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Attached is a picture of  dad’s 1954 BSA A10 (now in my possession). Lots of parts on the bike are chromed, including the engine and gearbox mounting plates and case covers. In fact, the only paint is on the tank and frame (which has all the welds filled and soothed). Much of the chrome is verdigrised, due to the bike being in storage since 1984. There’s no battery, just a magneto ignition w/manual spark advance, and a generator for the lights. The cylinder casting is aluminum, and according to pops displaces 810 cc with a 12.5 to 1 compression ratio. I do remember it being a real bear to kick, especially on damp mornings. I wasn’t aware of aftermarket cylinders being made for A10’s, but the bike was originally customized in the 60’s and such parts were probably more common then. The cylinder fins actually stick out further than the head’s and give the motor a larger appearance. The single monobloc carb is chromed with a screened stack. The rockers are polished and have needle bearing thrust washers instead of the normal spring washers. The intake rocker adjuster cover has an additional breather tube attached which I don’t think was stock. Gearbox is the period 1 up, 3 down pattern but is stamped “SC” for scrambler? I can’t determine if those ratios are more closely spaced than stock or wider (I was told closer, but a BSA book indicates the obverse). It has a working Smith’s chronometric speedo w/no tach. The brake backing plates were drilled for ventilation (or lightness), with a nice 5 hole pattern on the front (side you can’t see). I was told the bike was drag raced in the 60’s or 70’s before being “de-tuned” for the street. Nonetheless, I remember it being a powerful - and at the time scary – ride. The motor certainly didn’t sound stock. I rode a stripped down Bonneville at the time and could never catch it. I haven’t ridden the BSA now in over 20 years, and am slowly preparing it for that “1st” ride. Note the cactus, longneck and green grass. Hey, this IS Texas !

Regards,

Jim

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