Adventures and Old Pics

[Black Flash]

Hi All;
Trailered the bike back up north for some vacation riding in upstate NY and had a great time with friends and family. Had a few problems but managed to put over 300 miles on the odometer. First 100 mile run was on some of the best mc roads I have ever been on with no problems. Next time out the screen on the SRM sump conversion got partially blocked with some gasket sealer and pumped oil out the breather. Fortunately I discovered it before it emptied the oil tank. Had to go get the trailer that time. Nearly 80 miles round trip with my brother in law guarding the bike while I went and got it. Screen was upside down, my fault. Later on had both fuel tap corks start leaking. Wrapping them with teflon tape stopped the leaks but will have to fix them properly soon. Only other mishap was a lost oil tank cap. Must have left it loose. ??? Moved the primary oil cap to the oil tank and used some duct tape on the primary. Not pretty but worked well enough.
Spent some time with my Dad and dug thru some old pictures with him. Found out that the '61 Golden Flash was his third BSA after a '58 Flash and a '61 Super Rocket. Pictures enclosed. The '58 had some miles on it but the other two were taken when they were new. That's me on the '61 Flash! He didn't feel up to any riding but was happy to see the old girl again in riding condition. Hope to make the trip again as there are many more roads to explore! Gary

[Brian]

Terrific photos Gary.

Glad you had a good time even with a couple of teething troubles.

Now have I got this right, the bike you are sitting on as a young lad your Dad bought new and it is the bike you now have ?

Well done.

[muskrat]

 Great stuff Gary. You just gave us a clue as to your age  . 1961 bike with 10 year old on it. I love looking at old photos.
Sounds like you had a good time with just enough hickups to make it memorable.
Cheers

[Black Flash]

Brian; Your right! Of course I didn't know it would work out this way at the time but am glad it did. I gave a short history in my first post when I signed on to the forum.

Muskrat; I know I looked about 10 but was actually almost 14. Not quite old enough or big enough to convince my Dad to let me ride it tho. Had to wait until he gave it to me with the motor in boxes a couple of years ago!

Gary

edit: Kinda wish he had kept all 3, especially the Rocket, but back then $1063 dollars was a lot of money!

[tombeau]

Great pics Gary,
Though I think you need to get an "After" picture. Same place, same bike, same person.
Cheers,
Iain

[cus]

Great pictures Gary,
Always good to get pictures of new bikes, they are great references when restoring.
Great pic of the S/R, looks bloody cold though, surely you guys don't ride in the snow
though......"do you!"

Cus

[Black Flash]

Hi cus;
Well, of course if you mean like this? Not on the BSA tho!
I am willing to ride down to about 45-50 deg around here, NC.
For the more observant, the picture says May 62 but probably wasn't developed right away.
tombeau; An interesting idea but the present owners might not understand!
Gary

[a10 gf]

Black Flash, thanks for the story & pictures.

[cableguide]

I just love those export rockets with all the fancy extras, oval grips, handlebar guides, shorty mudguard, even the seats seem a nicer shape than the home ones....lovely pics, thanks for showing.

[Topdad]

nice story and pictures Gary, it's great that you've kept the bike in the family, bet your old man had a lump in his throat when he saw her again looking so good after all these years ,well done and enjoy the rides out BobH.