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NEW ZEALAND BSA MOTORCYCLE OWNERS' CLUB Advice
BSA motorcycles were manufactured and imported into New Zealand until 1972.
Some variants continued to evolve and be produced under the Triumph flag. Today
demand for almost all models remains high, evident by the continuous flow of imports
coming out of the USA to be offered on TradeMe. There are still a few good deals
around but most models are appreciating. If you are looking to buy or sell a BSA
or have parts to trade, check out our Classified Advertisements section.
Download Doc Membership form
 Download
PDF Membership form
Membership year runs from January to December. Membership fee
is; $25.00 or Overseas; $35.00
Postal Address:
PO Box 33-018
Petone
Wellington 5046
New Zealand
BUYING A BSA – what to look for
I have helped sort out the aftermath of some
disastrous purchases from the Internet. I would like to offer some
advice from my experience to help you purchase a classic BSA motorcycle
with reasonable confidence. This advice also relates to private
purchases.
Some of you would be experienced in restoring motorcycles and know all
the pit falls, especially with basket cases. This information is for
those who may need assistance with their purchase. Keep in mind that
you will have to spend some money to bring the motorcycle up to your
expectations.
(1)
Once you
decide on a purchase, be it a basket case or ride-able, make contact
with the owner to assess if what is advertised is correct. Basket cases
(dismantled motorcycles) are always a risk because parts do go missing,
especially tin ware and those are the hardest parts to find.
(2)
Ask if the bike has a history regarding
repairs over the years and especially if it has been recently restored.
The file should have all receipts for the repairs carried out.
(3)
Has the bike been licensed and warranted or,
are things on hold? When was the bike last licensed? Remember that there
will be hassles if the bike has been in storage for many years with
equipment regulations that may apply to new registrations.
(4)
Be aware if the owner has stripped and
assembled the bike himself as an enthusiastic amateur. You will often
find many metric nuts and bolts in place of the originals. Painted parts
often are a make over and sometimes are never removed from the bike.
Over spray on wiring is a ‘tell tale’ sign.
(5)
If you don’t
get satisfactory answers to all of your questions be wary and be
prepared to offer at least $2000 below advertised cost or ensure that
you don’t bid too high until you can have someone with experience look
at it for you to make an assessment.
(6)
If your
heart is set on a particular bike that is in some other part of the
country contact the Membership Secretary. We have on file members who
may be able to have a look at the bike for you and, advise you on the
condition .
(7)
If possible go for a test ride or get
someone to do it for you.
(8)
Once you have bought your BSA, make sure you
get a purchase receipt.
(9)
To assist with lapsed registrations the
Vintage Car Club of NZ is approved to issue an “ID Card or Historic
Motor Vehicle Date of Manufacture & Authenticity Statement” to prove
that the bike is in fact authentic. They can assist with lighting
exemptions for indicators, stoplights, and even headlights, depending on
the age of the motorcycle. This service is free to VCC members while
non-members are charged a fee. The forms are available at
http://www.vcc.org.nz/hm_vic.html . It is a good idea to make
contact with the local Vintage Car Club as you send the forms to them
and they make the assessment. Once you have this documentation there
will no problems with getting a VIN, WOF and registration.
(10) A
police check to ensure that the motorcycle has not been stolen.
The New Zealand BSA Owner's Club can advise on restoration of magnetos
and carburetors as well as engine repairs, wiring looms, chroming,
painting etc.
Help is only a phone call away if you
are a club member.
The golden rule is not to rush into anything that you may regret later
on.
Enjoy your purchase, BSA's were made to ride.
John Neill
Membership Secretary
Posted 03/10
HELP
Can you help Mark
Boyack re-unite his Dad with a well travelled Gold Flash?
Hi, My name is Mark and
I was wondering if you might be able to help me (or put me in contact
with someone who might...) My father (David Boyack) rode around the
world many years ago on a BSA (with a friend Stafford - who also had a
BSA). Stafford passed away a few years ago, but Dad is still doing well
at 78. I would love to be able to reunite Dad with his old BSA some way
or other - though it may be a long shot. Which is where you, or someone,
might be able to help. Unfortunately, I have no way of knowing the
registration / chassis / engine number etc - but there can't be many out
there in NZ with the same history...
The details that I do know (from talking with Dad) are that he drove a
BSA 650cc Goldflash - Model A10 - (which is, apparently, the model prior
to having an integral gearbox!) It was black and it was brought new in
Canada in approx 1958-59. (Staffords was a BSA Goldstar, blue, also
bought in Canada at the same time). The two kitted out their bikes and
drove them back to New Zealand - the long way. (The length of the
Americas, boat to Europe, and then down through Europe, the Middle East
and India) so the bike has some history! After getting it back to New
Zealand, Dad sold the bike (in about 1966?), apparently to a university
student. The bike has obviously done a lot of miles, and it suffered a
few accidents along the way. Dad says that he fitted home made crash
bars to the front - (which may have since been removed) and apparently
it suffered some damage to the front frame in one crash - but not
terminal damage. The front light is probably not original...
Anyways, as I was saying, I'm not sure if you can help - perhaps there
is a e-mail newsletter? Are there are BSA clubs in NZ I could send the
same message to? Please get back to me at my work e-mail address. Thanks
and regards, Mark -
mark.boyack@ascarchitects.co.nz
1955 Gold Flash example
There are definitely BSA motorcycle clubs in New
Zealand Mark! Good luck with your search.
Submitted 11/09 |
