c1956 BSA A10 Gold Flash 650cc Motorcycle

Description

BSA's first parellel twin motorcycle was designed by Bert Hopwood, who joined the Birmingham company after successful stints with Triumph and Norton. Announced in October 1949, this was to be BSA's first completely new post-war model and, although designated the A10, was given the nickname the Golden Flash after the all-over gold paint scheme. Based on the earlier A7 500cc model, the A10 saw the engine capacity increased to 650cc, with a one-piece forged steel crank, a new lightweight alloy cylinder head and single larger rocker box plus a cast-in carburettor manifold. With an Amal carburettor, the A10's air-cooled motor developed 35 horsepower at 5700 rpm. Although sold with rigid rear frame as an option, most buyers chose the new plunger suspension set-up, while the gearbox was bolted to the rear of the engine, which enabled the primary chain to be easily adjusted via a slipper housed within the primary chain case. A hinged rear mudguard proved another useful feature, making removal of the rear wheel relatively painless. The vast majority of Golden Flash production was destined for the US market, where the metallic paintwork was designed to attract maximum publicity, while domestic buyers made do with a more sombre black and chrome combination. The final derivation of the Golden Flash saw the plunger rear suspension set-up replaced with a more reliable swing-arm, while the hinged mudguard was done away with. The NSW Police Department employed the A10 in the late 1950s and early 1960s, both in solo and sidecar combinations and they were considered state of the art twins in the period. Today, the A10 Golden Flash is a handsome, comfortable British classic perfect for weekend rides and club days and like all BSAs, comes well catered for by clubs and specialists both here and overseas.