Lot details
Registration No: SVN902K
Frame No: A65L/JE00100
Engine No: A65L/JE00100
cc: 650
MOT Expiry Date: March 2010

For 1971 a new frame was developed within the BSA group, as part of a rationalisation process, for use by both the BSA A series twins and their rival Triumph 650cc models. Designed at the groups Umberslade Hall facility, it broke with tradition by carrying the engine oil within it, with the filler being located at the nose of the seat. The opportunity was taken to update the A series twins cosmetically, new "slimline" forks with exposed stanchions graced the front end, shorter mudguards, wire headlamp brackets and a slimmer seat all contributed to a more lithe appearance , a new twin leading shoe front brake and complimentary conical rear hub added to the looks whilst the addition of indicators aided safety. Unfortunately for BSA (and Triumph) the revised cycle parts came at a price, the new frame was an inch taller than its predecessors and in the case of the Triumph variant, as designed, would not allow the engine to fit. For BSA, who had announced a thirteen machine catalogue for 1971, including the new 350cc twin, the changes spelled the end. The production schedules were adversely affected, resulting in fewer machines getting into the showroom at a time when the group was desperate for sales, which were hampered further by a price increase across the range in August 1971. Production tailed off through 1971 with the last machines being offered during 1972.

According to the vendor this example of the A65 Lightning was sold to the well known Surrey dealer Comerfords during 1973 and is the last A65 Lightning to be produced. It was exported to Texas during 1974 and over the next fifteen years fell into disrepair. Purchased and repatriated during 1989/90, it was acquired by an airline pilot who faithfully restored it to concours condition over the next twelve years. The vendor purchased the bike in 2003 and prepared it for road use, spending £969 with SRM engineering and registering it with the DVLA. It returned to the road in 2004 and has subsequently had another approximately £1,200 spent on it. Offered with a Swansea V5C, an MOT certificate valid until the 17th March 2010 and a Road fund Licence that expires on the 31st May 2010 it is described as being in either excellent condition (the electrical system and frame) or very good condition (engine, transmission, cycle parts). A BSA Owners Club dating certificate, copy of a handwritten letter from Alistair Cave (General Works Manager of BSA from 1964) confirming the history and bills relating to the machine accompany it.