Rare 1968 British Motorcycle Hasn't Ran in 40+ Years

[@TheodoreSears]

The button that pushes the carb float down is for starting, commonly called a carb tickler.

[@Adjust-Fire-jy3dy]

Yep. The Amal is super simple and works very well.

[@simoncullum5019]

I never knew what the tickler actually did until now, makes perfect sense, thanks

[@adoreslaurel]

Have done it, But never could figure why they called it a "Tickler"? just keep your finger on it for a while.

[@simoncullum5019]

@@adoreslaurel I always used to push it up and down several times until petrol flooded out

[@ashleyhoward8926]

@@adoreslaurel Yes, quite. Never pump it.

[@simonhunter8338]

In '74 I had a 650 Bonny. Rebuilt the motor top end and rings and changed the side screws to allen head. When I finished it didnt leak a drop! Nothin like a Brit twin. Those were the best days ever!!

[@danpos1971]

I agree. I have had my 650 Bonneville for 39 years. I love the sound and feel of the British bikes.

[@bsimpson6204]

If your British bike isn't dripping oil there's no oil in it, and that’s from personal experience lol

[@keithwarrington2430]

​@@bsimpson6204 Never had much trouble keeping mine oil tight.

[@jameshisself7375]

@@bsimpson6204 I have to agree, the only way they truly keep their oil in is a split cases tear down and modern case bonding sealants during reassembly. Even then it is only temporary. If you park them up though they stay tight! The vibes just break down any sealants eventually.

[@petereastwood7868]

⁠@@jameshisself7375. You don’t need “modern case bonding sealants”. The manual for my 1971 Tiger specified Wellseal. The stuff has been around forever, and is still available. It sticks like $h1t to a blanket, and seals. You can’t buy it off the shelf in the USA, though, afaik. That’s why everyone in the USA bad mouths their brit bikes oil leaks. Also, notice that the Lucas electrics on the bike in the video worked fine (excellent spark) even after all those years sitting. So much for all that Prince of Darkness meme.

[@johnb5519]

Someone butchered the front fender too. Being a dry sump engine, oil may accumulate in the crank case after sitting for log periods of time, so it's good to check for that.

[@RonaldDaub-g7z]

He don't know what dry sump means

[@georgeveneziano2754]

Of course he does jesus

[@billdyke9745]

This is a pleasant surprise, Joe. Welcome to BSA world. The trick with BSAs is to never ride them without taking a length of string, a Kirby Grip and some bubblegum with you. (And your bus fare home, just in case)... Kidding. The A50 was a solid, reliable pleasant ride. As with all this ancient stuff you need to keep an eye open for problems that might be arising. Basic biking practice back in the day... The front mudguard, (yes, mudguard! It's English and Fender is a guitar), and the petrol tank are regrettable. The side panels shouldn't be hard to find. Enquire at BSA owners clubs if all else fails. I vote that you keep it... 🇬🇧👍

[@davideulivieri5138]

I enjoyed it! I grew up in Italy and went thru a British phase in the '70s, (mostly Triumphs), and had my share of oil leaks, finnicky timing and electrical gremlins which can drive you absolutely insane. However, when properly tuned and running well, nothing beats the pure bliss I experienced riding a late '60s Triumph on the winding roads of the Italian countryside.

[@wannaseethevid]

Sounds like good memories for sure!

[@bleakyfinder2692]

Hi Joe, when i was 18 years old i had one of those, in its day you could not beat the BSA Bike. Regards from the UK.

[@FredWarner-jd7gm]

Don't tighten the float bowl cover too tight. Easy to deform. Your first British bike! Rember it's going to leak a little oil no matter what you do.

[@danpos1971]

Same as all joints. Use a torque wrench. Its easy to deform aluminum. That's why they leak oil. Monkeys with wrenches typically got at it. Work on them with care and use new gaskets and Wellbond, and there will likely be no leaks.

[@keithwarrington2430]

@@danpos1971 as long as your breather is functioning ok.

[@ralphjohnson4041]

Hope it works out for you. Can’t say that seller seemed overly honest.

[@timparker9235]

as we say over here across the pond, he may have been telling pork pies

[@ctbale1]

Seller was obviously a sleeze

[@calvinmorris4188]

Sellers are never honest about anything I always do my due diligence when buying stuff and if they say I can't check something I walk away from it.

[@quietbrianquiet]

Do they know they are being recorded when he goes to all these sellers and asks questions?

