Description
Additional photos are available here for your perusal.
When introduced by BSA in 1966, the Spitfire was the fastest standard motorcycle that Motor Cycle magazine had ever tested with a top speed of 123 miles per hour. The next year, Spitfires were ridden by the Isle of Man TT marshals when they needed to get around the course.
In the UK, the Spitfire was a gentleman’s express of a sports tourer with a four gallon tank (a five gallon tank was optional), large seat, and more. In the US, the bike got a 2 gallon tank. Despite the “Mark II” designation, this was actually the first generation of the Spitfire. Until the debut of the Rocket III, this was the biggest, baddest bike in the BSA lineup.
The 654 cc air cooled, four stroke, parallel twin was good for 54 horsepower at 6,900 rpm. For more on the Spitfire, check out this Retrospective from Rider Magazine.
This example is VIN: A65S5713; Engine: A65S5713 The seller purchased the bike three years ago from a personal friend and states, “I also did some work on it for him from time to time over the years so I am very familiar with the bikes history.”
True mileage unknown. The odometer shows 5,148 miles and the seller reports, “The speedometer was rebuilt and set to “0” and installed when the motor was rebuilt.”
Maintenance:
Per the seller, “Recent oil change and fluid checks. Have documentation for new rear fender and rear tire and a few other items. Speedometer is about 5 mph off (fast) and one tachometer face plate mounting screw has vibrated out. On rare occasions the kick starter gets stuck in the up position and all you need to do is put it in second gear and rock the bike forward a common BSA issue. Bike starts on first or second kick and runs and shifts well.”
Modifications:
The seller has provided the following list of upgrades on the bike:
• Motor was rebuilt by Raber’s in San Jose. Speedometer was rebuilt at that time and was set to zero after the rebuild.
• Boyer ignition.
• Sleeved Amal concentric carbs
• Anti-sump valve installed to prevent wet sumping.
• After market alloy tank.
• SRM sump plate.
• Front and rear brakes were arced by Vintage Brake in CA several years ago.
• Exhaust header pipes were replaced several years ago and have no bluing.
• Powder coated frame.
• New rear fender in 2023.
• Front wheel has stainless steel spokes but not the rear.
• Original Dunlop alloy rims.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Dunlop Gold Seal K70 tires with date codes of 0506 and 4322.
The sale includes two sets of keys.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Morgan Hill, California, this BSA is offered on a clean California title with registration current through July 2025. Please note: The title incorrectly lists the year as 1965. The seller has provided info from the BSA Owner’s Club showing VIN and Engine numbers by year.
Have any Spitfire MKII stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
