HIGHLIGHTS
- Great British classic in superb condition
- Original matching numbers
- Older restoration
- Just two former keepers
- Healthy A10 650 cc twin
THE APPEAL
In the 1950’s, the somewhat ostentatious gold BSA (or Beige, as BSA advertising called it) was a departure from the somewhat austere black-painted models that dominated British roads.
To be fair, around 80% of Golden Flash motorcycles were squarely aimed at the somewhat flamboyant U.S. market anyhow - and sold well.
Not a performance bike like some of it’s BSA sibling’s, the Golden Flash was still capable of nearly 100 mph and fulfilled it’s brief perfectly as a dependable touring machine and competent sidecar companion.
Despite minimal history, the vendor understands that this late production Golden Flash was cosmetically restored to a very high standard around fifteen years ago and has been well maintained ever since. Looking at online MOT records, we can see it has only travelled around two hundred miles a year since 2006.
Not quite concours, the vendor is pleased to point out that this enduring classic is a great “usable riders bike”.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
- First registered in the U.K. on the 13th December 1961
- Non-transferrable registration number
- ‘Buff’ original Registration Book
- V5 present (in previous owner’s name)
- An earlier V5 and some old tax discs
- A few previous MOT’s
- Last (exempt) ’Pass’ MOT issued in 2016 at 2,472 miles
- Taxed (exempt) until 1st July 2023
From 1961, this BSA has resided in the South West, Wales and South of the U.K. with the last owner purchasing it from Blays of Twickenham, in 2005.
THE CONDITION
- Nice paintwork with a few minor scrapes and touched-in areas
- Great chrome work
- Decent Smiths speedometer and Lucas Ammeter
- Perfect Lucas lighting
- All switchgear and electrics said to function
- Excellent twin saddle
- Some wear to rubber grips and footrests
- Reasonably clean mechanical components
- Presentable chrome wheels and spokes
- Older Dunlop and Avon Speedmaster MKII tyres
THE MECHANICS
- Original A10 650 cc OHV parallel-twin
- Robust bolt-on 4-speed gearbox
- All components present in a refurbished or replaced condition
- Amal carburettor with heat / fuel deflector
- Front mounted dynamo
- Magneto ignition
- 6-volt electrics said to be in good working order
- Later front forks and swing-arm suspension
- 8” single front shoe, 7” rear
- Easy maintenance and good spares availability
With a relatively low compression ratio, the 650 twin is said to offer flexible high gear performance from 30 to nearly 100 mph.
Although not fired-up during the photoshoot, the vendor assures us that this BSA starts with one or two kicks and runs competently.
SUMMARY
This desirable touring BSA is one of the best all-round British classics money can buy and appears to be in great condition throughout.
Being a late Golden Flash it also benefits from improvements such as swing-arm rear suspension making it a popular and indeed comfortable riders bike.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
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