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LOT 123

1970 BSA 650cc A65 Lightning Engine no. CD06584A65L

Sold for US$3,795 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 123

1970 BSA 650cc A65 Lightning
Engine no. CD06584A65L

1970 BSA 650cc A65 Lightning
Engine no. CD06584A65L

BSA turned to unit construction for its range of parallel twins as the 1960s dawned, launching the all-new 500cc A50 and 650cc A65 in January 1962. The basic architecture of the preceding A7/A10 was retained, so the new engine remained an air-cooled parallel twin with 360-degree crankshaft and single camshaft mounted at the rear of the cylinder block. The first high-performance variant, the A65R Rocket, arrived in October of 1963, aimed squarely at America's speed-obsessed throttle jockeys. It was superseded the following year by the yet-faster Lightning 650, first of the BSA unit-construction twins to be equipped with the new splayed-port cylinder head fitted with twin carburetors.

Cycle World's editors really liked the Lightning out on the open road. 'It is a sumptuous, torquey machine suited to a wide, open highway where it can stretch its legs, they wrote. 'Its smooth, quiet gearbox, good muffling and excellent powerband all contribute to fatigue-free riding for hours on end.'

This air-cooled 'dry-frame-design' 650cc Lightning, made in the last year before 'oil-in-the-frame' launch in 1971, is a fine, original example of a red-blooded British vintage motorcycle. The bike has sat since 1986 and so it will need significant re-commissioning. Once recommissioned, but perhaps left unrestored - the original paint and chrome is in excellent condition and thus overall its patina is most appealing - it perhaps might provide an excellent opportunity to enjoy riding a classic motorcycle without the expectation of excessive future expense.

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

The title will be in transit.

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  • 4 October 2019, 08:30 - 17:00 CDT
  • 5 October 2019, 08:30 - 11:30 CDT

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