1969 BSA 500 Royal Star

Highlights

  • 2 owners from new
  • Eye-catching paint and brightwork
  • Low mileage for the age

The Appeal

The BSA Royal Star was the result of a culmination of BSA's technical expertise, evolving from the renowned cafe racer days. They were able to apply their learnings from the 500cc single format and improve these further to give for a smooth and capable twin cylinder engine. 

Whilst moving forward with the motorcycle industry, BSA wanted the Royal Star to stand out, not only due to its mechanical prowess but also visually, hence the glorious amounts of brightwork and exposed mechanics. The Royal Star really oozes class!

The History and Paperwork

  • MOT exempt
  • Originally purchased in South Africa and later imported to the UK
  • Selling due to relocating
  • Current owner rebored for slightly oversized pistons, no noticeable effect on capacity
  • Paint and brightwork in very good condition
  • Desirable cooling duct for front drum brake
  • Good condition for the age
  • Low mileage

The Interior

  • Seat in very good condition
  • Desirable Smiths gauges
  • Handlebars and grips in very good condition
This Royal Star is a real eyecatcher. It has been well looked after and cherished by its current owner, which is evident given its condition. The gauges are in need of some attention with a crack on the glass of the speedometer and the rev counter not sitting correctly. This bike still has the desirable amp meter on the front headlight. 

The riders foot pegs are well worn with the passenger foot pegs in very good condition with minimal wear. The tank paint and brightwork is in excellent condition with only the smallest of chips and blemishes present. 

The Exterior 

  • Blue paintwork and brightwork in very good condition
  • 2 matching Metzeler tyres with good tread
  • Matching wire spoke alloys
  • Minimal chips and blemishes
This Royal Star is surely an eye catcher. The 2-tone paint and brightwork on the tank has been kept in very good condition. This is also the case for the other painted bodywork and brightwork. 

The current owner has informed that both rims and spokes have been replaced with stainless steel parts from the wheel exchange in the UK. Fitted to the bike are front and rear crash bars which are both in excellent polished condition. The exhausts are in fair condition with some chrome peeling noticeable on the mufflers. 

The Mechanics

  • Current owner has rebored for slightly oversized pistons, no noticeable effect on capacity
  • Matching tyres and alloys all around with good tread and in good condition
  • Engine and gearbox casings in good condition
  • Fitted with Boyer Ignition 
The current owner informs he has rebored the engine for slightly oversized pistons, this has no noticeable effect on the capacity. The example also possesses the desirable Amal carburettor. The current owner also informs that the engine and gearbox casings have never been split, thanks to regular servicing. 

It is a reluctant sale (due to relocating) as this bike has been a wonderfully loyal vehicle for the current owner. All fuel lines and cables are in good to fair condition with no evident leaks. There is some slight corrosion on the front fork sleeves. The exhaust headers are in excellent condition with a lovely shine to them.

Summary

The Royal Star was an eye-catching bike on its initial release with this example still retaining that characteristic. The current owner has spent many hours cherishing and servicing this motorbike to keep it in a very good condition. There are the usual small signs of age within some of the paint and brightwork but overall, it is a good honest example. 

The Royal Star's proportions, coupled with a gorgeous paint and brightwork combination, give for a beautiful bike that is certainly worth considering if you are in the market for a British classic from the 60's!

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.

A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.

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Vehicle specification
  • Year 1969
  • Make BSA
  • Model 500 Royal Star
  • Colour Blue & Silver
  • Odometer 23,292 Miles
  • Engine size 500
Auction Details
  • Seller Type Private
  • Location London
  • Country United Kingdom
Bidding history
10 bids from 6 bidders
  • co•••• £3,800 05/04/23
  • co•••• £3,500 04/04/23
  • 91•••• £3,400 04/04/23
  • ba•••• £3,200 04/04/23
  • 91•••• £3,100 04/04/23
  • co•••• £2,900 04/04/23
  • bi•••• £2,800 04/04/23
  • ro•••• £2,400 03/04/23
  • co•••• £2,300 28/03/23
  • si•••• £2,000 28/03/23
Message C&C Auction Team

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