New member bsa a10 on its way!!!

[Alex kettle]

Hi all. I'm Alex will shortly be turning 30years of age and am soon going to be given my dad's old a10 golden flash which has been sat in his garage for the last 28 years un ridden. Can remember as a kid polishing the chrome work and as an early teenager having a go with my twin brother to try and get the beast started with both of us nearly braking a leg. I have ridden bikes before starting out with a honda super four and then onto a honda firestorm by the age of 20, and even my mums bsa bantam which she has owned for 40years( although it was in boxes for a good 20 years of its life but currently she's riding it on the road). But I have never got round to having a go on the a10. I am currently without a bike so can't wait to have a go on the a10 and hear that magical sound. I enjoy anything classic currently owning a 1962 mini which I've not long finished building and then immediately driving to Italy and back. 
  Not sure how much work the a 10 will need. My mum and dad came off it over 30 years ago and after that my dad totally rebuilt it and had it bored out and has covered 2000 miles since. I'm guessing new tyres, some gaskets ( maybe a clutch????) flush out old oil and replace with some fresh and give the brakes some attention. My dad has kicked it over periodically but not started it so fingers crossed and if anyone has any advice I'd love to hear it.  That's me for now hope I've not bored you all too much. Look forward to hearing from you all. Looks like a great site

[a10 gf]

Hi there, & welcome. Thanks for the fine intro post, and am hoping you will get all the help you may need from the forum. Post a few photos. See http://www.a7a10.net/forum/index.php?board=15.0 about the practical use of the forum.

[lawnmowerman]

Hi Alex

The mag has probably died of old age after 28 years so well worth sending it to a mag specialist for a check. Mag faults tend to be very difficult to locate and diagnose and are notoriously intermittent so well worth starting off with one which is known to be fault-free.

It would also be a good idea to flush the fuel tank and clean the carb jets and filter.

If it has been stored with no fuel then the fuel tap corks have probably dried out and shrunk so will leak fuel. I found it easier to fit modern ethanol resistant taps rather than try and fix the old ones.

Also check the primary chaincase level as many A10s wet sump after two weeks let alone 28 years and excess oil will have found its way into the primary so it will be worth draining it all and refilling with fresh oil to the correct level.

Before starting after filling with fresh oil I would take the plugs out and squirt a little oil in the bores and then kick over with the plugs out for a while to get some oil moving. It may take a while to get it as far as the oil tank return pipe under the oil filler cap but if you get bored kicking it over, make sure it is returning fairly soon after she fires up.

Good luck with the first start up and we look forward to seeing some pics.

Jim

[muskrat]

G'day Alex  .
It's great that younger blokes take interest in the old A7/10's. You know how us old blokes seem to have patience? Well it's working on and keeping going our old bikes. It's also great to see the bike stay in the family.
Yep change All the fluids, even the forks if your keen. Hopefully dad will teach you a lot.
As lawnmowerman said it's good to start with a known good magie, but I'd give it a go first. If it fails any test send it away for refurb. There's a couple of magie magicians on the forum.
Give the carb a thorough clean out, same with the fuel and oil tank.
Good luck with it and just holler for help.
Cheers

[KiwiGF]

My 2 cents worth, once you get the engine etc going think about doing all the grease points as it will have dried out eg wheel bearings, head bearings, brake fulcrums etc  that should prevent grief later

[Billybream]

Hi Alex.
Welcome to this great forum.
I was in a similar situation, I had left my bike standing for 29 years, but decided on full rebuild. The engine was in good shape but as I had stripped it to investigate condition, went for rebuild with new bearings and seals plus new rings. The shock for me was the sludge trap, the crap inside was almost solid, with no thro route, similar tale in the bottom of the oil tank, thick crap.
My recommendation would be to remove the oil tank filter and feel around the base of the tank, before you decide to risk starting her.
With regard to the mag, mine just needed a good clean, same for the carb, even the dynamo worked, with no other than a clean.
My tank was left empty, and did not suffer from any corrosion, never been lined.
Investigate best engine oil choice, but I think secret is to change on a very regular basis, and don,t forget leaded additive for the fuel.
Best of luck

[Ethelred]

30 year old petrol! I'd bottle it and sell it on ebay, they don't make it like that no more.

Reckon if you can put together a mini that'll go to Italy and back you should be fine with an A10. Gaskets and seals will have dried out, there's cork and felt and all sorts, so it'll probably leak a bit when you get it started.
As previously stated, expect magneto issues and budget on a reconditioned one.

Good luck, let us know how you get on.

[Alex kettle]

Thanks for all the kind words and hints. this arrived today. its the only bit missing off the bike, currently has a head light with a bowl and gaiters on the forks so when i get the bike this will be going on. (any pictures ?????)

[scotty]

welcome alex 

your pictures have come thru loud and clear.

Looks like hat and trousers cowling set up

Have fun with the re furb of your A10

S