BSA A10

Jerry Doe · Dec 20, 2020

I have owned a few BSA A10s when I was younger and loved that bike. I have come across an A10 locally the needs rebuilding. I am told that the engine number and frame do not match. I looked online and cannot seem to find the engine year. Engine number 5308. Can you tell me what year that motor is? What would you value this bike at?

cheers
Jerry

EstuaryBoy · Dec 20, 2020

'59 A10 engine nos. start at: DA10-4616.....
'60 nos. start at: DA10-7801
(From Steve Wilson)

L.A.B. · Dec 20, 2020

Machine Numbers

BSA Owners Club Machines Numbers

www.bsaownersclub.co.uk

1951-60

Number Results

1961-74

Number Results

Jerry Doe · Dec 20, 2020

Thanks. Looks like the motor is a 1959 then. I am seriously considering rebuilding this. The main issues that are stopping me is that the frame is 1961 and now I found out motor is 1959, no title. Also they want 2k for it, which seems a little high considering how much I will have to spend.

MikeG · Dec 20, 2020

2K might not be that unreasonable if it's complete and can be made to run without major work, especially if the tank is clean inside and has decent chrome.

swooshdave · Dec 20, 2020

MikeG said:
2K might not be that unreasonable if it's complete and can be made to run without major work, especially if the tank is clean inside and has decent chrome.

How about a picture of the rest of the bike?

Jerry Doe · Dec 20, 2020

swooshdave said:
How about a picture of the rest of the bike?

That’s all they sent me. I think am leaning to not getting the bike at this point since numbers don’t match...

MikeG · Dec 21, 2020

My frame is a 1960 and my engine is a 62 by the numbers but I still enjoy the heck out of riding it.

swooshdave · Dec 21, 2020

Jerry Doe said:
That’s all they sent me. I think am leaning to not getting the bike at this point since numbers don’t match...

If you were just building g a rider it might be ok but knowing what you’ll do to the bike it will be an immaculate restoration. Start with a complete bike.

If you’re going to do an A10 then look for something like a Road Rocket.

Onder · Dec 21, 2020

On the whole, BSA bikes go for less than other similar brit bikes. I'd look for a nice unrestored one that needs no
cosmetics and whatever engine work you want to do. Engine gearbox work seems the easier and cheaper way.

Triton Thrasher · Dec 21, 2020

swooshdave said:
If you’re going to do an A10 then look for something like a Road Rocket.

Any A10 in good condition is an enjoyable bike. The various “Rocket” models were never as fast the proud makers claimed.

Jerry Doe · Dec 21, 2020

I decided that I am not ready for the A10, not yet anyway, as much as I would love another one!

storm42 · Dec 21, 2020

Why does matching numbers matter?

EstuaryBoy · Dec 21, 2020

Did you have one in the UK or US, Jerry? After the Norton I doubt the vibes would suit long distances and wide open spaces. 'Bloody Sore Arse' and 'Wimpy Fist' spring to mind :-(

Fast Eddie · Dec 21, 2020

storm42 said:
Why does matching numbers matter?

Future value.

This doesn’t matter to some, does to others.

If contemplating embarking on a very expensive full restoration it’s certainly something to at least be aware of. The restoration costs aren’t any lower for a none matching numbers bike after all.

Fast Eddie · Dec 21, 2020

EstuaryBoy said:
Did you have one in the UK or US, Jerry? After the Norton I doubt the vibes would suit long distances and wide open spaces. 'Bloody Sore Arse' and 'Wimpy Fist' spring to mind :-(

You forgot: Bits Stuck Anywhere.

Or my favourite: Bastards Stopped Again...!

MikeG · Dec 21, 2020

Buncha Shyte Assembled

But I will say that in the 24 years since I put it together the only time it's let me down was due to a cheap magneto pickup arcing to ground.

Jerry Doe · Dec 21, 2020

storm42 said:
Why does matching numbers matter?

When I rebuilt my MK3 in 2013 I had no title. The police came and checked it out and looked at he frame number engine number and G/B number. The numbers did not match G/B and Engine. So they were not going to help me get the title until some major persuasion. After spending so much money, I cant get to the end of it and have problems. Besides that I am not ready for doing another rebuild yet. And on another note, I am thinking about getting something Italian in the garage instead. Before all that I have to sort my garage out next. I need an insulated garage door and a decent heater.

Jerry Doe · Dec 21, 2020

EstuaryBoy said:
Did you have one in the UK or US, Jerry? After the Norton I doubt the vibes would suit long distances and wide open spaces. 'Bloody Sore Arse' and 'Wimpy Fist' spring to mind :-(

Hello mate,

I owned 2 A10's both in the UK.

The first one was absolutely beautiful. I bought it in Braintree (you know). The problem was that I did not have a M/C license and was riding it all over the place, then I got in trouble for that. Lovely bike 1954 swinging arm. So then Lou (who you know) had a swallow J8 sidecar in the garden that had not been used for years. I bought that J8 and fitted it to my A10 and rode it around with an L plate for ages until I took my test. Then I sold it and got my first commando. I wish I had a photo of the setup. My dog used to ride in the sidecar and we frequented many pubs in Essex, Herts and London. I was known cause of the dog lol!

Then I built a low rider A10 which I loved too, all in UK when I was young. Here is a pic or 2. My good friend John painted it for me https://spray-artist.co.uk/

EstuaryBoy · Dec 21, 2020

Sunny Heybridge

BSA A10

Jerry Doe

Attachments

EstuaryBoy

L.A.B.

Moderator

Machine Numbers

Jerry Doe

MikeG

swooshdave

Jerry Doe

MikeG

swooshdave

Onder

Triton Thrasher

Jerry Doe

storm42

EstuaryBoy

Fast Eddie

Fast Eddie

MikeG

Jerry Doe

Jerry Doe

Attachments

EstuaryBoy

Similar threads