BSA A65 Lightning

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The BSA Lightning was developed from the touring A65T Thunderbolt for the American market as a twin carburettor model offering a more sporting ride. 

As well as the performance upgrade, steps were taken to make it more reliable and less prone to lose its oil. As time progressed the engine gradually improved and by the end of the model’s life was a lot more reliable and leak-free, but the chassis was sadly dated compared with the latest offerings from the Japanese competition.

In 1972 BSA were considering their options as to how they were to compete in the changed market conditions and came up with a new frame for the A65L Lightning. Sadly this was not the success BSA had hoped and proved to be the last gasp of a previously much-loved motorcycle which had cemented its place in popular culture by appearances in films such as the Bond movie Thunderball and the TV series Boon, piloted by Michael Elphick.

The BSA A65L offered here is from the last of the breed being first registered in September 1972. It is accompanied with old MOTs from 2002 to 2007 showing the mileage rising from just 402 miles to 440 miles in this 5-year period. It must then have been used more regularly, MOTs from 2008 to 2011 showing an increase in mileage to 19,920 miles. Due to health problems the vendor has not used this machine since 2011 (with 21,200 miles now on the clock) and some checking over and re-commissioning is recommended prior to use.