Extremely rare 1950 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 recently 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 easily and sounds good. 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: In 1949 BSA launched the Star Twin which was the sports version of the more sedate 500cc A7 twin. Triumph had the Speed twin and their sports version the T100. Both factories decided to have their sports machines liveried in Silver. The key difference was that the BSA offering had twin carbs, a high compression engine and a hot cam. 1949 is the first year this model was actually offered and the engine at this point in time was the long stroke engine. 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. BSA ultimately decided that they did not like twin carbs and therefore dropped the option on this model in 1953 (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. Strangely Triumph bought their own twin carb 500 out in 1953 called the T100C. This was done for one year and is an extremely sort after model, but BSA had been there first as early as 1949. 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. When they came out there was an 18 months waiting list and everyone made sold the moment they hit the dealerships. For years afterwards getting hold of the original Star twin was a tall order.
This is a machine that has recently being restored regardless of costs, but due to health issues the last owner has simply never being able to use it. Therefore you will have to settle this machine in. This bike has all the correct numbers. That is the orignal tank that has been re-chromed and repainted. The bike has the correct original valanced mudguards, nicely rebuilt wheels that are correctly lined and the deep Lycett saddle. Condition wise this machine is near on mint and looks stunning. In 1949 terms, this was a fast machine in the 500cc class. Where as the standard A7 was gasping at 70, this was a machine that could push 90 mph plus. If you have never had a genuine Star Twin before, then this is an opportunity to try probably one of the best 500cc motorcycles of the 1940s. People rave about Speed twins or Tiger 100s…. check this out and see which you prefer. Interestingly Triumph offered their own twin carb 500 in 1953 which was the T100C, for one year only. These were predominantly used for racing and proved to be just as popular. But BSA were there first in 1949 with the revolutionary Star Twin.
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.