Old School Chopper SURVIVOR from the '70s!

We love all things "old school" and this 1966 BSA Lightning motorcycle, a true British Chopper survivor certainly qualifies! We stumbled upon it when going to look at buying another car (my 1984 Camaro daily driver)...and we couldn't walk away from it. We ended up getting a package deal...the British Chopper and a very cool Doug Bingham sidecar from the 1970's. We love roaming through other people's collections and finding things that will look cool in our collection. This one isn't a keeper, but still a VERY cool survivor from the '70s. The springer front end, hardtail rear, CRAZY king and queen seat by Angie Dixon, Sportster style tank and pull back handle bars are PERFECT 1970's equipment. Check it out!
#hotrodhoarders #oldschool #chopper

[@realms89]

I hope this things jamming down the highway today. Proper chopper right there

[@stwhite5135]

Thanks for the video. I still have my first motorcycle, 1967 BSA Lightning Rocket. Bought it in 1969. Still running strong. I mainly ride a Harley Sportster now but you can't beat the sound of a British Twin. I'm 75.

[@HotRodHoarder]

Oh wow, that's awesome! Take care of that BSA!

[@richardortiz8704]

have a 64 Tire Club running 75 years old might sell it

[@alansmlth7989]

My first Chopper was a BSA.

[@jimmccall7017]

Ok so now I'm going to have to pull up some Steppenwolf videos. Hey I'm 64 now...lol. Great find. I enjoy your videos!

[@HotRodHoarder]

Born to be wild!

[@waynemetevia7983]

I hear ya Jim. Love Stephwolf. And I'm 63.

[@Ontheroad1100]

As a kid I would go to a bikers pub in the 70s/80s. Most were beezers and triumphs and the odd Harley. But they were nearly all chops like the one in your video. And that's why I ride a chop now

[@HotRodHoarder]

That's awesome!

[@kramnevets8712]

Good job on the seat. I thought it came with the bike.Surprise,surprise.

[@user-fo5gk9ir7n]

Now, that's a Helluva collection! Would very much like to see a (long!) video aboutit.

[@robertcraig156]

I bought a chopper years ago it was a 750 Honda motor on a California hard tail, it was a gut buster, and took a half acre to turn it around. At one time I had 14 motorcycles even a QA 50 honda,tiny little thing. It was fun, and hard to ride, an XLCR 100 HD, WHEN I MOVED , AND TRADED MY XLCR FOR A FULL DRESSED GOLDWING! THAT WAS THE SMOOTHEST BIKE I HAD, WON Many trophy with it at shows, then I was in a car wreck and lost my left leg, and didn't ride again, I thought about a 450 step thru honda scooter, maybe soon, at 70 yrs old I can't have a wreck , I would break ...

[@LtJackboot]

I'd ride that as is every day.

[@katarzynabiesiada8157]

Thats The Right One !!!! ( shuold be softtail (only one thing ) AMAIZING today

[@stevehilliard1495]

I have a 1968 Triumph that I can’t find anyone to work on but I can’t let it go. Still a dream lol!

[@HotRodHoarder]

It's hard to find anyone to work on the British bikes. They are costly to upgrade.

[@stevehilliard1495]

@@HotRodHoarder even the triumph dealers said no thanks. I also have a 1981 Sportster the Harley dealer won’t work on. Oh well I don’t have the money for insurance anyway 😝

[@11secghia]

parts for those bikes are super easy to get online I go through Bonneville parts outta Colorado , they are mega easy to fix I bought out a old shop for 1,000 10 years ago and love that Whitworth crap,plus the sounds they make are magical!

[@stevehilliard1495]

@@11secghia do you live anywhere close to S.W. Missouri?

[@BilgemasterBill]

@@stevehilliard1495 If you cannot manage for some reason to resurrect one or both bikes yourself, then maybe "trade in kind" or sell one to have the other fixed? If you go that "trade in kind" route, offering one of those bikes for having the other fixed, then you'd be wise to hand over that trade bike ONLY after the fixed bike is actually fixed, ridden to your door and test ridden. It's hard enough to dodge the "dreamers", flakes and time wasters. No need to remove their incentive to fix YOUR bike before theirs, amirite? 'Cause some folks will just shine you on. You got a KZbin account. So use it. Show the bikes, lay out an offer and see what happens.

[@gregh7457]

i was too young in the late 60's early 70's to dirive so i got a chopper style seat and chopper forks for my schwinn

[@HotRodHoarder]

Nice!

