LOT 562

1971 BSA 654cc Thunderbolt/Lightning Registration no. MCY 237J Frame no. A65T EE09536 Engine no. A65T EE09536

Sold for £5,520 inc. premium

Lot 562

1971 BSA 654cc Thunderbolt/Lightning
Registration no. MCY 237J Frame no. A65T EE09536 Engine no. A65T EE09536

The Spring Stafford Sale - The International Classic MotorCycle Show|28 April 2019, 10:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

1971 BSA 654cc Thunderbolt/Lightning
Registration no. MCY 237J
Frame no. A65T EE09536
Engine no. A65T EE09536

Following Triumph's lead, BSA turned to unitary construction for its range of parallel twin as the 1960s dawned, launching the all-new 500cc A50 and 650cc A65 Star models in January 1962. The first high-performance variant - the A65R Rocket - arrived in October 1963, only to be superseded the following year by the Lightning, the first unit-construction twin (along with its A50 equivalent, the Cyclone) to be equipped with the new twin-carburettor cylinder head. For 1965 the Star tourers were replaced by the A50 Royal Star and A65 Thunderbolt. These single-carburettor twins were preferred by many riders, being more economical, easier to keep in tune and only marginally less powerful than their twin-carburettor equivalents.

This motorcycle comes with a BSA OC Vehicle Report recording that both the frame and engine were exported new to BSA Incorporated of Baltimore, USA in 1971, the former as part of a Thunderbolt and the latter as part of a Lightning. 'MCY 237J' was first registered in the UK on 1st December 2015, and the vendor is the first owner in this country. This immaculate machine has been fully restored by the vendor, whose detailed breakdown of the extensive works carried out is available (perusal recommended). Accompanying documentation consists of DVLA correspondence, expired MoT (November 2016), and a V5C Registration Certificate. It should be noted that this machine has an (ethanol-proof) glassfibre fuel tank and non-standard side panels.

Footnotes

As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.

Saleroom notices

This lot is now offered with an MOT expiring 04/2020.

Additional information

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