A7 - the degree of originality

[JackB]

Hello everyone,
I have the opportunity to start my adventure with BSA motorcycles by purchasing the A7 shown in the attached photos.  A kind request to experienced persons to specify the degree of originality of this particular vehicle, including the authenticity and compatibility of the frame and engine numbers.
Regards
Jack

[WozzA]

It appears to be a 1949 Rigid...  BUT I'm not sure what the R in the frame number means?   

[Swarfcut]

   It has more original features than many of this age. Looks to have had sensible upgrades to suit use rather than show. Side stand should be clamp on type, not mounted on a frame lug.

 Represents an interesting excursion into the layby of life, rather than an adventure...... Some spare parts are unique and comparatively rare. Can be a real treasure hunt. Docile, smooth and worth preserving. Not many left, but not highly sought after either. Shame about the grind off on the frame.

 Swarfy.

[Greybeard]

It appears to be a 1949 Rigid...  BUT I'm not sure what the R in the frame number means?   

Rigid frame maybe?

[berger]

just had a scan of roy bacons bible and it doesn't show any R's in the frame numbers for those early frames

[Rex]

You'd be there a long time if you were to count Roy Bacon's inaccuracies though.

[muskrat]

G'day Fellas.
This link supplied by Billybream http://classicenglishbikes.com/tech_file/bsa.html shows 1949 A7 Rigid as ZA7R.
Cheers

[trevinoz]

I think that the "R" was added when the plunger frame was introduced.
As we all know, plunger frames have an "S".
The tank is probably from a later model by looking at the fuel taps.

[Sav]

Nice bike, more original than many I've seen, good acquisition on the surface.

I don't think the tank is off a later model, but am not sure when BSA switched to the later bigger rear lights

Not fond of cow horn bars but the only minor thing I could not live with are those belisha beacons sitting on the spark plugs!

[Swarfcut]

 Early versions of the A7 rigid have a one piece frame. The introduction of the spring or plunger frame enabled BSA to use the original headstock, top, saddle and down tubes with a bolt on plunger or rigid rear frame section to suit the model.

 Curiously the R for rigid does not appear in my later BSA parts books frame listings (nor in Roy Bacon's publications),  tho' the S for "spring" does. Billy's file only shows the R for one year, 1949. Are all rigid frames marked with an R for all years ?  The font on this frame looks different to my eye.

  Sav  . Rear light is a modern and sensible upgrade. Original is a true candle in the wind.

  Fuel taps on Longstrokes are said to point slightly to the rear. Dunno if this is an urban myth! Reckon Trev knows.

 

 Swarfy.