FAQ for buying tips?

[Felters]

Hi there - newbie here. Please be gentle!

I'm looking to buy an A7. I'm sure that the question has been asked many times about what to look for when buying a bike - is there a FAQ section covering it? I've looked and can't seem to find one.

Cheers
Mike

[t20racerman]

Hi there

Welcome to the forum! No FAQ guide that I know off (other more experienced members may advise differently) but this is SUCH a broad question that it is hard to give comprehensive advise... but I'm sure you'll get loads on here shortly! 

Here's some of my thoughts:

You do have to be sure of what you want before you start looking at bikes - in particular are you after originality? For some people (and I have no problem with that at all) their bike has to be exactly as it left the factory. If that is you, then you will need to do plenty of research to find out what models were fitted with what, and when. If you don't care about that - do no research on this!

Legal stuff - check paperwork carefully. Are the engine and frame numbers as stated on the registration documents? Also, NEVER buy a bike from a guy who will only give you a mobile number and doesn't invite you in the house. Not so much with Classic Bikes maybe, but it is not unknown for crooks to meet up outside a house they don't own, to sell a car that is stolen, with only a mobile number as a contact!

Costs - do the tyres, chain and sprockets etc look worn out? You can be looking at a couple of hundred quid to sort those out, so negotiate well. Old cracked tyres aren't much fun to ride on!

Don't buy from a dealer - they general charge about 30% too much!

Good luck with the purchase
Adrian
 

[iansoady]

Buy the best one you can afford. It's amazing how much it costs to replace all the tatty / incorrect bits......

[Topdad]

Good afternoon Mike ,and welcome aboard , if you go ahead with your purchase you'll find this forum an absolute gem, full of good people witha sense of humour  ( you have to have one if you love old BSA's ) and loads of tech skills and knowledge.
RE your post I'd suggest joining the BSAOC they have a branch inHampshire and meet at  "The bold forrester" in Sobertonheath,contact name Mike Hutchings 01489 880552 . I don't have a clue whereabouts that is in relation to you . Membership only £20 yr and they can help with all sorts They have all the factory delivery books so can date your bike etc. More importantly they may know of someone selling a bike and have local knowledge about which helps or if not they may even be able to come along and look at one with you ,they tend to be very friendly, Hope thats of help ,best wishes ,BobH.

[tombeau]

Unquestioningly buy the first one you look at and spend the next 20 years of your life throwing money at it....Worked for me! 
Welcome Mike.

They are good bikes. Try and find one that has been loved and with the same owner for a long time.

Cheers,
iain

[Felters]

Thx all for your help. I live near Alton so Soberton Heath isn't far away...

This is the bike that caught my eye. Paint isn't original but I have seen the bike and it is in good condition and mechanically very sound. Haven't ridden it yet but that's down to my being available and some decent weather. Was hoping to do that tomorrow but the forecast is grim. Again...

http://www.classicsuperbikes.co.uk/product.asp?ProductID=437&ProductName=BSA-A7

[manormike]

Good afternoon Mike ,and welcome aboard , if you go ahead with your purchase you'll find this forum an absolute gem, full of good people witha sense of humour  ( you have to have one if you love old BSA's ) and loads of tech skills and knowledge.
RE your post I'd suggest joining the BSAOC they have a branch inHampshire and meet at  "The bold forrester" in Sobertonheath,contact name Mike Hutchings 01489 880552 . I don't have a clue whereabouts that is in relation to you . Membership only £20 yr and they can help with all sorts They have all the factory delivery books so can date your bike etc. More importantly they may know of someone selling a bike and have local knowledge about which helps or if not they may even be able to come along and look at one with you ,they tend to be very friendly, Hope thats of help ,best wishes ,BobH.

Hello Mike
As secretary of that very branch I can assure you a friendly welcome at the Bold Forester. Come along and chat to owners long term and newer. We meet 1st & 3rd Thursdays each month, from around 7:30.
More on website www.hampshirebsa.org.uk
Look forward to meeting you
Cheers

[tombeau]

That has to be a great intro for you. The best bikes tend to be sold through word of mouth amongst friends and "kent faces" rather than being advertised.

[Felters]

By all accounts you like a picture so here goes...

Naturally I took the advice offered and bought the first one I rode. It does go very well though... the dealer I bought it from is fettling a few things (leaky fuel taps, new front tyre etc.) and it should be with me by next weekend. Brace yourselves for the tirade of halfwitted newbie questions.

[muskrat]

Very nice indeed Fetlers.
Cheers