourbsa.com/ website doesn't seem to be working or it isn't on my PC anyways :-(

Has anyone fitted or had an e-start fitted to their A10 recently and can share details please?

I have had zero interest from my various attempts to sell Flash (e.g. https://www.ttr250.com/BSA_A10/BSA_A10_Golden_Flash.htm (https://www.ttr250.com/BSA_A10/BSA_A10_Golden_Flash.htm)) so am considering keeping it but, to make it usable, it would need an electric leg.

Many thanks in advance.

Brian

Title: Re: Electric start for BSA A10 Golden Flash 650CC 1955
Post by: DAVE BRADY on 24 Nov, 2023, 17:54
Hi Brian,

Try looking on youtube 'BSA A10 650 with electric starter!!'
I know of several people who have the starter fitted and it has given them a new lease of riding life.
Steve has supplied many (I think hundreds) of the kits and sent them all over the world.

Dave.
Title: Re: Electric start for BSA A10 Golden Flash 650CC 1955
Post by: brians on 24 Nov, 2023, 22:41
Thank you Dave!

Watched the vids but it would be good to know whether Steve still sells/fits the kits and what they cost. Anyone know?
Title: Re: Electric start for BSA A10 Golden Flash 650CC 1955
Post by: DAVE BRADY on 25 Nov, 2023, 08:43
Hi,

I was chatting to Steve at the BSAOC International Rally this year and he is still doing the kits.  The only number I have for him is
02920 645045

Dave.
Title: Re: Electric start for BSA A10 Golden Flash 650CC 1955
Post by: brians on 26 Nov, 2023, 11:50
I contacted Steve on Messenger and asked the cost. He replied "The full self fit kit with a new battery is £1750. Fitting at my workshop is £300"

Bearing in mind the A10 is now worth less than £5k what do you guys think - value for money or cut my losses and sell the A10 for what I can get and stick to bikes that already have e-start - and are lighter?
Title: Re: Electric start for BSA A10 Golden Flash 650CC 1955
Post by: DAVE BRADY on 26 Nov, 2023, 12:25
Hi,

It all depends on mow much you like/love your BSA.  Without wishing to humanise motorcycles, you could develop a new relationship with another bike and get as much enjoyment out of it but....
Did you scrimp and save to rebuild the BSA, have you looked after it to keep it reliable, does it evoke memories of significant trips or social events in other words are you attached to it?

So sell your BSA for say £4000 and buy another bike that has electric start and is lighter for probably £3000 and splash the £1000 on some new riding gear or something for the house.  The shed will be a different place though with less need to go and do a bit of fettling, the talking point at bike meets will be based on photos rather than your actual bike with a hard to see electric start.

Keep your BSA and everything that comes with it, fit the electric start and be about £2000 light in your bank balance but enjoy the banter of BSA ownership especially when you push that button and encourage others to keep riding.
Add a bit of value and desirability to your BSA when it is time to pass it on to the next BSA rider who needs some help to keep riding.

Your bike, your money, your choice but make sure it is the right one for you.

Dave.

ps  We are waiting for someone to do an Electric start for the plunger framed A10 for my wife' bike. The kick starting associated with over 150,000 miles of riding has taken its toll on her 'kick start knee'.
Title: Re: Electric start for BSA A10 Golden Flash 650CC 1955
Post by: EDDIE SIMPSON on 26 Nov, 2023, 16:39
hi dave,
its great your wife is riding a bsa. my wife passed her test but stuck to her car. kids limited her choice.
the a7 plunger is one of the easiest bikes to start on the kickstart i ve ever come across.
but i have seen a usa utube of a  kickstart assist for sale and modification for brit bikes. again expensive.
Title: Re: Electric start for BSA A10 Golden Flash 650CC 1955
Post by: Mike Farmer on 27 Nov, 2023, 13:04
 :) :) :)

For what its worth in my opinion. As said "its your bike, your money and your knee"

If there was(is there???)one available for an A65 I would have it fitted tomorow without any doubt.

Mike 8) 8) 8) 8)
Title: Re: Electric start for BSA A10 Golden Flash 650CC 1955
Post by: Mike Farmer on 27 Nov, 2023, 13:07
 :) :) :)

Sorry. Should have said is there a good reliable one for A65 in the non monumental price range.

Mike 8) 8) 8) 8)
Title: Re: Electric start for BSA A10 Golden Flash 650CC 1955
Post by: DAVE BRADY on 27 Nov, 2023, 14:13
Mike,

Check out the Arc Engineering A65 starter.  How monumental does it have to be to stop you from keeping on riding?  I know that Steve Macfarlane is working on one as well.

