When I was a lad ( I was born in 1953), my first transport was a Vespa 125 scooter. That was stolen whilst I was in a cinema in Sheffield, and later found burnt out. This would have been about 1971. It was replaced with a motorbike which I guess would have been registered about 1968/69, something like that, and which I understood to be a Starfire. I guess the bloke who sold it me told me that (shop in Sheffield.) But I have a very vague recollection that somewhere in the documentation (log book, maybe?) it was called something else ( Fleetstar? Barracuda? Can't remember, and I think I just ignored that.) I've searched high and low for a photo I had of it, but can't find it. I notice photos of Starfires in the classic bike press never look quite the same as mine in that, if I remember rightly, my front mudguard was chrome and the number plate ran along the top of the mudguard. Was it a Starfire, or something else? I wasn't involved in selling it, as I left it at home when I left and my dad did the sale years later. Anyway, do you think it was a Starfire? Wish I could find that old photo. Phil
One other bit of information: the previous owner I think was the Sheffield Parks Department (hence the squarish- profile rear tyre, and me falling off when leaning over too far on a bend.) Phil
Phil, it is my belief that the C25 Barracuda was only designated as such in 1967 becoming the B25 Starfire in 1968. By your description, i would think your bike if 1968/9 would have been a Starfire. The Fleetstar was a lower cost lower bhp model produced for the fleet market (Police, local authorities etc.) but this had painted valanced mudguards. Matt.
But I never seem to see any Starfires for sale with the front number plate running along the top of the mudguard. Phil
the old front numberplates were stopped around August 1975. mostly as a safety issue to stop injuries but it was never made a legal thing. many owners took them off straightaway some keep as an original fitment. personal choice.
you might wonder if fitted today to modern superbikes that the mudguards would be long and strong enough at current speeds.
not seeing Starfires with them could be just because they were not needed.
The Fleet Stars had a more valanced front guard with the numberplate on either side not on the top.
Below is the C25 Barracuda from the 1967 catalogue. Usually with an orange fibreglass petrol tank. Oil tank also fibreglass.
Very interesting. But I see the one pictured says " Barracuda" on the side panel - mine didn't. Mine was blue. And the side panels black I think.
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Thanks, Beesy! So clearly there were Starfires with the number plate running along the top of the front mudguard. The one in the photo does look very very like mine. The only things I see possibly different are I don't remember the decal on the side panel, or the grip bar at the back of the seat. Otherwise it's just as I remember. So I guess I'll settle for mine having been a Starfire! Maybe the one in the photo is the actual same bike!?! Many thanks all. Phil
Of course it's a long time ago now. Mine could well have had the decal and the grip bar. I guess it's very likely mine was a 1969 Starfire, just like the one in the photo kindly posted by Beesy. Very interesting. Thanks again. Phil
PS Takes me back. Sun is shining. Mungo Jerry is singing "In the Summertime." And I'm trying to forget that the bike has L plates on.
Your comment re the L plates bought back memories when I had purchased a second hand Norton Jubilee from Eric Williams, Pierpoint St Worcester, £30.00 . My sister had already passed her test and rode a Lambretta, often she would pillion with me on the Jubilee which often resulted in a Police stop because they thought I was riding on L plates with a unqualified female passenger - quite amusing. I remember that when I rode it home from Eric Williams it would only run if I switched the ignition switch the opposite way to normal. After about 3 days of doing this it expired completely with a totally flat battery. I ended up having the engine completely reconditioned by a very talented old guy who lived on Broadheath common, his name was Bill Knight and he was married to Len Vale Onslows wifes sister. Subsequent to the refurb I rode that bike to just about every race venue in England, the farthest being Snetterton, always flat out everywhere p[ossible and it never missed a beat. It ticked all the boxes for me (at that time) It was also the only bike I owned that I never fell off!