Dependable All-rounder

FEW BIKES CAN HAVE HAD A LESS APPROPRIATE NAME than BSA’s A10 Golden Flash. Think of the word “flash” and what comes to mind? A sudden burst of light or, maybe, high speed, as in “quick as a flash”. If you’re looking for synonyms, how about gaudy, ostentatious, pretentious or superficial...?

With its handsome styling and the famous BSA star set into the shiny chrome panels of its petrol tank, you could argue that this 1960-model Flash at least lives up to its name with a certain amount of gleam and sparkle. But if any bike is the opposite of flash, it’s this one. Behind the cosmetics is a much more down-to-earth character.

Far from being a racy sportster, the 650-cc Golden Flash was a dependable all-rounder that was at its best when lugging a sidecar.