Dave.
Title: Re: Electric start for BSA A10 Golden Flash 650CC 1955
Post by: Mike Farmer on 27 Nov, 2023, 21:56
 :) :) :) :)

In truth I no longer ride anyway. But i would be happy to do the biz just for the sake of it.

I shall have a look at prices etc.

Mike 8) 8) 8)
Title: Re: Electric start for BSA A10 Golden Flash 650CC 1955
Post by: Lone Wolf on 28 Nov, 2023, 05:28
Quote from: DAVE BRADY on 27 Nov, 2023, 14:13
Mike,

Check out the Arc Engineering A65 starter.  How monumental does it have to be to stop you from keeping on riding?  I know that Steve Macfarlane is working on one as well.

Dave.

Wotcha.

The ones from Ark Racing are being sold through Shropshire Classics.

I've got one on order, and yes, the price is monumental - but as they say "You can't take it with you"

https://triumphbonneville.com/product/bsa-a65-unit-starter-motor-kit/
Title: Re: Electric start for BSA A10 Golden Flash 650CC 1955
Post by: Mike Farmer on 28 Nov, 2023, 21:27
 :) :) :) :)

Ive just had a look at that, and dont know if that is an awfully sensible price in my situation. We'll see Any idea of the order time.

Mike 8) 8) 8) 8)
Title: Re: Electric start for BSA A10 Golden Flash 650CC 1955
Post by: Lone Wolf on 29 Nov, 2023, 12:46
Quote from: Mike Farmer on 28 Nov, 2023, 21:27
:) :) :) :)

Ive just had a look at that, and dont know if that is an awfully sensible price in my situation. We'll see Any idea of the order time.


Wotcha.

Like most things these days, there's always an excuse as to why it isn't available yet.  For the last two months they have been saying "by the end of the month"   Luckily I ain't in a hurry, but why don't they just say "some time in the new year" ?
Title: Re: Electric start for BSA A10 Golden Flash 650CC 1955
Post by: Mike Farmer on 29 Nov, 2023, 15:42
 :) :) :) :)

Or, why dont they get their act together, give you a date and deliver on time. Why?????because basically they dont really give a toss.

Mike 8) 8) 8)
Title: Re: Electric start for BSA A10 Golden Flash 650CC 1955
Post by: Allan G on 29 Nov, 2023, 18:34
It's not that they don't give a toss, they will make them in small batches. Soon as so many have been pre-ordered they will then make a batch. 70% of which will have been sold and will cover the cost of all of them should the other 30% not sell quickly.

Meanwhile they will be making other things. Arc racing don't just make starters for old tat bikes. They make a lot of parts for the motorsport world too. Also those guys will pay them big bucks and will also be return customers. They will get preferential treatment.. and understandably so.
Title: Re: Electric start for BSA A10 Golden Flash 650CC 1955
Post by: brians on 04 Dec, 2023, 11:32
I am grateful for the responses - thank you guys!

Having giving it a great deal of thought, I am going to have another try at selling Flash. I have dropped the price to £4,750 so, if you know anyone looking for an A10, please send them this link - https://www.ttr250.com/BSA_A10/BSA_A10_Golden_Flash.htm (https://www.ttr250.com/BSA_A10/BSA_A10_Golden_Flash.htm)

Many thanks

Brian
Title: Re: Electric start for BSA A10 Golden Flash 650CC 1955
Post by: TTJOHN on 05 Dec, 2023, 11:59
Brians.
Wsa speaking with Steve Mc farlan at the weekend and he said he has trouble with his web site, so this is perhaps why you have not received any answers from him but hhe is still working, at he moment.
Title: Re: Electric start for BSA A10 Golden Flash 650CC 1955
Post by: Lone Wolf on 05 Dec, 2023, 14:05
Quote from: Allan G on 29 Nov, 2023, 18:34
It's not that they don't give a toss, they will make them in small batches. Soon as so many have been pre-ordered they will then make a batch. 70% of which will have been sold and will cover the cost of all of them should the other 30% not sell quickly.


Wotcha.

It looks like things are now moving - here's the email I had earlier.

"Primary cases are now coming in from the polisher .

We are now in a position to get 5-6 kits out beginning this week.

With compliments of the Season.

Thank you for your patience.

Very best regards

Paul Fotheringham

Shropshire Classics"