BSA Starfire

[simonfr]

Hello,
Hope you can help!  So im looking at getting a classic motorcycle - and up to this point was undecided. However there is a bike very close to me for sale which i like the look of.

BSA Starfire.  https://www.gumtree.com/p/bsa-motorbikes/bsa-starfire/1487155948

Now i have some classic machines already - modern classics (80s and 90s Japanese bikes). However i know nothing of BSA practically to consider a restoration.

The one close to me doesnt look original (different seat by the looks of it) and as the owner says, the chromework is poor. So the question is, is the Starfire a decent bike, worth restoring, how scarce are parts and is it easy enough to get parts rechromed?

Help and feedback much appreciated.

[Beesy]

On the whole Starfire parts are quite easy to get. I've never had any problems getting what I need and they are pretty straight forward to work on too.

Looking at those pics I think the tank is not correct for a 1968 model. From memory the metal tank was introduced in 1969 with the twin leading shoe front brake. Until 68 they had a smaller fibreglass tank. I don't think fibreglass tanks are much use these days due to the additives in modem fuels so the metal one is better. The speedo binnacle doesn't look standard either, but that's a minor detail.

Provided it runs, starts and stops OK £1500 doesn't seem too bad they are frequently advertised for over £3000.

Re-chroming is really expensive. New pattern parts are often cheaper, it's your choice to make if you want to do that.

Old chrome can often be made to look presentable with a bit of elbow grease, plus you keep the original patina of the bike. If you get brand new chrome with a 56 year old paint job it may look odd. But it's a personal choice.

I think the starfire is a decent little bike. Mine is happy all day at 50mph. I've done a few 200 mile days on it. The only think I would recommend is getting electronic ignition. I have wassell one. Never fails to start, 1st or 2nd kick.

[Ian C]

In addition, the seat looks to be a Triumph one possibly off a Twin? Also, the Oil Tank is the original Fibreglass type which I replaced with the 69 pattern steel type with Fibreglass outer cover on my B44 restoration as the fibreglass was cracking. I also added the 7" TLS front brake and hub which is an easy mod. Another observation is that there doesn't appear to be a Air Filter fitted which may cause issues for carb jet setup and is the chainguard available with the bike as they are hens teeth to obtain!!. Here is my B44 after completion which is basically same bike with more CC's.