[@archiebunker139]

Cool yard ornament 😎

[@mattskustomkreations]

Yeah I “dig” that chopper too! Thanks for sharing.

[@danflory6340]

Awesome

[@michaellawrence5492]

Memories! 1200 old chopped rigid frame raked out with long tubes that seemed so stiff flying next to me then hitting a raised level road surface plane getting upon an over pass and then remembering this so well those tubes giving flex for a few moments knowing his wheel base was both stretching and shrinking as it bounced eventually settling down as he continued to fly straight on.

[@mick_1949]

That's just too cool. Thanks 👍

[@waynemetevia7983]

I've never thought of myself as a BSA man but that chopper is cool! Wish i had the resources to restore it to a daily rider but I'm already in the middle of putting my 75 FLH back together. Thank you for another great video sir.

[@michaelhouse7775]

I love the old bike. Great find

[@timothybyrom5560]

The memories.

[@steveclark4291]

Thank you for the update on how things are going there ! Take care , stay safe and healthy wherever your next adventure or trip takes you ! Doing well here in Kansas .

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thanks for watching Steve!

[@brianmeattey4151]

Awsome to play whith bud .great find .godbless

[@thomasryan8218]

I love listening to you talk. I loved the video of your daughter driving the monster truck.

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thank you for watching Thomas!

[@travissmith2067]

AAR sent me and I'm glad he did

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thank you for checking out the channel! We post a new video every Friday so stay tuned!

[@gunnarbates942]

Oh finally!! I'd love to see some more of these!

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thank you for watching!

[@williamscerini7832]

I love it! Super jealous! I miss my 56 triumph chopper. I shouldn't have ever sold it!

[@11secghia]

"Fast for a Britt bike??",Come'on man VERY few HD turds could run with a Lightnin' or better yet the mighty Bonneville back in the day!! LOVE that content , you know you have problems when the neighbors call your house the museum of grease! Rock on !

[@HotRodHoarder]

I'm sure the neighbors think we're crazy!

[@kowalski363]

Great video

[@slickdoglong3669]

Looks exactly like my uncles bsa it was stock in 69 was climbing hills on the farm with it then he completely rebuilt it looked exactly the same set in the chicken coop for years

[@markjulianoriginalhooli2217]

That needs to be back on the road

[@evosportychop8332]

That bike is so cool. If it were mine I would replace the tires with some period correct units, maybe rebuild the carbs and enjoy having the most authentic old school chopper wherever I rode it

[@CountryBoyGasGarage]

Wow what an awesome bike! 👍

[@Broadshore]

Man... When I was a kid.. My old man used to build Chopped out Trumpets, Harleys and BSA. I can tell you stories of my old man. We even have two of the ORIGINAL Trikes the Trivairs on the property. We have Trumpets, BSA and few Royals from WALL to WALL to Wall of our garage.. gosh...

[@HotRodHoarder]

Oh wow, that sounds awesome! My dad fooled with choppers before I was born...we have some pretty great pictures of the bikes he built and rode.

[@joeparson5531]

Great find, nothing beats an old chopper. That Springer front-end with the wheel on it laying in front of the bikes looks exactly like one I had back in the 80's. It was on a Triumph hardtail when I had it.

[@HotRodHoarder]

My dad had a few old choppers back in the day. No telling where they ended up.

[@joeparson5531]

I can't remember the guys name I sold it to but he was local, John Young (J.C.Young oil co.)brought him to my house to see it. I still regret selling it.

[@timothybyrom5560]

That looks really a Sweet Springer on that bike. Sweet is a brand. Each one hand built.

[@herbiederby3394]

Wow..... 70s chopper awesome find man💰.....like it when you find stuff like that.........be well......👍

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thanks Herbie! We usually don't buy very many motorcycles, but when we do, we like them to be crusty and cool, like the rest of our junk!

[@geraldbrown8711]

Sweet!

[@punkinsgarageandpaint8299]

I would love to own that bike!

[@larryarcher4502]

Wow BSA double Thumper haven't seen one of those in a while that's is bare bones As It Gets another cool find !!!

[@HotRodHoarder]

I love how simple the bike is. Mechanical rear brake, no front brake...just a cool old bike.

[@brianmeattey4151]

Got to love true choppers

[@HotRodHoarder]

Yes sir, I loved this thing as soon as I saw it. A real survivor.

[@AutoAuctionRebuilds]

Another great video man!!

