The BSA A7-A10 Forum
Bikes, Pictures, Stories & more => Introductions, Stories, Meetings & Pictures => Topic started by: Timbo on 27.08. 2024 07:36
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Hi all,
New member, just saying hello for now.
Recently got a 1959 A10 Golden Flash (Bess) when my 85 year old dad decided to stop riding it (he still rides his 800 GS) as he was having trouble kicking it over.
I have a couple of other bikes, a KTM 1290 SAS and a 25 year old KTM 640 Duke but have to say I really love riding the old girl, makes me grin like a Cheshire Cat!
She needs a few bits sorting but runs really well for 65 years old, better than me that’s for sure! I’ll sort them over the winter, for now it’s ride when I can.
Already found a few top tips here so thought it would be rude to not join, so I did, hello.
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Great story, looks very tidy, enjoy
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Great to have you on board. Looks like a UK location in your photo. Loads of help on here if you need any. The bike looks nice and original.
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Thanks for intro, great bike.
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Welcome mate, you've just joined the best Brit bike forum there is! Nice bike too!
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*welcome*
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Welcome Timbo
That’s a tidy looking bike
S
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G'day Timbo *welcome*
It's great you'll be able to go for rides with dad on his old bike.
Cheers
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Thanks for all the replies, seems i have joined the right place.
I have done some fettling and figured with the front brake, it is easier to find something soft to crash into rather than expect it to stop! Or just throw myself off onto the verge and let the bike hit the obstacle. Joking of course, but getting off my KTM 1290 with ABS etc, the front brake doesn't seem to do a lot, the back is great. I found that the 1st time I needed to stop fast, 1/2 a mile into 1st ride ever, a handful of front brake and changing up a gear (brakes on the other side, i didn't say wrong side *smiley4*) didn't help much.
I have taken it apart and will be back with questions (and pics) later in the correct forum as i don't seem to be able to find the correct shoes.
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Welcome Timbo. Much support here. Dad will ride the BSA now that he has someone to kickstart it. *grins*
*welcome*
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As it stands, my reckoning is that both brakes are not getting the maximum leverage that can be applied. The front hub lever is at 90 degrees to the cable, applying the brake as it is reduces the effective radius and therefore leverage.. Try turning the lever over, the lever may then point a little further downwards. You want it just before 90 with the brake on.
The rear brake lever on the cross shaft can be moved backwards on the splines. One of the problems encountered is the incorrect length of aftermarket rear cables, or the wrong one for the model year. BSA messed with that rear brake over the years. Both levers need to be set before the magic 90 degrees at rest.
Plenty for you to find already on the Forum. Don't expect miracles, the full width cast iron hub is rated as just about adequate, even when well set up.
Villiers Services, Brierley Hill, West Midlands offer a well respected brake reline service, but as always, pays to check you have the correct shoes fitted, and fitted correctly.
Swarfy.
PS Came off a loaned Honda CB 72 mistaking gear lever for left side rear brake pedal. Front brake locked up on gravel. Stepped off as it slid along....
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G'day Timbo.
You'll get used to braking 1/2 mile before needed!!!
I remember the first ride on my plunger (1982). Coming down the hill approaching the highway. Stomping on what I thought was the rear brake but only going UP gears *eek*. Very lucky there wasn't much traffic on the highway and rounding the bend 20 miles faster than I should on 2 flat tyres.
Cheers