1964 BSA A50

[nourydr12]

Hi- I am new to the forum, and am looking for insight into a BSA A50 I just picked up… I have owned other british bikes but this is my first BSA. It is titled as a 1964. Engine # is A.50.699
                                                                                                           H.C.
This is exactly as the engine # appears, with the H.C. under the #'s
The frame # is A50.2059
  My reading leads me to believe the bike is actually a 1963?? but not sure.   This is my first ?
The bike was rallied at sale as a Royal Star. It is my understanding that the "Stars" were 1966 up. So It is a Star Twin??..
The bike has the stainless 4 gallon tank on it, as well as the metal headlight shroud with the ignition key on the left and the ameter on the right. Was the 63/64 A50 sold/offered with these items. From what i've seen these are A65 items?? Bike also has small/long tail light with plate bracket, verses standard lucas beehive.
Bike has '66 royal star side covers on it, but previous owner gave me one right hand cover he said came with bike… It is large and front mount is off carb mounting stud.

So basically I am hoping some folks can share there BSA knowledge with me, as to any of my ?'s

Thanks very much
Bob L
                                                                                                         

[bikerbob]

Hi  Given that those numbers are correct then it is a 1962 A50 Star the A65 was the Star Twin the A50 Royal Star was listed as 1966. From your description the ignition switch and ammeter are correct for that year. The A50 And A65 would have looked the same but the A50 had a smaller front brake 7" the A65 had a 8" front brake also if it has a cable operated rear brake then it is 1962 BSA changed to a rod brake in 1963. The only thing that puzzles me is the HC that denotes a high compression engine and I don't believe they were in production that early, although I may be wrong about that. The shroud around the headlight remained until I think 1965 when they changed to a separate headlight and a more sporting look. Another thing is the early A50 and A65 had 18" wheel rims  they changed to 19" 1964-65

[nourydr12]

Thanks VERY much for the info… And yes the front brake is 7"… and Yes the rear break is cable controlled. So it is a 1962 Star,, if I understand you correctly.
As far as the HC under the engine #'s, that is correct. The Bike is pulling over 155 lbs of compression in each cylinder, (Top end recently done from what I understand), so I don't know about the high compression
I do know 155 would be pretty much factory new spec's.
Indulge me on another ? if I may impose. This bike has deep wrap chrome front fender and rear chrome fender as well. Would those have been stock on a 62and the chrome/paint 4 gallon gas tank?
Thanks again. Most informative. When I get a new"old" bike I like to Learn as much as I can about it.
Bob

[nourydr12]

Has 18" wheels as well…...

[mark2]

if you ever take the motor down take the HC pistons out (8.5/1 I think) and go down to 7.25/1 flat top , they run a lot nicer and cooler on the rubbish fuel we have , just personnel choice

[bikerbob]

For 1962 the mudguards would have been painted a metallic green with a 4 gallon tank same colour with chrome panels  pear shaped badges and a black frame, only the rear guard would be deep valanced. Try putting into google 1962 BSA A50 images and you should get some images showing what the bike should look like.

[nourydr12]

Ok and thanks very much for sharing ur knowledge.
Bob L