The BSA Lightning was one of three bikes BSA was cranking out in late 1960s. These three bikes played different roles – the Thunderbird was a touring rig, the Spitfire was a pure performance machine, and this lovely Lightning was the ‘tweener – think of it as their all-around sport bike of the day.
The Lightning sold for $1,305 back in 1967, and the 53 horsepower 654cc parallel twin engine was powerful enough to be a rival to the Triumph Bonneville. Thing is, BSA owned both companies at the time, so they tried to differentiate them in the market by selling Triumph as performance-minded, while BSA was sold as being more reliable and a better option for daily commuting. Fitting the middle of the product range, the Lightning had enough oomph to “do the ton”.
This was one of the last models BSA pushed out in an effort to combat the Japanese motorcycle invasion, competition that was cheaper and often faster. Unfortunately, it didn’t work, as BSA would be out of business a few years later.
The seller of this example (VIN: AG5LA14343Y) acquired it eight years ago from a private party in Ohio.
The odometer shows 5,607.5 miles.
It was restored in 2013 by Don Harrell, one of the best British motorcycle restorers out of the US who sadly passed away recently (RIP). The seller includes documentation of the restoration, which shows a total bill of $11,401.64. It has not been ridden since the restoration.
Currently located in Palm Springs, California, this BSA is offered on an Ohio permanent registration. Please note that there is a CA license plate on the bike “just for aesthetics…we wanted to put an era correct license plate, the plate is not actually for that bike. We have the Ohio permanent registration and will give a bill of sale..”
The seller states that there are no mechanical or cosmetic issues. Have any Lightning stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the comments!
Continental US: Haul Bikes will ship anything sold through Iconic for a starting rate of $750 in the Continental US (prices may increase in rural markets), and Iconic will handle the paperwork on your behalf. You do not need to crate your bike or drain the gas/disconnect the battery if you go with Haul Bikes. We are glad to work with the shipper of your choice as well, but you will have to arrange it.
Please note:
spares/extras will have to be shipped separately via FedEx or similar.
the fee includes $15,000 of insurance with a $500 deductible. Additional insurance can be purchased at a cost of $50 per additional $5,000 of value.
$5,000 for US to Europe/Asia is a VERY ROUGH ballpark which includes transport as well as customs fees and duties. Please contact Shippio for an exact quote.
