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LOT 111 ¤

1966 BSA 650cc A65 Hornet Scrambler Frame no. 65HA 8003 Engine no. A65HA8003-Y

Sold for US$6,900 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 111¤

1966 BSA 650cc A65 Hornet Scrambler
Frame no. 65HA 8003 Engine no. A65HA8003-Y

1966 BSA 650cc A65 Hornet Scrambler
Frame no. 65HA 8003
Engine no. A65HA8003-Y

The BSA A65 Hornet, sometimes called the Hornet Scrambler, was produced for just two years, 1966 and 1967. It was a USA-only 654cc OHV, just over square, unit-construction twin. It joined the great BSA lexicon of model names that caused many a heart to beat faster in the 1960s – among which were Cyclone, Wasp, Rocket, Thunderbolt, Lightning, Spitfire, and Firebird. The Hornet was built in response to a demand for an off-road/desert racer, a Lightning with more power. Although it was supplied without a headlight, taillight and speedometer – rev counter only - but with a straight-through exhaust (low TT pipes for the West Coast model, high pipes for the East) – and twin Amal Monobloc carburetors, high comp. pistons and performance cam – it could be used on the street with an easy conversion to install lights and mufflers. For '67 a darker Cherokee Red was used, and Steve McQueen described it as 'a keen bike.'

This stunning 1966 A65 Hornet Scrambler has received a comprehensive restoration in the past, and still shows beautifully throughout. The bike was purchased by the consignor, a prominent, Southern California-based motorcycle collector, about 7 years ago, and has since been kept in good fettle in his impressive collection. The BSA was recently run, and both paint and brightwork presents very well throughout. Looming large on both tank sides is are the iconic BSA decals, making the whole package 'look the business.'

Saleroom notices

The frame number is A65HA8003.

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¤No Reserve
Unless indicated by the ¤ symbol next to the lot number (or bearing an explicit statement such as "No Reserve" or "Without Reserve"), which denotes no reserve, all lots in the catalog are subject to a reserve. The reserve is the minimum hammer price that the seller is willing to accept for a lot. This amount is confidential and does not exceed the low estimate value.

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