[@teejyy]

"Just needs gas" was the first red flag

[@GearHeadGeeks]

Having been a factory trained BSA/Triumph mechanic in my younger years, a couple of things. had you used the tickler until it made a mess and it probably would have started on the first few kicks. That is an awesome motorcycle, once you fix the major leak it will still leak, but that is part of it's personality. You can use Japanese made gaskets and things get much better. BUT just for info, when we walked into the factory classroom, the first thing the instructor said "if you ever get a Triumph or BSA that doesn't leak...send it back and we will fix it". Seal up the tank with Caswell tank sealer and all will be good. Also the petcocks, one is a reserve (has a tube) and the other is main (no tube).

[@billb7583]

Reserve side would be lower , or no..?

[@jameshisself7375]

@@billb7583 Yep, the tube side is the main, which makes the bike run out and THEN you switch on the no tube side for reserve which lets the last bit of gas get used. Of course you have to drop at least one to inspect for the tube, and when still new to you probably should drop both just so you know what you have. Anything goes on old bikes.

[@skunkworks9-3]

I get the feeling he knew a bit more about the bike than he mentioned. How could you do all that little work and not pull the plug and see if there's spark. Pulled it up to the garage and everything. Definitely has a vibe to it though

[@carey451]

yes he is lying for sure

[@RonaldDaub-g7z]

Because the way he works is totally screwed up he's not a mechanic

[@FissionChips]

I would have walked after 10 minutes of his nonsense . . .

[@daveco1270]

Now you're talking my language. Love the old Brit bikes... they're pretty easy to work on. Lots of parts available and lots of videos on KZbin to walk you through it. The Honda speedo and tach or an odd choice but 2 grand is a good deal as long as there's nothing major going on in the engine. It probably had grey-faced Smith's gauges originally.

[@andysautounion1]

I passed on the bike I believe the frame is Compromised as the center stand tabs are broken off. They are welded to the frame. And the fiberglass tank is not compatible with the ethanol fuels it melts the glass.

[@billb7583]

Check around, maybe you can trade for the correct gas tank

[@danpos1971]

Common problem, the side stand and center stand lugs often need rewelding. You can actually buy replacement side stand lugs.

[@johnAdamson-uk1dd]

The oil leak is probably due to wet sumping, the oil drains from the tank on standing, it's best to drain the crankcase when they have stood for a while, when you started the oil in the crankcase would be forced out of the breather, not sure with that model, but the 650's routed the breather to oil the chain, which could be why the oil was coming out around the chain. The back wheel doesn't look standard, but overall looks like a decent bike, amazed it started with so little work after standing for so long. You probably know but parts lists and workshop manuals are readily available to down load free.

[@Zinctwentyone]

No smoke or anything, what a nice ride and sounds awesome too.

[@danpos1971]

Great find. Get a parts book and shop manual right away. You need to run A HIGH ZINC CONTENT OIL in these bikes. I use Castrol GTX 20W50 High Zinc in my Vintage Triumph. Same as your transmission. These bikes use bronze bushings throughout the engine and gearbox. Don't use GL5 gearbox oil. You appeared to have put the wrong gearbox oil in it. Drain it and put the proper lubricants in. Failure to use the proper oil will cause rapid wear on those bushings. Also avoid the use of silicone. I use gaskets with non silicone type sealants. Wellbond is one good option. Nice bike! The 500 twins are nice bikes. The 650's have more power and speed, but they vibrate a little more. If you have any questions ask away. I have been into British bikes for 39 years now.

[@trevortrevortsr2]

You have a real good buy there - The Royal Star was the more mellow machine - very tractable with about 90mph top whack - sounds really sweet

[@staygold902]

One thing about British bikes. If it's not leaking oil it doesn't have any in it.

[@snowyowl7042]

😂worked in a Porsche audi shop, reason the British don't build computers is because they don't leak oil

[@45papadoc]

Yep.Just like H/D...😂

[@metoon3092]

🤣

[@michaelbrinks8089]

Would it be better to try and hunt down all original stock parts. Or do a retro restomod using better upgraded parts? I figure since parts are missing. It'll never be worth an all original well cared for one.

[@jacksyful]

very true!

[@dallasn2y]

Gotta love the sound of a British twin. You’re going to need a set of Whitworth wrenches and sockets if you want to do even basic maintenance….

[@120man]

I love watching Joe, never miss an episode, but man, I really hate when the adjustable wrench comes out, lol.

[@jasonfelty3531]

And the claw hammer ​@@120man

[@thebigguy8306]

Bravo, great looking bike. This one is a keeper, like 5,000 others. Now let's tear it apart.

