Description
Additional photos are available here for your perusal.
The BSA Thunderbolt was one of three bikes BSA was cranking out in late 1960s. These three bikes played different roles – the Spitfire was a pure performance machine, the Lightning was the ‘tweener – think of it as their all-around sport bike of the day, and the Thunderbolt was a touring rig.
The baby sister of the Lightning, BSA’s Thunderbolt was built from 1962 to 1972 and got the usual 650cc twin but it was paired with just one Amal carb compared to the two carbs of the faster Lightning. Known internally as the A65, the motor was BSA’s attempt at unit construction. It would comfortably cruise at 70mph and was capable of doing the ton. A few years later, Triumph and BSA switched to oil-in-frame and the rest was history.
For more detailed information on BSA’s A65 check out his write up here.
This example is VIN: XC15625A65T; Engine: XC15625A65T. The seller purchased the bike in 2010 from the second owner out of Tacoma, Washington, and states, “Very unique, third owner 1969 BSA A65T / Thunderbolt. Dubbed the “Thunder Scrambler”, a street legal (headlight/taillight and license plate) “Desert Sled”. This bike was built to ride and is a strong runner. I have been building and tinkering with quite a few versions of this bike. The latest goal with it was to have a street legal bike that I could just replace the side covers with number plates and add a front number plate and potentially do a few of the fun vintage MX or Baja type events. With a few minor tweaks it would be a great machine for someone that wants to do some vintage enduro / off-road racing or leave it be and own a special piece of head-turning, vintage British iron!”
There is no odometer and true mileage unknown. Per the seller, “Only about 500 miles on top end rebuild by BBC Triumph in Ventura, California, in 2017.”
Maintenance:
The seller states, “Most of the maintenance and modifications and upgrades have been done by myself. Top end was done by BBC Tom in Ventura, California, and valve work was sent out to a specialist somewhere in the eastern US. New clutch with only about 100 miles. It does leak a little oil…but it is a vintage British bike.”
Modifications:
The seller has provided the following list of up upgrades and modifications:
– All updated Pazon electronics, ignition timing, stator, regulator, wiring.
– Anti wet sump valve.
– Motobatt AGM battery.
– Front suspension from a 1973 Honda XL350.
– DID 21” front wheel from same 1973 Honda XL350.
– Preston Petty “Mudder” high front fender and fender bracket.
– “Vintage Race Style” high pipes.
– Custom “Bates” style MX seat.
– 14.5” custom built Hagon rear shocks.
– 5” vintage MX style headlight.
– Vintage MX style “crossbars”.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Pirelli MT43 tires with date codes of 2421 and 4722.
The sale includes two keys and many original and spare parts.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Agoura Hills, California, this BSA is offered on a clean California title with planned nonoperation registration (PNO). Per the California DMV website, it will cost $152 to bring registration current through July 2025.
Have any Thunderbolt stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
