Newbie needing advise please

[Goldseeker]

I stumbled across this forum whilst browsing for information on A10 Road/Super Rockets and RGS's and signed up as I will hopefully be buying one of these versions very soon.

So far I have only looked at a couple of Super Rockets and they both had price tags that didn't match their condition, which has been a little disappointing. However I learnt today of a RGS replica that appears to be reasonably priced and would like to run the spec past someone with far more experience than myself before I commit to buy. So if anyone on here would like to pass an opinion or give advise it would be much appreciated.

The bike started as a Super Rocket, not sure what year although I will find this out when viewing on Friday. It is the right colours (silver/chrome tank etc). Has twin pipes with Goldie silencers, 8" single sided F/B, RRT2 gearbox, touring handlebars (upside down), rear sets, chrome top fork shrouds and mudguards, alloy rims, new Amal carb, new primary/rear chains and many st/st fixings. The bike belongs to a friend of a friend and reportedly is in very good condition, is well looked after and looks 'right'. The asking price is £6k.
Any thoughts please?

[trevinoz]

I guess the first thing is to look past the shiny bits.
Have a listen to the engine, take it for a ride and listen to the engine on both acceleration and deceleration.
If the gearbox still has the close ratio internals you may not be happy with the amount of clutch slip required to get going.
The box may be a bit whiny through the gears but should be nice and quiet in top.
Generally push and pull at the forks and wheels to check for wear or looseness.
If you can post a picture, we will all like to see it.
And welcome to the A7/10 family.
Trev.

[lawnmowerman]

Hello Goldseeker and welcome to the forum. You will find this a superb source of information and any problems you have with an A10/A7 has probably been experienced and solved by other members who will be only too willing to help and give advice.
As Trev says, do not be dazzled by the chrome although the bike has to look right to you. There have been many posts which have discussed the original spec of RGSs and you have to remember that these were produced by Eddie Dow before BSA cottoned on to the sales potential and started production. Couple this with the common practice at the factory when if one component was not in stock at the time of build - other similar components were used or modified to avoid production delays. This has meant that there are many "standard" builds of RGS and unless you are particularly fussy about originality, the main things are that it looks nice and runs ok. It is a bit like the 30 year old broom that has had 15 new heads and 10 new handles!
One good thing is that you are buying from a friend so you know the history. Another thing to look at is how many miles it has covered since rebuild as many problems do not come to light until the bike has covered a few thousand miles and been run-in. Also look for receipts for any work done and new parts fitted as this will help you with valuation and with any mods that have been carried out and any guarantees for recons of mag / dyno etc.
One comment I would make about originality is the pipes and silencers. AFAIK, a siamese system was fitted as standard on the RGS with a standard silencer. A single goldie silencer was fitted for track use although not personally being too hung up on originality, I have fitted twin pipes and goldies on my Super Rocket and they sound really nice.
Look forward to seeing the pics.
Jim

[Goldseeker]

The deed is done, now the proud owner of a RGS Replica. Never thought I would buy a replica but was smitten as soon as I saw it. Being delivered by the seller on Saturday will post some pictures if anyone is interested.

Since finding this site I have spent a few hours browsing its content and am amazed at the knowledge base within, lucky find for me.

[RichardL]

Hello Goldseeker,

Let me add another "welcome." It's not that "anyone" is interested in photos, it's that "everyone" is interested. So, let them loose.

Richard L.

[Goldseeker]

First attempt at inserting photo's, fingers crossed.

Initial inspection and short ride (20 miles) at the weekend has thrown up a few issues, none too serious (I hope).

1> Noticed that the rear brake drum is not RGS, no fins. Not too worried, they are available so will be corrected very soon.
2> 'Drop' handle bars and rear-sets do not suit my ageing and broken body.   I pretty much expected this before buying and had in mind that I might re-fit bars up the other way and fit standard touring footrests at some time, now apparent this will be essential if I am going to ride any miles.
3> Much prefer the standard look RGS siamese exhaust, so on the 'to do' list.
4> Not sure Rev-counter is reading properly. Not too sure how to check this, any advice/info would be welcome.
5> Back from the ride there were a few drops of oil on the drive, something to sort out in the winter.

Other than that absolutely thrilled with it, goes very well and quicker than my Harley.  

[muskrat]

G'day Goldseeker,
                             That's a very tasty looking bike, well done. She must feel at home if she's already marked her spot.
Cheers

[Goldseeker]

Before I put it away in the garage I wiped its bottom  parked up and put some paper towel under. Not a single drop since so it only leaks when hot, it would seem. 

I reversed the handle bars and adjusted controls today, feels much better even with the re-sets. When it stops raining will take a ride 'as is' before deciding on standard foot rests.

[mikethebrush]

lovely bike

doesnt matter if its a replica if it looks and feels right and your happy then thats more than good enough

my mate built a replica goldie fom parts but has the all important goldie engine, its an absolute dream to ride despite having no tick over and I love it

I would rather have a nicely built replica than a pipe dream any day

bikes are for riding , enjoy yours
,

[a101960]

I reversed the handle bars and adjusted controls today, feels much better even with the re-sets.

I did the same thing. Bought my bike in full clubmans trim, and soon found that I no longer have a body that will tolerate that. Converted to touring trim but kept the rearsets. I find it a good comfortable riding position

[Goldseeker]

I reversed the handle bars and adjusted controls today, feels much better even with the re-sets.

I did the same thing. Bought my bike in full clubmans trim, and soon found that I no longer have a body that will tolerate that. Converted to touring trim but kept the rearsets. I find it a good comfortable riding position

I have managed to find a set of standard footrests for £40 and a complete standard gearbox (in bits) for £30 but will hold fire until I try with the rearsets.

If I go to standard footrests the gearbox will provide a standard camplate to retain 1 up 3 down gear change. However if I can manage with rearsets it will save me £70. 

[a101960]

Also, remember if you opt for standard foot rests you will need a standard brake pedal. I am sure that you will find the rear set foot rest and standard handle bar combination works just fine.

John

[chaterlea25]

Hi All
Standard brake pedal on fleabay at the moment no.220634462228
Nowt to do with me etc!!!
Welcome to the forum Goldseeker, you have got a very nice bike there!!
you will personalise it to your tastes and I hope you really enjoy the bike
"Theres just something about a shiney BSAtwin"
Cheers
John  O R

[Goldseeker]

Also, remember if you opt for standard foot rests you will need a standard brake pedal. I am sure that you will find the rear set foot rest and standard handle bar combination works just fine.

John

Thanks for reminding me John.

[Goldseeker]

Hi All
Standard brake pedal on fleabay at the moment no.220634462228
John  O R

Bid made.  wink2  Mind you I have never been successful when bidding for things on Ebay, hopefully luck will change this time.

Edit: Sunday 18th

Brake pedal went for £72.50 + £4 p&p. Not such a bargain, can buy from Cake Street Classics for £70.