[@minnesotatomcat]

I think you’re right Joe, that guy probably picked that bike up for cheap as a parts bike and threw enough parts on it to make it look complete. He had no intentions of ever getting it running, he’d have checked for spark at least if he did.

[@120man]

Bingo. He threw the absolute cheapest tank on it, took the side covers, I am pretty sure the front wheel is incorrect, and possibly the rear as well. He got quite lucky that it runs as well as it does.

[@keithwarrington2430]

@@120man That's not the cheapest tank, that's a b44 Shooting Star fibreglass tank as he said but it isn't the right style at all

[@jefftuckercfii]

Agreed, and that's a set of Honda gauges, speedo and tach. I definitely wouldn't trust the redline marked on that tach. There's also what looks like a cheesy kill switch hooked up in between the two gauges. The mirrors look like universal replacements, not BSA items. I wonder if the oil leak near the chain is a chain oiler, but it looks like an awful lot of oil.

[@TheodoreSears]

Joe, differences in spark plug condition would indicate either the better looking plug is newer, or cylinder condition issues with the right cylinder. B oth cylinders are run on the same single carburetor, one cylinder running rich is nearly impossible.

[@writerfromarkansas]

It's possible. There 'd be a flat-washer between a carb and an intake manifold. It changes an amount of a gas flow for l/r cylinders.

[@RonaldDaub-g7z]

​@@writerfromarkansasno 😅

[@RonaldDaub-g7z]

​@@writerfromarkansasthat doesn't even make sense

[@andriessluiter4269]

Actually there was an angled washer you could aim the carb to the leaner cylinder……..been there done that.

[@grahamswann9103]

This is so cool for you to be working on a good old British bike. Now you know what we have to put up with. From the UK 🇬🇧 best wishes

[@thebrokenbiker869]

Hey bud. You have a oil line that goes behind the chain. And also remember you have leather seals in that engine. They now make modern seals for the older British bikes. I would replace all the seals and keep this one.

[@thebrokenbiker869]

Also to get the parts for your bike. Contact Morrie's place in ringwood Illinois. Sorry don't have the number

[@Thuddster]

This x100. This one is going to need a lot of work to turn it into a keeper, but is worthy IMO. Do a complete teardown and take us through it, please! You will learn a lot, and gain some new useful skills along the way. I'll be watching them all fr! So, here is a list of to-do's: Disassemble, and do a complete frame inspection to find the cracks (you can be sure, some are there). Repair and repaint Replace all and I mean all engine seals with the uprated modern seals Add the sump cover plate with drain. Replace the oil lines. Replace that pretty fuel tank 😢 with an ethanol-friendly steel tank (~ $300 depending on condition, spend a little more and get one complete with the dual petcocks) and sell this tank - or at least, use a Kreem 3-stage tank liner. Carb kit Air cleaner! Replace headstock bearings and races Replace/service swing arm bushings Chain is likely worn out, or close to worn out Rebuild brakes, prob need to turn the drums and replace shoes Rebuild forks Prob needs new shocks Swap out instruments for rebuilt Smiths Find some sidecover reproductions Replace that sad front fender, or at least rehang it I know it's a long list, but it will be a very cool ride when you are done, and you will develop a real relationship with this scooter. Worth it!

[@davebarrowcliffe1289]

There are plenty of quality modern 12 volt electronic ignition kits avaliable. 50 odd year old points can be unreliable. Check oil. Leaks are normal! Great bike! Love it!😊

[@william6526]

It's not leaking it's just marking its spot. One thing about old bikes like BSA or Harley you never needed to oil your leathers the bikes ahead of you when you rode in a pack would oil your leathers for you.

[@wannaseethevid]

HAHA! That had me laughin'!

[@Steve-wx9gl]

Better gaskets and a torque wrench simple stuff

[@Jaxon_999_]

This bike is actually pretty cool

[@snowyowl7042]

Good looking, nice shape, and I like the size, that medium range

[@rvmonkey1669]

Thanks for the great content. Remember, disposable nail files are your friends when cleaning points cleans both sides at the same time?

[@JohnnieBravo1]

There's nothing better than the sound of a British bike! Just be glad that one isn't set up like my old Norton 600 Nomad, with the Lucas Competition Magneto located DIRECTLY underneath those leaky Amals. That mag looks like a laser light show in the dark, and way more than once I've had to put the fire out under the seat, getting it started. Once it starts, no leaks. As someone else pointed out, if a Brit bike ain't leaking oil?? It's out.

[@JohnnieBravo1]

BTW, my Norton is a 58 🙂

[@johnb5519]

Be careful with the battery too, they are usually positive ground from that time period.

