Quality Parts suppliers

[Jules]

I know that you guys have all been talking about a suppliers listing, I've tried searching the forum a few times but couldn't find anything explicitly what I wanted. I have noticed though many many posts talk about poor quality parts, not necessarily cheap parts either! So now I'm in the market for quite a few new parts and have been enquiring from a no. of suppliers that you have mentioned from time to time. Hence is there any consensus on the quality of parts from the following suppliers before I place an (expensive) order please (I need some good quality reliable mechanical parts eg kickstart pinion/bearings, as well as cosmetic parts, in case there is a difference) ?
British Spares in NZ
Barleycorn Eng'g
Degroot in NL
Domiracer in USA
Walridge Motors in USA
Leigh Classic
SRM Eng'g
C&D Autos
Lyford Classics
Lightning Spares
Armour Motor Products
Draganfly
thanks...........

[Goldy]

Hi Jules. In my experience  C and D are ok and they have been going many many years, the two sons having taken over from their father so they seem to have a good BSA knowledege.  SRM I have found to be of good quality, but they are expensive.  I am sure you will get many posts on this one. All the best. Goldy

[muskrat]

G'day Jules,
                try Modak in Melb first. If he's in a good mood! Got a fair bit of him years ago, but haven't been back since he said I was using him!! With our $ good at the moment BS in NZ are good & quick. Postage often kills any saving from OS.
I have had bit's from most of your list and can't fault any. Add Burton Bike Bits, Len Haggis.
Cheers

[RoadRunner]

Hi Jules,
I purchased my exhaust/down pipes from Wassels of Cannock and they fitted reasonably well (not to be confused with Wassels of Lincoln) after falling out with Armours which cost me dearly - however others have had good results from the latter so I gather.
For 2nd hand parts - Eldon Owen of North Wales has been pretty good so far and reasonable. (www.owensmotorcycles.co.uk)

RoadRunner

[Jules]

any other thoughts or other suppliers that people know/used I'd be happy to add and survey -- I've given up with Modak Muskrat, he is such a misery and unhelpful its like pulling teeth to get anything from him. I've found De Groot in NL very helpful so far and they have a great and varied range of parts. Quality/durability comments I'd really like to hear about from people who have recently used stuff. I'm building a spreadsheet using my parts list for reference and am happy to put onto the forum when I've got a decent level of responses, cheers

[Pete Gray]

I've used Lyford Classics for a variety of parts over the years without much trouble.
I had my motor rebuilt with many parts sourced from them including big/small ends, pistons, clutch parts, chain, gaskets. I've also had a saddle, cables, brake linings etc. etc.
The only problems I can recall were a dodgy taper on the clutch hub and an incorrect length cable. I've also had trouble with valve guides seizing but I think they were old stock original BSA parts and I'm not sure if Lyford supplied them.

Armour supplied new pipes and silencers which still look, and sound, superb after 5 years use but on receipt one of the down pipe engine bolt mounting brackets was miles out of alignment. They did replace it but not until after they'd queried my ability to judge as "we've never had problems before"

[bonny]

I've used peters classic bike spares a few times and have to say he is very decent and straightforward to deal with.

http://www.petersclassicbikeparts.nl/

[sinbad]

Hi Jules,I had a reconditioned oil pump from Dragonfly I am happy with, new body, new worm drive/ end plate machined flat, ready to go,cost £141 including pp and vat.Had a few bits and pieces all ok,cheers.

[Gripperod]

I am a bit suprised nobody has mentioned Burton Bike Bits, am I missing something? I have always found them very helpful but have not had the A7 long enough and am not enough of an expert to comment on Product Quality.

bp

[muskrat]

I did.

[Gripperod]

Oh yes, sorry I missed it - you can put it down to my usual ability to look completely incompetent in front of other people........

Makes me feel better though that they are rated by the Forum's cognoscenti, I have just bought a sprocket and chain set from them.

Cheers

bp

[RichardL]

A long time since any posts in this thread, but the title seemed to fit.

So, I'm at the local bookstore yesterday thumbing through Classic Bike Guide and "Own a BSA Business" jumps off the page. It looks like the folks at Lightning Spares are looking to sell their business, lock, stock and barrel, to someone who will continue the operation. It said they intend to keep going for some time until a buyer is found. Any of our UK members contemplating this? (Understood if you're keeping it close to the vest .) Being over here in the U.S., I haven't had the pleasure of dealing with Lightning, but comments here on the forum lead me to believe they are nearly indispensable as a source of parts and as people in the trade.

Richard L.

[Topdad]

Richard, I haven't read the mags lately with whats going on at home  but it would be a shame if they leave , time moves on and maybe they are fed up dealing with the general public ,after all we can be a pain in the neck. I've dealt with them a few times and they have always been  extremley pleasant to deal with and really efficient . They took over about 5 yrs ago and the local BSA branch helped them move shop so they are well connected. i wish 'em luck with whatever they are planning, Bob.

[nimrod650]

priory magnetos uk the most helpful people for all a10 spares new and used as well as mag and dynamo refurbs

[terryg]

Priory Magnetos (beezermacc, of this parish) does it again.
Phoned yesterday at 2 pm and ordered a few small parts. Postman delivered them today before noon.
All good stuff at very reasonable prices. And a pleasure to deal with.
Keep it up Priory and thank you.