Extremely rare 1949 BSA A7S or “Star Twin”. 500cc overhead valve twin utilising twin carbs and a high compression engine.
Current V5C present. Classed as historic so tax and MOT exempt at this age. Original registration number which is transferrable and I am told worth a few grand but make your own mind up on that.
The bike is in excellent condition having previously been restored. Good chrome and paintwork throughout. You will see on the pictures a walk around video which shows how well mannered it is and how clean it looks. This bike starts first kick and sounds ace. Good oil return, no undue noise or smoke from the engine, it even appears to be oil tight. All the lights work, it runs great and pulls smoothly.
For those of you unaware of how rare this is, then briefly: BSA started to experiment with twin carbs and higher compression engines with this model and 1949 is the first year this model was actually offered. The following year the A10 was launched, again in answer to the calls for more power, probably from across the pond. When they launched the A10 they redesigned the A7 engine as well and made it a shorter stroke. So 1949 is the only year you will get the mix of twin carbs and the long stroke engine. BSA ultimately decided that they did not like twin carbs and therefore dropped the option on this model (and rarely offered machines with twin carbs going forward), but kept the Star Twin name. So the twin carb version was only produced for a handful of years. But the difference this spec makes is really noticeable. Taken straight from Wiki here are a few of the Star Twins sporting successes:
Sporting Success[edit]
1952 Maudes Trophy[edit]
In 1952 three BSA A7s were entered for the Maudes Trophy and the International Six Days Trial, achieving 4,500 miles (7,200 km) without problems and confirming the reliability of the design. All three bikes were randomly selected from the production line, picked up Gold medals and earned BSA the Team award as well as the Trophy. The three bikes were ridden by Brian Martin, Fred Rist and Norman Vanhouse. From Birmingham the team rode to Vienna then on through Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Norway before returning safely and with a clean sheet to Birmingham.[5][10]
American speed record[edit]
Also in 1952 American BSA dealer Hap Alzina prepared a BSA Star Twin for an attempt on the American Class C speed record for standard catalogue motorcycles. The rules prevented major modification but Alzina was allowed to use 80 octane fuel, which together with a compression ratio of 8 to 1 enabled rider Gene Thiessen to achieve a two way record speed of 123.69 mph (199.06 km/h).[5]
So, you can see that these bikes were pretty hot in their day. You will see a lot of BSA Star Twins advertised because the name carried on. You very rarely see the original Twin Carb version, and never see the long stoke, which many considered to be the superior engine. This is a well presented clean example which has previously been restored and is good to go. It is not mint, but it is very very clean and tidy. In 1949 terms, this was a fast machine in the 500cc class. If you have never had a genuine Star Twin before, then this is an opportunity to try probably one of the best 500cc machine of the 1940s. People rave about Speed twins or Tiger 100s…. check this out and see which you prefer. Notably Triumph offered their own twin carb 500 in 1953 which was the T100C, for one year only. These were predominantly used for racing. But BSA were there first in 1949.
Viewing is welcome. 07718 593259. Collection is preferred, although I can arrange for delivery to your door in the mainland UK by courier for £ 140. No Paypal or credit cards. No test pilots with out a huge wedge up front. I would consider vintage machines in part exchange.