Hello

[ringding]

Hi all,
Just joined as have inherited my Dad's '57 A7. He bought it in '62 and it was my introduction to biking in the early 80's after he restored it. Dad was always one for rideability over originality, so it's not one for the rivet counters...
It's been off the road for a few years, due to covid and his deteriorating health, so will need recommissioning once I've moved it to my garage. Something that won't happen quickly as my own health isn't great. However, I'm determined to get out on it every now and again so will definitely be after advice.
Thanks for letting me join, and I look forward to trawling through the threads. 👍

[a10 gf]

have inherited my Dad's '57 A7
I'm determined to get out on it

!

Thanks for fine intro. Hoping the forum will be of big help.

[sean]

welcome from Canada ...you dont say where your from {country } pretty much someone from every country on here so lots of knowledge available
good luck with your project
Sean

[ringding]

welcome from Canada ...you dont say where your from {country } pretty much someone from every country on here so lots of knowledge available
good luck with your project
Sean

Thanks.
I didn't think of that.   
I'm in the UK, just a bit north of Bristol (in the butt cleft between Wales and England!).

Dug out an old photo of Dad and the A7, with me and my Barracuda, from a few years back. A good day out on one of the Sammy Miller Museum August Bank Holiday runs. 

[a10 gf]

Thanks for photo, nice!

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[Worty]

Welcome mate, nice photos.  This is a great place to be for bike owners (not always Beezas).

[ringding]

Welcome mate, nice photos.  This is a great place to be for bike owners (not always Beezas).

Thanks! I've not got quite as many Yamaha 2 strokes as you, I've an RD250LC and a TDR250. Nice to have a bit of variety isn't it!

[Worty]

Welcome mate, nice photos.  This is a great place to be for bike owners (not always Beezas).

Thanks! I've not got quite as many Yamaha 2 strokes as you, I've an RD250LC and a TDR250. Nice to have a bit of variety isn't it!

Ah, no, they were past bikes, my friend - will update the profile to reflect that.  I've only got space for the Flash and a Kwaka W650 at present - one to ride and one to fix (you can work out which is which!!)

Loved my Yammy 2 strokes, but never had an LC, rode the RD350B for zillions of miles to the point where there was a step at the top of the barrels and a piston ring popped out and broke (replaced with LC pistons).  Had 3 XS750s for despatch riding - one got chucked down the M6 near Birmingham (despatch riding - hit a sheared propshaft from an artic).  One seized up, and the other got torched by some b^&*%$ds in Stafford where I grew up.

Loads of tales from yesteryear on here, let us know how you get on.

[Joolstacho]

Love a father & son ride shot. Been there, done that... very special!

[ringding]

Well, it took a bit longer than I planned but the A7 is now tucked up safe and sound in my garage, along with some spares.

She needs a going over before being ridden, and I've got my 250LC to finish (so I can sell it in the spring) first so it might be a year before I post again! I've been lurking though.

Dad always used to tell me that he had her in SS spec in the '60s. Is there a crib as to what the differences between the two are? I think she's got an alloy cylinder head (and rocker box) fitted, and there's a close ratio set of gears in a box, so I presume they were part of it?

[CheeserBeezer]

A7SS had alloy head, 67-356 cam, and high comp pistons, manual magneto and carb to suit. Cosmetically, had a sportier front mudguard and earlier ones had big badge tank and two tone green paintwork.

[ringding]

Thanks! Gives me an idea of what to look out for when getting her back on the road.

[Joolstacho]

Has that got a front brake/hub off an A65 or A50?

[ringding]

I'm relying on my memory, rather than any expertise, but I think it's an Ariel hub (but off what model I don't know)?  Dad wasn't a stickler for originality and I think he told me it was a good upgrade back in the day.

[ringding]

It certainly works well enough. One of our last run outs was in the pouring rain and we swapped bikes, him on my C25. I was leading the way home and had been enjoying slinging it through the bends, I have always found it very sure footed regardless of conditions. I got a bit enthusiastic with my braking for a roundabout (my C25 always required a good heave on the lever, and I think I defaulted to that approach) and locked the front! It snapped onto full left lock, but a quick dab of the foot and letting the brake off got it all back in line, and then I only overshot the giveway line by a little. I was sweating bullets, thinking about throwing it down the road in front of him, but he thought it was hilarious (he wasn't averse to tarmac surfing in his youth)!