[@marscruz]

That's why the fuse was on the black wire and the red just had a ring terminal.

[@alexmacdonald258]

What a wonderful machine! I was away fighting a war when this bike was first sold; wish I could have been the one buying it!

[@Adjust-Fire-jy3dy]

BSA: Standing for Birmingham Small Arms Company Ltd, BSA was founded in 1861, for the production of firearms. The brand’s motorcycle division was set up in 1903, and the first motorcycle followed in 1910.

My father owned a BSA pistol.

[@buzzwaldron6195]

I thought a Royal Star would be 650cc, dual carbs., serious power...

[@kalaharimine]

Nice, a road bike makes a pleasant change from the sod busters and it's a classic - sounds great! The leaking is apparently a feature to let you know you still have oil. BSA or Birmingham Small Arms was founded in 1861, famous for military & sporting firearms, munitions, air rifles, bicyles, cars, buses and other industrial manufacturing. Started making motorcycles from 1910. Company closed down in 1972 and now making a comeback.

[@jamesadams2334]

the bicycles were shaft drive.

[@Hecubus84]

The fiberglass tank will make a good wall hanger, modern gas turns them into gel. Also, pick up a new sump plate with a drain, makes it easy to clear a wetsump after sitting for a few weeks.

[@foxlake6750]

You could use non-ethanol gas.

[@bryanbard1840]

The button that pushes the carb float down is a primer. Hold it down a bit to get gas flow into the carb neck. I believe the two grommets on the battery side are for the side cover to plug into, then there would be two screws on the lower half if I'm correct. My dad used to race BSA bikes but it's been many years.

[@atschann]

Weird thing but my first street bike was a 67 A65. Few things to help you out, I still own that bike 30 years later and have a few other britts. I do also own a victor 441 with that same tank that's on your A50. I live in northern MN so my bikes sit for quite a few months. After three or four months some of the oil from the tank will find its way into the bottom end and blow out seals and cause oil leaks. Always drain the oil from the bottom end before startup after anytime of storage. You do have to add a few ounces to the bottom end to prime the pump before startup. The oil pump will pump oil back into the tank. A tube in the top of the oil tank below the filler cap should drip oil when bike is running. I can't say that caused your oil leak but I was cringing the while you were trying to stat that bike without draining the bottom end. Push the button to flood the carb, (the button that pushes on the float}. until gas flows out of the hole on top of the button. I have bikes that won't start until you do this. If the bike fires but doesn't start fill it again. The bowl has to be full to start. I love your videos and keep doing what you do. You have relit the fire for me to get some of my old dogs running.

[@jameshampton3969]

Man, hearing that old Beezer fire up brought back my childhood. My dad had a 650 Lightning when I was a kid. Loved that bike! Best sounding motorcycle I've ever heard. On your bike, the headlight is stock, but the switch on it isn't. Should be a rotary switch with three positions: off/low/high. The grips are stock. Seat is either stock or covered in the original material. Side covers should be fiberglass. Tank should be chrome plated steel. Gauges are incorrect(look like Honda CB750 gauges to me). Front fender has been bobbed. Those bikes had stupid compression and timing. Definitely need a boot to kick one over. You've got a gem there. If it was me, I'd fix it up right and keep it. It's how motorcycles were done right. Probably your first pushrod engine motorcycle. My dad's was a couple of years older than yours and took a weird set of British Whitworth tools to work on it. Good luck with it. They are beautiful, amazing machines.

[@toddarbic3369]

Joe, you really need to start bringing that second ramp to put beside the bike so you can walk down the other ramp instead of jumping down and trying to balance everything lol

[@daveallen8824]

With the single carb, I'm thinking this may be a Thunderbolt, your basic BSA twin. The tank is from a Spitfire Hornet, I believe, which was the real hot rod at the time. I had one of those in the 70's and it ran really great - when it ran. it's a 360 degree twin; both pistons go up and down together, firing alternately. I think they make the most beautiful noise in motorcycling. Have fun!

[@minskmade]

it does have the nicest sound.

[@billdyke9745]

The Thunderbolt was a 650, (A65), this is a 500, (A50). Called the Star or the Star Twin in the UK, and the Royal Star for export. From 1966 UK models were also called Royal Star. Solid, reliable bike. 🇬🇧👍

[@bobpickersgill4470]

The tank came off a B44 Shooting Star 441

[@wallacejaysaunders]

The seller knew more about the bike than he told you.

[@will-ellington]

Yeah, that was one of the most obvious exercises in dodging the questions that I've ever seen.

