Description
Additional photos of this 1967 BSA Lightning are available here for your perusal.
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”.
An evolution of the A65 Rocket, the Lightning Rocket was an upspec version with twin Amal carbs, high compression pistons, and an optional close ratio gearbox. Cosmetically, it had extra chrome and narrower fenders/fuel tank.
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.
This example (VIN: A65LA15854Y) is currently located in Redmond, Oregon, and it’s offered with a clean Oregon title.
Per the seller, “this is a triple numbers matching BSA is in very good condition. The bike starts, shifts and rides as expected. All components are fully functional and operational. The paint appears to be original as are the fenders and other chrome.”
“The bike was partially restored about 14 years ago on the east coast. The previous owner had it shipped to Oregon where he rode it locally, adding about 1,700 miles. He passed away suddenly. I purchased the bike from his son after it sat for a couple years. I had it restored to running in 2018.”
Since the partial restoration 14 years ago, this bike has covered 1,766 miles. Approximately 200 of them came during the seller’s ownership. Actual total mileage is unknown.
The seller is letting it go as he is “up in years” and has a hip replacement so he no longer wants to kick start a motorcycle of this displacement.
As part of his restoration in 2018, all fluids were flushed, it got new spark plugs, the air filters were cleaned, the chain was adjusted, the chain was lubed, and the brakes were inspected “When I returned to Oregon this May the clutch was stuck and I had it removed, cleaned, and reinstalled.” The work was done by VR Garage in Bend, Oregon. The seller has provided invoices for two services in September 2018 as well as one in June 2020:
The seller states that “all surfaces are in very good condition.” There are two small paint flakes on the right front of the tank under the bar mounts, and he’s included a photo of them with a pencil for scale.
“The chrome is also in very nice condition, with very few pin size spots on the exhaust pipes. A thorough polishing will address most of them. There is a 1/2″ hole in the rear fender that likely provided a wiring access point for turn signals. (A set came with the bike but they are not installed).”
“The sidecover decals are likely replacements. The frame has not been repainted, showing cable and boot wear. The decal “Made in England” on the steering head (photo) shows the wear.”
Please note the following transaction details before you place a bid, per the seller:
Payment: PayPal or Wire Transfer accepted. Cash also acceptable if picking up in person. I request $500 via PayPal within 24 hours of winning the auction and the balance within 5 days.
Shipping: I can assist in getting the bike shipped but will not be able to personally crate the bike.
Storage: I can store the bike for up to 30 days after the auction
Pick-up: You may come to the house and pick-up your new bike
There are no known mechanical issues, and as shown in the video up top it starts on the first kick when cold. Have any Lightning stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the comments below!
