A7 advice

[Tiller]

I am thinking of buying a 1948 A7. The bike is in excellent condition, but can anyone give me any advice about things to look at carefully. I've never owned a BSA twin, although when I started riding bikes (rather a lot of years ago) I rather liked them. Any help would be appreciated.

[jfligg]

Hi Tiller
  Can you post a pic for us to see?  The 48 is the 1st series of A7 with the long stroke motor.  So it is quite unique.  Munroes BSA Twins book is one of the best.  Here is a pic of my 49 A7 Star Twin.  http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c341/jfligg/BSA/DSC00005.jpg I hope this helps.  Jeff

[LJ.]

Hi Tilley... great to have you on the forum. I think that you really need to get to know the bike rather than looking for problems as I dont think there is really anything serious with the good old A7. Keep us updated with what you do. Cheers

[Beezageezauk]

Hi Tiller,

As Jeff says, the early A7 long stroke engine was quite unique.  It was only produced from 1947 to 1950 and although it looked very similar, it was completely different to the later 1951 short stroke engine.

If you want more information on it there is a good write-up on the A7 long stroke models on the BSAOC website.  Check out www.bsaoc.demon.co.uk/earlya7.htm where you will also see a good picture of one.

The squareness of the bottom of the timing case and the lack of the 3 rifles logo will tell you if the early engine is fitted.

If you do decide to get it and you need parts for it make sure that you always ask for parts for the "Early Long Stroke A7" model.  Even though they look similar, very few parts (if any) are interchangeable between the two types of engine.

Beezageezauk.

[fido]

I just read this thread after being asked by my mate NVNL to provide advice on this. I just sent Tiller this in an email:
First thing to bear in mind is that there is no rear suspension so even with a good sprung saddle it will be uncomfortable to ride on poor road surfaces. Obviously this comment would apply to most bikes of that era.  On good roads the handling is fine.These early A7s use the longstroke engine and spare parts are much rarer than for the later swinging arm models. Having said that, I've not needed any engine spares in the 13 years I've owned my A7 as it has been very reliable. My problems have mainly been with the magneto which again is common to many Brit bikes of the '40s & '50s. These bikes use a duplex primary chain with tensioner which is better than simplex type used on later models. This was one of the first bikes to have the now familiar centre stand and they had not perfected the design so it's quite hard work to pull it onto the stand. Both wheels are identical and have the brake drum driven by a spline to make them QD. Check these splines for play. Bear in mind that many A7s will have been used with a sidecar, which can distort the frame in extreme cases. Ask the seller if the crankshaft sludge traps have been cleaned out. Expect oil to weep from round the gear lever shaft, the kickstart shaft and the speedo cable drive. If it doesn't leak at all ask the seller if it has been modified using O rings etc.

[Tiller]

http://uk.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/tiller206/album?.dir=/6081scd

These are a couple of pictures the seller posted

[Tiller]

Many thanks to everyone who replied, now I have to make my mind up! If I do decide to buy it I'll let you know. Ride safely

[1KCBC]

Look nice A7 Tiller and welcome to the forum.Best wish you.
Jaran.

[jfligg]

Hey Tiller Did you buy it?  Jeff

[fido]

No, I don't think he did