[@daveco1270]

Did you tickle the carbs before kicking it? Maybe I missed that part. Also, I like the Champion plugs over NGK for these british bikes.

[@richardsanders3567]

Cooochicooochicoo

[@bobpickersgill4470]

Use non- resistor plugs

[@jetstreek17]

Love to see more of it this one Joe. Thanks for bringing us along for the adventure.

[@daveallen8824]

This is an A50, which I think makes it a 500cc - the correct petcocks are a push/pull design with a knurled knob you push in to shut off the gas and pull out to open them. And yes, Amals pretty much always leak. I believe the Anglophiles will curse me, but there is a conversion you can do to replace the Amal with a Mikuni...so you can live a leak free life. A really fun bike to ride - they handle really well and sound SO great.

[@kodibox2501]

Amal carbs dont always leak to my knowledge, they can be temperamental but if you have the correct gaskets they tend not to leak

[@wesleypulkka7447]

2V, the tank is off a BSA 441 cc Victor single cylinder that was a firecracker of acceleration but had very sketchy handling. I rode a borrowed one down 10th Ave in NYC at about 80 MPH in broad daylight back in 1970. The victor was very unpredictable off road. The bike you have should handle very well in comparison! The mismatch between seat and tank is pretty obvious. I rode a 56 Triumph 500 R with a 1960 Busmar sidecar all over Great Britain and northern Europe back in 1973 + 74. I owned a Triumph 200 cc Tiger Cub and a 1958 500 cc single AJS/Matchless, all of those bikes handled very well and were reliable with lots of TLC. I think the Brits didn't jump right into building computers because they couldn't figure out how to make them leak oil and not boot up in damp weather! Enjoy!

[@JohnAlot]

Back in the 1980s-90s the traffic lights on Broadway were timed to go 50-55mph. I would pick up my GF from the Lonestar Roadhouse on my Guzzi V65 & fly down Broadway all the way to Union Square, then head east on 14th to our apartment in Alphabet City.

[@davidmather6900]

I had a BSA C15 250 - I also wish that I’d still got it. But, we’re all wise in hindsight. It was one of the last ones made so would be worth good money now. Good to see an old UK bike brought back to life.

[@gilbertwashburn7095]

Runs great great deal I had bsa back in the day a modern carburetor would fix all those carburetor problems those Factory carbs are prone for that have a great day you got a great dealThanks for the video I'll keep watching keeps me inspired I can't ride bikes anymore but I can enjoy the video thanks

[@englishsteve1465]

Why does nobody ever buy a freakin' WORKSHOP MANUAL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! facepalm smh !!!!! Seriously, it will save time, money and stop expensive mistakes happening, it's a must have for any bike.

[@buzzwaldron6195]

We know bikes/engines, no manual needed...

[@anthonyraistrick4728]

Great job. Well done lad. I find it therapeutic seeing these bikes cough up their lungs and spring back into life! I grew up with biker parents and have had several projects myself over the years. The joy never leaves your soul! Great channel. Long time sub.

[@Hammerback0]

Wow! You can come up with the most interesting bikes! To hear the owner say "it only needs gas", im curious to see if it has a piston and rod in the crank case or if there is a brick and a hamster inside 😂. Thanks for the content sir! You help me get through my boring work days while teaching me a ton! Appreciate you.

[@stevetealey2804]

BSA & Triumph are two great Motorcycle.

[@rangerddanger697]

Great video cool old BSA , we had a BSA TNT in the garage when I was a kid that was back in 1980 I was twelve 😂 wow I'm as old as the bike you bought time flies when you're having fun keep up the good work, awesome Chanel, it's my favorite.👍

[@johnkucin4482]

The tank, or at least the decal stickers are from a BSA 441 Victor Special, also a one cylinder thumper. I guess you have a frankincycle on your hands. All in all should be a fun project, get used to shifter and brake on opposite sides. Its a bit of a learning curve, I jammed on the back brake trying to down shift a few times.

[@robertsavage7446]

Clutch plates are most likely stuck put in gear pull clutch in and rock back and forth hopefully they free up. Some hardware is witworth if you’re having trouble finding something to fit.

[@RonaldDaub-g7z]

The best way to unstick a clutch without tearing it all the way down is get it going get it in gear while you're running with it and just write it with the clutch in and it'll come undone

[@stevefirth6472]

Really enjoyable video. You have me flashing back to my 1967 Triumph T100C. These British bikes run great as long as you keep them tuned up, which needs to be done very frequently. I predict you will love the ride and handling.

