Page 11 - LHR Sept 25.

many enthusiasts — was that the Star Twin maintained.
offered something the newer machines
lacked: character.
The rumbling exhaust note, the tactile feel of
the Amal carbs being coaxed into life, the
mechanical honesty of the parallel twin —
these qualities spoke to a generation that
valued motorcycles as living, breathing
machines rather than appliances. Johnston's
dedication to riding his Star Twin rather than
leaving it to collect dust in a shed ensured
that its spirit remained alive and visible to
others.
Technical and Cultural
Appreciation
The Mechanical Heart
The 495cc engine of the Star Twin was
straightforward but effective. With twin
carburetors, higher compression, and
sportier cam timing than the standard A7, it
was capable of surprisingly lively
performance. Riders of the day valued its
smoothness compared to singles and its
rugged reliability when properly
LHR Motorcycle Magazine
By 1976, parts supply was becoming a
challenge, but clubs and small suppliers kept
the machines running. Johnston himself was
known for sourcing spares creatively,
rebuilding components, and keeping his
BSA on the road long after the company
itself had vanished.
The Cultural Heart
Culturally, the BSA A7 Star Twin
represented more than just horsepower
figures. It was tied to memories of postwar
freedom, of the café racer culture that
emerged in the 1950s, and of Britain's global
reputation for motorcycle excellence. For
Johnston and others like him, riding a Star
Twin in 1976 was not just about transport; it
was about carrying forward a tradition, a
way of riding that connected past to present.
The Enthusiast Movement
of the 1970s
Clubs and Communities
11
September 2025