A10SF Superflash wanted

[spanersc]

Hi. A bit of a long shot I know but I was wondering if any european members had ,or know of the whereabouts of a genuine A10 plunger Superflash. I know that most of them were sold in the states but I believe some were sold in europe just to shift, what was in effect an out of date model. Anything considered even a bare frame or just an engine/crankcases (BA10S pre-fix) to get me started. I fancy adding one of these to my collection. Please let me know what you have. Regards, Peter

[Brian]

Good luck but I dont like your chances, as rare as hens teeth. Here is a photo of one that was for sale in the states a few years ago, I wish I had bought it.

I have also added a link to a Super Flash web article, the blue one at the bottom is here is Aus but is also a US import.

Would be a terrific bike to have especially if (like me) you are into plungers.

http://beezagent.blogspot.com/2009/02/bsa-super-flash-story.html

[trevinoz]

Just as a bit of trivia, five swinging arm Super Flashes were sent to Australia in January 1954.
As far as I know, there were only 19 made.
Trev.

[spanersc]

Hi All. Thanks for your replies especially trevinoz regarding the swinging arm SuperFlashes. I was not aware of this although I did know that the factory produced a few A7 Star-Twins with a swinging arm, possibly along similar lines to the SuperFlashes. Were these produced alongside the later Road-Rockets and shooting-stars? Were they for specific markets only? What spec/styling did they have? (I believe the A7ST swinging arms did not have the alloy cylinder heads of the shooting-star, did the A10SF?) Does anybody have any photos of these rare beasts that could be shown, or any original literature shots showing the styling. I think this subject almost requires a seperate topic for all us sad old BSA fans. Looking forward to any further info. Regards, Peter

[Brian]

Here is a drawing of the Super Flash frame, go and buy some tubing and away you go !

Either "The Clasic Motorcycle" or "Classic Bike" did a article on a Super Flash some years ago but I have searched all my back issues and cant find it. It cant have been too long ago as I can still remember it........................

Here is also a ad for a Super Flash, interesting to note although it is a 53' Super Flash the ad calls it a 53' Road Rocket.

[bsa-bill]

Superflash mentioned on this site http://www.beezanet.com/twincarb/fastbsa.htm
Also some other interesting stuff

All the best - Bill

[trevinoz]

Here's two pictures of pretty poor quality.
One is the original owner sitting on his Super Flash some time in the 50s. Probably in Sydney. The Altette has been changed to a Rising Sun horn. This bloke contacted a mate a few years ago looking for the bike, hoping he had it or knew of it. Unfortunately he had no luck.
The other is from a magazine of the day showing the new models on display, Earls Court?
The swinging arm Super Flashes had CA10S engines.
Trev.

[mike667]

Anybody know what kind of handlebars those are pictured in the 1953 road rocket ad that brian posted- those are pretty smart looking...

thanks
 all best wishes for all for the holidays!
 Mike

[spanersc]

Thanks trevinoz for the photos. They appear to be styled similar to the later Road-Rockets but without the valanced rear guard. Strangely they have round tank badges where the very early swinging arm Gold Flashes still had the 'one winged badge' along the similar lines to the badge used on the plunger Superflashes (with text to suit)  Its difficult to tell if the cylinder head is alloy or cast iron.  Regards, Peter

[trevinoz]

Peter,
          I would say the head is cast iron.
The tank appears to be the same as the RR and A7.
Too bad the RR was not fitted with the same guards. I reckon the SF is a better looking bike.
Trev.

[spanersc]

Hi.  I think I agree!!  First, I have to find one!

[Brian]

I reckon they look terrific, sort of like a civilised RGS. Pity BSA didnt make more of them.

[MG]

Some more information in the article below. The head definitely is cast iron.

[beezalex]

Anybody know what kind of handlebars those are pictured in the 1953 road rocket ad that brian posted- those are pretty smart looking...

thanks
 all best wishes for all for the holidays!
 Mike

Hey Mike, those look like standard home market bars.  I have them on several of my bikes.  Walridge sells them.

[a]

Mike Reilly in Brisbane has a as original restored 53 Super Flash but I doubt if its for sale

Everything is for sale at the right price
And to top it off... I'll finish my one tomorrow (Screw knee rubbers to the tank), and roll both of them out of the shed and get some pictures of the 2 together :)

As for the mysterious 8 or so early '54 swing arm versions that ARE labeled as "Super Flash's" There is one we know of right here in QLD...