[@j.w.3345]

Very cool! I'm about to start working on a 74 Triumph T-140 Bonneville 750 I picked up this passed winter. Great bike to buy for your kids. It will teach them how to walk! Or become a good mechanic.

[@williamrose2506]

Now that's a fine ride. It appears to be in great condition. Had a 650 lightning dual carb back in the day and loved it. You stole it.

[@stephenbaron5681]

The guy that sold you the bike did not seem to honest but you knew that and got a fun project. I have been working on and ridden 😂 British bikes for a long time and I find it hilarious how your commentary crew all got the chance to Regurgitate the one piece of stereotypical British bike knowledge that they had.

[@jerrymack6123]

It was my first bike. Great rider and what a sound!

[@wesleypulkka7447]

2V, that side bolt on the carb looks like it needs a copper washer. That is a very sweet running smoke free engine so so far very good unit! I think you lucked out on this one! Congrats!

[@metoon3092]

2:41 _Timing is everything_ means the _time_ you think you got it fixed, it's something else. 🤣😂

[@wags9777]

I don't know if the oil you're using has a zinc additive but this will absolutely be an engine that needs it

[@bobpickersgill4470]

Straight weight 50. I use non detergent

[@kobybear08]

Joe, I like how your curiosity never stops, great bike.

[@RonaldDaub-g7z]

In about 10 years he will be a mechanic maybe if he'll quit being so OCD and maybe get some medication

[@joejadhon9934]

Joey I think the oil leak is just the bike wet stumping , happens when they sit for a while , especially when not of the center stand . Low oil in tank is tell tail sign

[@minnesotatomcat]

That seller was sketchy, he knew more than he let on I guarantee it. Without a title a bike is worthless so I don’t know why he thought it was worth so much more cause it had a title, they all had a title at one point.

[@jefftuckercfii]

That's exactly what I was thinking when he said that. The bike without a title is worthless -- unless you can somehow work it through your state's registration system. Vermont was one you could do from anywhere in the country, but no longer. Having a title doesn't add value, it just makes the bike salable. Who would purchase without a title unless you knew you could fix that problem?

[@michaelschlup-c5o]

i had heard they were hard on oil and not a lot of cooling... most guys ran 20w50 synthetic and changed it often ... motor is certainly tight ...Amal carb was a trip.

[@stephenhall5430]

I used to buy basket case British bikes .rebuild and sell .very easy to work on .fast to turn over.

[@larogersii1]

you need points file, contact cleaner for cleaning the points and then impact screwdriver for rusty stuck screws

[@richardthompson6265]

Cracking bike worth restoration and a keeper for sure.

[@SirBeauJangles]

The tank is from a 441cc single cylinder bike with a decent rep in the dirt. The Royal Star came in a Blue paint job. There were several iterations of the A65, - Thunderbolt, Lightning, Spitfire. I think the 500 only came in Royal Star shape. It didn’t sell in big numbers and since it was essentially an A65 with smaller cylinder and pistons, it shared the cycle parts with its big brothers and so didn’t weigh much different with less HP, making it less a sporty bike but said by many to be a sweeter ride. It’s a bike I’ve never ridden so can’t comment. Run the thing with no battery in, the charge circuit can be damaged. let petrol (not “gas” please?) drip anywhere near wiring as shown here you’re asking to start a fire. That motor should really be bench stripped in case there’s some near terminal situation inside it. Bikes don’t usually get parked for 40 years with no reason. The weak point in all these A7/10 and A50/65 motors is the bronze bush timing side main bearing. as it wears over the years, oil pressure reduces till the big ends also start to thump. Can lead to regrinding being needed. All avoidable by early checks and frequent oil changes. Jokes about Brit bikes not needing oil changed since they’re spontaneously self-changing all the time by dripping it all over the road - don’t help! A company in England made (makes?) a bearing modification that replaces the bush with a roller. If joint surfaces on old engines are checked on an engineers surface-plate and dressed back to true by someone who actually knows what he’s doing can easily lead to engines that hold their liquor pretty well. Trouble is, over the years old bikes have been taken apart by a multitude of relatively clueless owners who think they’re decent engine jockeys, and reassembled without the needful skill and mechanical sympathy. Resulting in - leaks. At the other end of the scale you get guys like Alan Millyard who adds cylinders and builds the most amazing engines out of, say, old japanese triples to make 4+ cylinder machines. All in a tiny workshop beside his house. Check him via a YTube search for his name. He’s a genius.

