SELLER’S REGRET

I’ve just read Frank’s article on the A10 in RC240 and it brought back many memories, mostly good, of my 1952 plunger Flash. I sold it about 10 years ago and, as usual, wish I hadn’t. Lovely bikes.

Chris Alvey, member

Frank’s excellent article brought back many memories of my BSA Golden Flash. This bike was purchased by me in 1958 from a car dealer in Croydon for the princely sum of £169 on hire purchase, with my dad as guarantor. The bike, also a 1954 with swinging arm, was identical to Frank’s test bike apart from a) the colour (mine was yucky beige), and b) the petrol tank was a leftover from the plunger models, so it had the winged tank badge in lieu of the large, roundel badge. I assume BSA had to use up the old plunger model tanks.

Frank’s description of a light clutch, easy gear shifting, etc, is well remembered. Also his remarks such as ‘a totally honest bike that makes an excellent touring machine’, and ‘a working class hero that makes a very pleasant motorcycle’ bring back to me the same sentiments that I remember so well.

After touring the West Country several times and about five years of everyday riding I sold the bike to Lawsons Motorcycles of South Norwood for £99. That was probably the worst thing I ever did. The BSA was sold to finance a rebuilt Harley 45ci from Fred Warr. I was young and daft back in those days!

Many bikes later I’m still riding at aged 85. I always vowed to get another Flash but alas it never happened, and lighter bikes are necessary now.

Doug Barton, member

I still don’t entirely understand why I’ve never actually managed to own one! Frankw