Hello guys: A few weeks ago I forumed in about my "new" 1968 BSA Starfire single 250cc with 5,400 original miles. You all responded "we want pictures". I hate to admint this, but I do have pictures on my computer, but I don't know how to insert them here. My secretary couldn't even figure it out.
My excuse: I'm way older than the BSA.
But, now I really need your help!

Bike looks original and perfect, however, it's taking me 35 minutes to kick it over before it starts. My leg is falling off & my valve surgery doesn't like it. Electronic ignition?
Is that where I should start? Also, bike only has center stand. It's too darn heavy for me to get her up on that. Side stand? Where can I get one?

I hope you guys can help me, because here in St. louis. A British Motorcycle is an oxymoron.

Bowing down in thanks in advance.

dave in University City, MO
60 AH BugEye
04 Mini Cooper S
04 Vespa ET4
and now...68 BSA Starfire

First
Pictures- use the full reply screen (found at the bottom of the reply box at the end of every post). At the bottom is a post options box- in this box click on file manager- a new window will open and allow you to browse to the picture you would like to upload. there are file size limits (100 kb?). You may attach several files at once. When done adding files click done adding files. You pics will now be in your post.

Alternately you can post to a site like photbucket and then post a link here. Be sure you album is shared or public.

Hard starting
Do you have good spark?
What form of carb do you have on the bike? Amal?

On the Amals there is a very small hole behind the idle mixture screw that needs to be clear. I have had good luck wusing the smallest torch tip cleaner in my set.



mark

Mark: Thanks for "how to" on the photos. Yes, it's an Amal Carb. I'll follow through with your tip on that. Appreciate the tip.

dave

I bought a manual and CD for my 78 Bonneville on ebay, it has been a great help with trouble shooting and maintenance. I too have a hard time getting the bike up on the center stand. I have a small set of homemade ramps I build for getting cars up bit for changing oil. I run the front tire of my bike up the ramp and then push down the center stand. I also bought an ATV lift from Harbor Freight and modified it slightly, I like using it better than the center stand for some maintenance.

Lift

See your other thread for starting info. I kept points because A they always work, and B they are REALLY unlikely to fail someplace and leave you stranded. Seriously, if it takes more than one or two kicks, something is wrong. Learn the starting technique, and make sure the carb slide is perfect, and then timing and point/condensor condition. I ALWAYS use genuine LUCAS parts for all electrical components, and never had any trouble at all, in over 10 years of riding pleasure.

Is the fuel flow valve under the tank open?

Jesse......thanks, I did keep the other thread for starting information. Very helpful, as is your latest message. I'm sticking with the points. Right now looking for "as original as possible tires". It has the 68 orig. tires on now, but they, of course, are dry rotted even though they hold air.

thanks,

dave

Buy the best possible tires you can find. Your life depends on it. Tire technology improvements have drastically improved motorcycle safety. Metsler (sp?) makes really good tires, as does pirelli, avon, and probably others.