1973 BSA A65L Lightning. 654cc. Registration Number WWT506J....

Estimate

£2,800 - £3,400

1973 BSA A65L Lightning. 654cc. Registration Number WWT506J. Frame Number HE12729. Engine Number HE12729.
Sold with V5c and key, some old MOT certificates, a selection of receipts for parts purchases.
The BSA Lightning was designed as the all-round sports machine of the 1960s, planned largely for export to the US market to complement the touring Thunderbolt and the later development, the Spitfire. Development of the engine aimed to make it more reliable, quieter and less prone to oil leaks, with top speed sacrificed to improve mid-range and rideability. Nevertheless, with twin carburettors the A65L could still reach 108 mph. A close ratio gearbox combined with a high lift camshaft made for lively acceleration and performance at higher rpm than the standard A65.
From 1969 the Lightning was improved with balanced exhaust pipes, redesigned silencer-internals, widened crankcase-half mating faces and a twin leading shoe front brake. When road testing, Motorcycle Sport found the natural cruising speed to be 70 mph.
A re-styled and much more modern looking version, the A65L was launched in 1971, but by this time, BSA were in dire financial difficulties, and production of the 1973 model year A65L ceased in August of 1972.
WWT is one of the very last A65L Lightnings, being manufactured in July 1972, barely a month before the end of production in August. It is a matching numbers bike presented in single tone Red paint, and has been the subject of much recent work. Our vendor informs us that as well as a full engine rebuild, including high capacity oil pump and pressure relief valve, it has had new tyres, battery, stator, indicator sounder, carbs, front fork seals and brake shoes. The bike will need some running in as it has only been ridden ten miles since this overhaul.