[@lindsaysampford3190]

All Amal carb bits, including gaskets, can be had from Burlen in the UK, they even supply brand new ‘monobloc’ carbs like the one you have. There is no gasket or washer on the bottom nut under the main jet, it seals by a taper but they have introduced a neoprene ‘O’ ring there on the ones they are making now, it might be worth a try retro- fitting one if yours persists in leaking. The mixture adjusting screw controls the air not the fuel, so you wind out to weaken the tickover mixture. The oil on the floor could have been pushed out of the crankcase breather from the sump from the first start, which would explain why it stopped ‘leaking’. It’s interesting to see what you make of an old British bike; familiar to us but probably quite alien to you!

[@domm2523]

nice bike, but with Any vintage bike that has been parked for a long time, you should drain the crankcase of oil. the engine was hard starting when you first fired it because there was probably 2 quarts of oil in the sump. these have a gear type oil pump and will naturally wetsump when parked for a long time. also, your 'leak' is from a breather located behind the cam, and thats where all the excess oil in the crankcase was venting to. secondly, my opinion would be to find the correct steel gastank. they are pretty cheap and available.. the tank you have is for a 441, but the fibreglass will melt if you put modern gas in it. unfortunately not worth the time or money, but someone restoring a 441 Shooting star would buy it. I have had several a65/50's and they are great bikes for any environment!

[@markdoolan7282]

Thats the coolest bike you’ve done so far , great find beautiful.

[@dhurt8955]

I love the old BSA,Triumph,Norton bikes

[@robertwickes2117]

I had a old BSA that was given to me 55 years ago i was 14 and would ride it all round the woods and farm tracks great fun.

[@debcamp2359]

Cool bike! Thx for taking us along on your adventures.❤

[@Algernon_1337]

When british bikes stand they tend to leak oil from the tank into the sump, I think what happened there is the engine blowing out excess from the sump. Its a lovely bike, reminds me of the 1963 triumph T100 we had.

[@Algernon_1337]

You can check the timing from here too. Off the top of my head it should be around 7/16" before TDC

[@jwill9637]

You need to check the oil tank to be sure the oil is being pumped through the entire system. The oil will be seen pumping back through and can be seen as a stream just below the oil tank cap. This should be done as part of your pre-trip inspection, very important.

[@glennarnold3970]

on the old british bikes use hylomar m gasket maker coat both sides of the gasket leave 5 minutes and install it does not go hard and stays tacky on the side covers and crank case repeat same process if it keeps leaking put a thin piece of cotton thread on the gasket with hylomar m and refit the cotton thread takes up if the cover is slightly warped hylomar m was originally designed by rolls royce for their jet engines oil fuel and coolant resistant and sensor safe hope this helps cheers from down under

[@tonyaxeman4381]

DO NOT USE SANDPAPER .on the points A steel finger nail file works perfectly .

[@ctbale1]

He won't listen, he is a hack

[@mattbeaderstadt9256]

Cool find. Can’t wait to see the finished product

[@marctorigiani4558]

That BSA sounds tight motor sounds really fresh

[@whathasxgottodowithit3919.]

You can tell it is a genuine Brit by the oil leaks - confirmed. The seller seemed a little vague about certain aspects of the Bike, at least it is running.

[@michaelmathews295]

The major problem with these is the crank bushing on the right side. They wear out and since the rod bearings are downstream from that lose oil pressure and fail. There is a fix that involves machining the crank and adding an oil line. The oil pumps also lose pressure from an ill-fitting cover plate. Check out The Mighty Garage, he's working on one of these right now.

[@robertanderson-yx8mo]

Getting a classic British bike going is one thing,Stopping it is another !

[@ChrisLee-UK]

Facts! haha

[@120man]

And we haven't even talked about The Prince of Darkness yet, lol. Lucas Electronics if you aren't Brit bike savvy.

[@ChrisLee-UK]

@@120man 😂😂

[@cobbleup]

I love the simplicity of only one carb! When both cylinders are equal compression and vacuum a single carb is going to work well and simplicity is maintained. 👍👍👍

[@barrysoper9183]

Cool bike, you’ll have to rig up a seat for Vinnie!

[@johnb5519]

I had a Norton Commando from 1973 to 1984, and wish I never sold it. At the time without any internet, it seemed parts were hard to find. Now it's no problem finding parts. Once you feel the power of one of these bikes through the handlebars, along with the great sound, all other bikes seem like sewing machines, with the exception of Harley's.

[@jameshampton3969]

And Harleys seem like scooters compared to a BSA.