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thank you for watching!

[@marsh4519]

I'm here from AAR sharing your video. Really cool bike!

[@darrenjones9180]

I’d buy it right now

[@11secghia]

that bike is oozing undeniable cool!

[@HotRodHoarder]

We're asking $2,500 or best offer. Had a couple people back out on coming to look at it. Email me at [e-mail] if interested.

[@shortsleevesamson1607]

If you have Facebook there’s one on the marketplace for sale in VA I wish I had the money I’d grab it

[@jimmypopp2695]

I am rebuilding a vintage honda 4 cylinder chopper. You are my hero!!!

[@HotRodHoarder]

Nice! I love old choppers. Good luck with your project!

[@jimmypopp2695]

@@HotRodHoarder Thank you. I found a complete 71 honda chopper and when I got to New Jersey to buy it the guy told me that a friend that he used to ride with in the 70's contacted him and bought the motor. I got the rolling frame for $120. my friend gave me a 4cyl air cooled Honda complete bike the next day but as I am still recovering from that car hitting me on my bike I am going crazy not being able to do much. I have to finish building my battery powered plasma cutter.(i'll send you some pics because it is cool as heck and I will be selling a few if there is a market). Using the cutter I have to make a bunch of tabs because the engine is newer and they are in different places.

[@toosunakabooma1213]

Had a hundred chances to pick up some outstanding Amen builds from the 20th century, the most recent was a Tony Carlini KZ 900 in a plated Amen rigid, A Fury dual gas shock girder (tunable rebound!)on 5 spoke invaders Disc brakes fore and aft. No seat no exhaust. Faux oil tank electrical box . 800.00 freaking dollars....Found out later the seller traded it for a damned lawn tractor . Woulda shoulda coulda....

[@jimmypopp2695]

@@toosunakabooma1213 OMG that is truly incredible. I am trying not to let any things like that happen anymore. I found a 1943 hobart welding rig that stilll runs. Although I am a PhD chemical engineer I think I am going to start my own mobile welding business so I can build awesome bikes and cool hot rods. I may get into replicating some of the really old hot rods from the 50's and 60's. I want to get in touch with our friend here and let him know what I have been working on. Hopefully he will see this post.I want ot do something that I love and not something I am really growing to be bored with.i wish we could find soem of those builds today that you were talking about. I know where there is an AMN savior front end but the guy wants a small fortune for it. Crazy how things happen. Take care.

[@timothybyrom5560]

Sweet was the people that developed the trailing Springer. They also did a girder.

[@jasonrackawack9369]

Looks like one of the bikes used by every bad guy in 70s TV and movies, kinda like the ones run over by Snowman in Smokey and the Bandit. Neat find.

[@HotRodHoarder]

That's kinda what it reminded me of...always hated to see Snowman get beat up, but he took it like a man.

[@luizfernando-ko4gi]

Isto sim é uma relíquia ! Vou acompanhar seus vídeos, pois aqui no Brasil tudo que é antigo ou novo está muito caro ! Like e inscrito !

[@toosunakabooma1213]

Cut the down tubes and make the motor level again .those amal carbs and oil pump will respond in kind. The rake/ trail is in the quick zone where it is. Frame was done by eyeball. Rare to see one not quite raked and stretched enough for the fork/ wheel choice.. Back in the 20th century I built several of these perfectly wrong. To fail is to gain valued knowlege...This one is totally a "lemon squeezie "! Blessings to you and yours!

[@HotRodHoarder]

I love your phrase "perfectly wrong". That describes this bike (and many of our projects) precisely!

[@toosunakabooma1213]

@@HotRodHoarder when congress was in a lather about the failed Hubble retro of optics and software installed on the obsolete orbiting telescope,the makers of the upgraded lenses were asked if they recalled how the words" Perfection" and" perfect "were thrown about in the studies and presentations that ultimately got the money flowing."What the hell happened to the perfect lenses you promised?" They're on the Hubble sir.And they're the most perfectly ground and polished optics ever produced.They were made using flawed specifications.." At that moment "Perfectly wrong" had arrived and I use it to describe wrong at heights where theres no breathable air present.Wrong so complete if you broke it down to an atomic level the stuff you'd find there would have to be named something like wrongolimite.Discovering a few decomposing grains of perfectly wrong would likely find them in a state of " Wrongomortis". Some will say the term Carrys no logical weight in American life. What say you?

