1957 BSA A10 Center Stand

[57BSA]

I'm looking to a center stand for my 1957 BSA A10, would like to find one in the US. I have seen several in the UK but the shipping is very high. I'm a new member and this is my first posting. I've had the A10 since 1968, bought it in a box for $50.00, put is back together and rode it for a little while, got drafted to serve in the US Army during Vietnam, I stored the bike in my moms basement where is stayed for about 25 years untouched. Brought it to my home and stored again until about 2 years ago and finally life, family and MONEY allowed me to start a complete rebuild. Well I'm about 95% there - it is now what I think you guys call a bitsa. If all goes well will atually be ready for the first start up in 31 years next week - wish me luck. It never had a center stand since I bought is so hope can find one - thanks 57 BSA

[a101960]

Be aware that there are two different types of centre stand fitted to the A10.The earlier models were fitted with a stand that was similar (might even be the same) as the one fitted to Gold Stars. Picture st1. The later A10's were fitted with stand as illustrated picture st2. You will have to measure the distance between the centre stand frame lugs because the distance is different. The later frame lugs are further apart than the early ones. The stand dimensions are different and therefore not inter changeable.

The part numbers for the earlier stand are: (st1)

1) Centre stand                  42-4719
2) Grease nipple                  28-2080
3) spring                            42-4730
4) Distance tube                  42-4713
5) Stand pivot stud              42-4714
6) Pivot washer (plain)          2-1945
7)pivot washer (spring)         2-1967
8) Stand pivot nut                24-5860

The part numbers for the later stand appear on the drawing.

John

[57BSA]

Thanks so much for the info. I measured the frame lugs it is 4 inches between them on the inside. Which one do think would be the correct one?

[a101960]

I will go and measure up and report back.

John

[a101960]

I have now measured my frame centre stand lugs. If your lugs are 4" apart then you have an early frame and will need the Gold Star type stand. Both types of stand are expensive even in the UK. I paid £70 for mine (plus shipping on top of that) I have found a supplier of the Gold Star type stands http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BSA-GOLDSTAR-CENTRE-STAND_W0QQitemZ260515695189QQihZ016QQcategoryZ108839QQcmdZViewItem These are priced at £66. I do not no what the dollar conversion rate is however. I have seen one of these offered for sale at £99. Maybe you need to get some of your fellow American motorcycle friends on the case. I have know idea how far you would have to travel to your nearest swap meet, but if I were you that is where I would start looking. Living in the US it might be worth posting here  http://www.britbike.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=cfrm Lots of Americans use this site. Good luck in your quest.

John

[trevinoz]

John,
        There are actually three different centre stands for the A10.
The first was from 1954 -57, the sharp toed type.
The second was 1958-59 and was a horrible fabricated affair which fell to pieces.
The last was the cast steel type from 1960.
Trev.

[a101960]

Trev

You are quite right. There was a cast centre stand that was fitted to the RGS. I don't know if it was used on any of the other models in the A10 range. None of the centre stands that I have encountered are much good. I always use the side stand. The only time I use the centre stand is when I adjust the chain. I can only speak for myself but I find hauling the bike up on to the centre stand is both awkward and precarious in the extreme. Not a task I would wish to carry out on a regular basis. I assume that the fabricated one is the stand made up from tubing?

John

[trevinoz]

Yeah, John,
                    The '58-'59 stand is a horrible tubing thing. Not many left now.
The RGS stand is just the cast steel one without the lever. It was used on bikes with siamese pipes from the factory and probably Spitfires.
The early stand is pretty hard to use but I find the later cast one not too bad.
A bit of a problem with fitting the cast stand to '58-'59 bikes is that the spring anchor is on the wrong side. Nothing a bit of modifying won't fix.
Trev.

[57BSA]

Thanks everone for all the feedback. After reading your comments not sure if is worth the time and money to get one. If all goes well in the week or two I will be ready to try my first startup. Wayne

[Chrisf1]

A word of advice here I foolishly bought a reproduction centre stand for the love of my life and it collapsed on me with one leg going forward and the other back and on inspection the welding had been spat on I think. I got my money back with no problem, with the supplier saying they had got a few reports of this must have been a bad batch NO MENTION OF ANY DAMAGE IT MIGHT HAVE CAUSED. Chris

[beesa]

Looks like a common problem with repro centre stands as I bought one for my rocket  and it collapsed almost immediately, I think the dealer stopped sellling them after too many failures. this is probably why they fetch such good prices on Ebay. It is almost impossible to find them at places like autojumbles.