1965 BSA A65 Lightning Clubman

Lot details
Registration No: BRW298C
Frame No: A50B5963
Engine No: A65DC4366
cc: 650

BSA introduced a revised series of parallel twins for the 1962 season featuring unit construction and revised styling. The presence of the Rocket Gold Star in the BSA catalogue initially precluded the need for a production racing variant, however, once production of the RGS ceased a competitive replacement was required. The Lightning Clubman sought to address this deficiency when it was introduced in September 1964, continuing in production until October 1965, in the process becoming the most charismatic of all the unit BSA twins.
The model was equipped with dropped handlebars, a humped single seat, rearsets, a cranked kick-start, twin carburettors, a siamesed exhaust system with a less restrictive silencer and a close ratio gearbox.
This example is perhaps the best known example of the breed having been featured in the January 1991 issue of Classic Bike. It was purchased new by well known racer Bob Heath in 1965 from the Coventry Motor Mart whilst he was still an apprentice. It and Mr Heath's first competitive outing took place at Darley Moor in 1966, followed by meetings at Cadwell Park, Mallory and Oulton Park. During June 1966 it competed in the Brands Hatch 500 miler, returning to the same circuit in 1967 for that year's event where it finished in tenth place despite ignition problems. 1967 also saw the machine making its Isle of Man TT debut where, unfortunately it failed to finish due to a frame breakage, a crash in the 1968 Production TT whilst lying in fifth place followed.
The original Green logbook records that Mr Heath sold the motorcycle in July 1969, although its new owner, Mel Cranmere lent it to Bob for the 1969 Production TT. A copy of a V5 records Mr Heath as having reacquired the machine during 1988, retaining it until it was purchased by the vendor in 2001.
The machine was restored during 1990 and was recommissioned in 2003 by RJM Classics. It is described as being in excellent condition in all respects following the work carried out by RJM. The crankcases are known to have been replaced in the past with a new set still bearing the correct Lightning Clubman "A65DC" coding, although the logbook has not been updated with the revised number. The vendor has asked for confirmation from Bob Heath regarding the replacement crankcases. It is offered with parts books, workshop manuals and documentation relating to the history.