[@johnb5519]

Yeah I should have added maybe with the exception of Harley's.@@jameshampton3969

[@markackermann673]

Lucas electric, the man who invented darkness!

[@lsj1]

Yup. Lucas - The Prince of Darkness.

[@atschann]

The Germans never bombed the Lucas factory in WW2 because they couldn't find it. The lights didn't work.

[@RonaldMayDMD-nt3fd]

@@atschannHaving ridden Triumphs from 1959 Bonnie then in ‘72 I bought a Bonnie which I had until 2009!! There’s nothing like moving down a country road at night when your headlight suddenly gets brighter which is appreciated until a few seconds later ALL LIGHTS ARE OUT thanks to Joseph Lucas, the Prince of Darkness!!! Certainly tests your pucker factor!!

[@bobpickersgill4470]

Any electrical brand system will have trouble if it's not maintained. No problem with Lucas. My 68 B44 was POS+ ground

[@atschann]

@@bobpickersgill4470 I have a 67 and agree.

[@MrScorpiomoon]

I had the BSA B40. The vibration from the Engine was always sending me on a trip to Salford. a Guy named Jack Bottomley had a Shop that sold all the British bike parts. I had to continually buy copper Oil lines the vibration would split them open. Then if you went through a puddle you had no brakes so you had to ride on the brakes until they heated up and got rid of the water. this was the 80s and i fancied a change from the Honda and kawasaki bikes 😀

[@urielsmachine997]

I enjoy your content Joe, this one is special as it takes me back to my A10. Points were so simple to clean and adjust, just remember to check the condenser/ capacitor as it prevents point arcing. You are a good mechanic and an excellent presenter. Thanks mate!

[@johnhaylett3643]

aah the joys of a sixties british bike , being a twin it fires as you pass every lampost[ if it was a single it would be every other lampost] and like some one commented earlier if its not leaking its empty

[@davebarrowcliffe1289]

"Amal" is short for "Amalgamated Carburettors." Common British brand.

[@richardclark4610]

Back in the day, we referred to them an ANALS haha

[@grahamwatson451]

I always thought it stood for Amalgamated Aluminium.

[@RC-fu6hg]

It’s British…. Of course it leaks oil… all British vehicles leak oil. It’s part of the experience. 😂 but wow what great find. Looks like a lot of fun.

[@stevekwall925]

Your fuel leak is not coming from that round gasket cover it's the jet holder were it screws in to the bottom of the bloc get some fine sandpaper and do figure 8 redo the surface of the bottom of the carb.

[@ChrisLee-UK]

A point about the fuel taps (Petcocks) The taps are different; the main tap has a vertical pipe above it so that it cannot drain the tank. When the tank level gets to the top of that pipe the engine will stutter and stop unless you turn on the reserve tap which allows more petrol to get to the carb. So, do not open both taps, So main tap on the right side of the tank, reserve on the left side. Open the right side for normal running and the left side to use reserve.If the tank isn't symetrical then the main petcock goes onto that side and reserve on the smaller capacity side. It's been a minute since I messed with these but it's either one or the other. Great bike Joe, looking forward to seeing you complete this :D

[@raymondsmith6504]

Lots of parts (and even advice) at Walridge Motors in Canada.

[@mattmatthews4070]

Normally on old BSA's its best to quickly unscrew the oil cap (when the motor first runs) and visually check the oil is returning back into the oil tank, your bike seems OK because the oil the tank was full after running the engine, and luckily it did not seize. Great video. 👍🙂

[@robrobinette]

I had a BSA 650 in high school in the mid '70s. The electrics are unbelievably crappy but the torque was pretty sweet.

[@Jdwescott]

I Remember when they had flat track races at the fair in Portage Wi the BSA singles you could hear a mile away,probably my favorite British bike.

[@Jdwescott]

By the way BSA stands for British small arms

[@vincentlawler3033]

@@Jdwescott Birmingham Small Arms I think, apologies if incorrect.

[@davidmcduffie1398]

I was raised in a city of 54,000 people. When i was around 8 or 9 years old there was about 34 BSA bikes running around town. Good looking and sounding bikes and several guys took me for rides and I was thrilled to death to go.

[@davehawes8177]

As factory mechanic says in the comments, carburetor should be flooded for initial start by use of tickler button which forces down the float. If you don't, you get to kick for five minutes as is the case here I've had A65's, triumph 350, 500 and 650 twins since they were new and all of them were oil tight. If they leaked, the leak was fixed. The oil that dripped usually came from the breather system used to oil the rear chain. Blue hylemar sealant developed for Hillman Imp engines was the answer for an oil tight bike.