BSA A10

Jerry Doe

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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
 

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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.
 
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.
 
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?
 
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.
 
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.
 
I decided that I am not ready for the A10, not yet anyway, as much as I would love another one!
 
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 :-(
 
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.
 
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.
 
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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.
 
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/
 

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