BSA A65 Lightning test ride after rebuild by Performance Classics.

This was actually the second run on this fully rebuilt [engine] machine covering this route, as the camera battery failed on my first run, so there is no footage of that, which was in some fairly heavy showers. All went well on both runs, although the first run showed oil had leaked from the cylinder base gasket. Tightening the barrel nuts fixed this and everything seems to be pretty good all round.

[@edwardm9227]

BSA's always seemed not to cope with neglect as well as triumphs and nortons, hence I've rarely seen a mechanically sweet example, this one sounds spot on, nice! 😁

[@shingerz]

That sounds bloody lovely great ride 👍

[@paulhenshaw4514]

Thanks!

[@BilgemasterBill]

Thanks again for another vicarious snort. I had always thought of BSAs as being kind of "frumpy", but they've kind of grown on me over the years. That one sounds and looks just like a real.motorcycle should. Well done!

[@paulhenshaw4514]

Thanks, Bill - these machines are much cheaper to buy than the equivalent Triumphs and can go just as well. This one has a very good overall feel to it.

[@BilgemasterBill]

Yup! Over here in the States you can still pick up rough but reasonably unmolested "project" or "parts bike" or "barn find" BSA twins for about $2,000 or less, especially in winter, though often without a title, which can be a real bureaucratic nightmare in some states. They typically sell for about a third or so less than Nortons or Triumphs in similar nick. The problem is finding that unmolested one. For some reason a far higher proportion of BSAs seem to have fallen victim over here to the chopper and bobber manias compared to other marques. That said, if a nice modest scruffy old 650 Thunderbolt with the single carb came my way for a good price, I'd give her a good home, bobbed or (preferably) not..

[@garycb8592]

Thanks for posting. Had a 69 Lightning. Now have a 71 OIF Lightning.

[@raymondlerat425]

I owned the 1969 spitfire mk4 fitted with red equipment and dunstall exhaust... ..what a fantastic sound ! The A65 when upgraded with SRM oil pump, pressure manometer/ filter and new bearing is one of the most amazing classical twin to ride... ( no hard to kick start in comparison to a Norton or Triumph)

[@mikedearing2588]

nice job, mechanically quiet and the vibration didn't seem too much either, having owned a few of these over the years this one seems nicely done :-)

[@paulhenshaw4514]

Thank you!

[@keystonekid92]

Thanks now I want one, great vid!

[@anthonykeel1058]

Thanks again for another nice video! Sounds marvelous and is another model I would like to get. But would have to get my A10 running first.

[@paulhenshaw4514]

Thanks, glad you like the video!

[@yogiguitar1]

sweet bike mate!not seen one of them in yonks

[@paulhenshaw4514]

Thanks!

[@MrAndrew1953]

Well done on getting that bike sorted. Parts still reasonably easy to get and being manufactured?

[@alancox1444]

IMHO. If you intend prolonged traveling at/or above the speed limit, these engines benefit from an SRM ( or similar ) needle roller end feed crank conversion. Both my Lightnings have this and have run reliably for many years. BSA tended to make safe bikes for blokes to ride to work so handling is forgiving and predicable. These 69/70 TLS front brakes were superb and better than many early discs brakes. Twin carbs look great and are easy to tune if they are the new Amal premier type and the cables are in good condition. Single carb is easier to live with though, and pretty much set and forget. These engines are torquey and need a fifth gear like a fish neads a bycicle. I find a 20t gearbox sprocket gives best all round performance. Thats what I think anyway.

[@paulhenshaw4514]

This one had an SRM conversion, but the big ends were shot and the crank needed a regrind. Looked after properly, the timing side bush is no problem, neither are twin Monoblocs, or early concentrics. I also wouldn't rush out and buy an electronic ignition, if the points set up is present and correct, as a lot of these 'improvements' just put money into the pockets of others and unleaded valve seats in particular get right up my nose and are definitely sold on the back of fear!

[@alancox1444]

You will need a long thumb for the dip switch Paul. It's meant to go between the lever bracket and the cush-grip.

[@paulhenshaw4514]

Nothing to do with me - I just rebuilt and refitted the engine.

[@brieneaton8578]

nice.

[@nbandpinportugal]

Has this bike got the best name ever ?

[@velocettedude]

Hello Paul, Nice work that you have done on the bike. A couple of things which you probably know is that the Rev counter on a A65 is 3-1 and triumphs are 4-1 and it might be the wrong rev counter fitted. Also there are two versions of that fuel tank, the bigger UK and General export one and the smaller USA Export tank which is what i think you have fitted. Cheers.

[@paulhenshaw4514]

Thanks - I had no idea about the rev counter ratios, there's always something to learn!

[@amelierenoncule]

Nice machine & run, Paulie-me-lad, but the staticy audio needs looking into, what?_

[@paulhenshaw4514]

Hi Amelie, I think my bit of sticky tape over the mic had come off, I have to change it from time to time as the stickiness goes off - it helps keep the wind noise out!

[@sheene71]

love to own a bsa a65 !!

[@carlosgayoso9303]

Hello, I need to buy the clutch cover #19-7801 for my BSA Rocket 3, do you have this part? what's the price? .....or do you know who can sell it? Thanks a lot

[@paulhenshaw4514]

Hi Carlos, I don't sell parts, but Burton Bike Bits might be able to help.

[@carlosgayoso9303]

@@paulhenshaw4514 thansks you

[@patriciaj-boi6097]

Love it can I have a go from Hugh in Ammanford use to ride a gold flash my mate Hugh smith sadly past on

[@paulhenshaw4514]

Thanks and glad you like it, but it won't be here for long before it goes home.

[@josesanchezmolina801]

Tengo una BSA 65 idéntica

[@pbrucpaul]

Nice job Mr. Henshaw! What year is it? I'd love to ride one of these.

[@pbrucpaul]

One question. Is it mainly the torque that doesn't warrant a 5th gear? What would be different if there were a 5th gear? Thx

[@paulhenshaw4514]

Thanks! This one is from 1970 - one of the last before the oil in frame models.

[@pbrucpaul]

@@paulhenshaw4514 What about a 5th gear, like I asked?

[@paulhenshaw4514]

The engines are gutsy enough to manage fine with 4 speeds, but 5 speed conversions can be had.

[@pbrucpaul]

@@paulhenshaw4514 Thanks. Be safe Mate.