Hi from A10 new owner

[Slippery Sam]

Hi, just a quick introduction as requested.
I'm a long time biker from Near Edinburgh, Scotland.  I have, since about April, been rebuilding an A10 cafe racer.  Although I have owned, ridden, maintained and modified bikes since I was very young (and now very old!) - this is my first A10.  I bought it as a basket case on a whim (wouldn't do it that way again - different starting point would be better I think) - and have only really been spending a few hours of an evening on it as it's not a race .  Saying that - I think I've spent as many hours googling - for parts, how to's and advice as I have with a spanner in my hand.  the downside of a basket case I'm afraid - loads of bits missing, not usable or not the right bits.
I guess I've enentually joined because I've found so many good threads and advice on here while googling - I thought it worth joining in.
My dad rode an A10 when I was a toddler so I have the faintest recollection but have heard his many stories (many times!!!) - and thought a bit of nostalga would be good (for me and him - he's 76 now and still rides his bikes).
I've gone a bit RGS with the build - but trying to finish with a good riding bike and not a 'replica' and not a show bike.  Mind you - the money it has cost so far is staggering - and once you start down that road, it's hard to stop chasing it (I've spent X amount, I might as well spend £100 on the correct brake switch!!!).
Anyway - I have had a great experience over on the BSA OC forum, where, although certainly not a busy forum - does have a few resident experts who have helped me so much and to whom I'm very greatful - I wanted to try your forum as it looked bigger and busier and like I already said has provided good info so far.
I'm at the stage where I have a rolling chassis and the engine is built up to the rocker box (found I was missing a couple of studs and nuts last night so back to google).  this is definately the point of finding a missing item and it's usually a cheap part that holds things up for a week.
So I'm sure i'll be on for some advice next time I get stuck.

[Greybeard]

 

...not a show bike.  Mind you - the money it has cost so far is staggering - and once you start down that road, it's hard to stop chasing it (I've spent X amount, I might as well spend £100 on the correct brake switch!!!).

Yup, that was my experience also. I stopped entering the cost onto a spreadsheet when it looked like it was approaching £4k in case my wife ever saw it!

[KiwiGF]

The only way I've found to justify the cost of getting a basket case on the road again is to assume after its finished that it will not need more money spent on it for the next 10 years  well.....  that and it stops you going down the pub.

Some "restored" bikes will cost nearly as much to put right as a basket case 

Welcome and we look forward to your questions.

[a10 gf]

Thanks for the fine intro post, and welcome aboard.

[morris]

 

[polly]

Hi Slippery Sam,
I joined for the same reasons and to be honest it was the best thing I ever did.

Pose a problem or look for advice and you get it.

This forum has seen me thou multiple problems and offered advice and insight that was invaluable .
The forum members are very passionate about this bike and live and breath it.
Since joining I have found everyone willing to help and Im just waiting for the day I can help someone too.

Welcome ....
 

[duTch]

 Hiya S-Sam,

I guess I've enentually joined because I've found so many good threads and advice on here while googling - I thought it worth joining in.

  Ditto that and ^above^ ; then disrupted everything  ...stopped short of spreadsheets though- are the the same as what painters use?

 Mine wasn't as together as a basket case, unless the basket takes up the whole planet found bits from all over the world, but looking back 'only' took me 2,1/2 years to initially get it on the road- another thirty to get it running so I can enjoy it...

 Had in mind to document it's latest rebuild, but it was either rebuild the bike, or become a documentary maker- the bike won out

[Slippery Sam]

Thanks very much for the warm welcome guys.
Looking forward to having a problem now 
I'm off to read some threads that look interesting and relative to the next stage of my build.

Cheers Raymond

[Rocket Racer]

Raymond,
 welcome to the forum. Yes basket cases, customs, or theoretically restored bikes or tidy bikes, all a great way of spending time and money.
Now one thing we do love is pictures, so post some pics of how it is now and keep posting as you keep working on it.
I did that with my race bike and separately for my ongoing and very slow super rocket build and found it both helpful and therapeutic.
Tim

[scotty]

Greetings Sam

Welcome

After 10yrs of basket casing I've learned to burn all of the receipts

Scotty

[Butch (cb)]

Agreed. Market prices have still to catch up with the spend on my A10 that must have been back on the road maybe around 8 years or so now. I figure that as long as I don’t sell I’ve not lost anything on the deal. And she’s gorgeous.

[jachenbach]

Hi Raymond,
   I also started with a pile of parts. Don't think it qualified as basket case, as it was a 30 year parts collection from multiple bikes. It's been about two years and progress has been very slow, mostly because I'm splitting time and funds among multiple projects. Even with the original collection of parts books, it's not always obvious how to make things work together. It probably would have been easier and cheaper to start with a complete, or even running bike, but when she's finally up and running I'm going to be soooooo proud! Welcome to the forum. I'm sure you'll find it as helpful as I have.