[@davida.p.9911]

Really cool! Shades of Captain America from Easy Rider.😎

[@HotRodHoarder]

It definitely has "the look"! That's what we like about it.

[@MrPappysCobra]

Neat bike.

[@wendellrust6496]

kool ride my buddy loves the side car

[@HotRodHoarder]

That's awesome, I'm glad it went to a good home.

[@dalewyatt1321]

That thing needs to be on the road not stuffed in another shed. Looks so much better than modern modified bikes.

[@HotRodHoarder]

Agreed! Hopefully, it'll find its forever home soon and it'll be back on the road.

[@andysmith7554]

Nice chop!!!!!! Keep them old scoots where people can see them!!! Awesome video!! & I have a 1971 ironhead harley davidson old style chopper too and I will always keep it old style just like it was in the 70s!!!

[@HotRodHoarder]

That's awesome. My first real bike was a '77 Sportster. I did it in more of a drag bike look. No front fender, slammed rear, drag bars. Kinda wish I had it back, even though it wasn't dependable. I sold it and bought a 2002 Sportster (was fairly new at the time) and I didn't like it nearly as much.

[@andysmith7554]

@@HotRodHoarder I understand that! Yeah my old chopper is like a show style magazine finished nice old style chop long springer front end no front brake or defender and hardtail on kick start only straight 60s and 70s chopper. But it's not dependable either somedays it wants to run and then some days it breaksdown. Haha!!! That's the antique for ya. Their only for conversation pieces and just for antique shows!!! Love yalls videos and really enjoyed watching yalls old style slingshot or railcar dragster yall found a few months ago!! I love them old dragsters with front end motors they look cool.

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thanks Andy I appreciate the support!

[@jonsmith1259]

Randy with the 59 Coronet mentioned to check you out, great content, very well presented!

[@HotRodHoarder]

Awesome, thank you for checking out the channel Jon!

[@Merylstreep1949]

Oh.man. this bike needs to keep the patina! Sweet chopper, nice it's not another cookie cutter Harley too.

[@timothybyrom5560]

Had a friend of mine that had a twisted girder on a 650 Bonneville with a puegoe hard tail frame.

[@markscott2360]

That's Badass bro,l have a mate that has AJS,Matchless, and he found a BSA and fixed it up to original but if I show him this he's gunna go nut's, l reckon he might start experimenting 🤣🤣🤣

[@HotRodHoarder]

Haha, this bike is a bad influence!

[@rolorock4586]

How LUCKY are you ' KOOL

[@HotRodHoarder]

Right place right time....show up to buy a Camaro and go home with a killer bike.

[@piratasdecordoba]

Just came over from Randy (AAR), so here we have a channel with cars AND bikes, nice! Subscribed, of course. 😀👍

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thank you for checking out the channel and subscribing. Randy is awesome!

[@matscheel3080]

you gotta keep tickling them carbs til its warmed up. the first thing they did in the olden day was to tear the choke out of the amol carbs and use the tickers or as you call primer.

[@martincvitkovich724]

Those old Brit bikes have 'sludge traps" in the crank. They should never be started after sitting that long without a teardown and sludge trap cleaned first!!

[@nayyeriqbal7142]

randy sent me here AAR love ur videos

[@HotRodHoarder]

Awesome, thank you for checking out the channel!

[@billdysert7109]

very nice one ,,,,thats a keeper for sure for cursing around your place ,,,like its rake ,,,,,kinda makes me think of , The Walking Dead ,,,Daryl Dixons drove something kinda like this lol

[@ronstewart9792]

That is an awesome chopper. I would clean it up. get it running good and ride the heck out of it.

[@HotRodHoarder]

It's definitely not far from being able to ride. It would need some new tires, and I'm sure a little bit of tuning, but overall, a really simple bike.

[@jamescutler8055]

Randy from AAR got me over here. Looking forward to your content.

[@HotRodHoarder]

Awesome, thank you for checking out the channel! I post once a week (every Friday), so stay tuned!

[@markscott2360]

Yep,I showed him and he's not gunna chop up the original one but he's got another frame and motor he's gunna have some fun with 🤘👍

[@nismo1480]

Found you thanks to Randy AAR channel. I live in Chattanooga as well.

[@HotRodHoarder]

Welcome to the channel...Randy is awesome!

[@Rev.RatsRides]

Randy from AAR recommended you and I'm glad he did! Subscribed and hit the bell...

[@HotRodHoarder]

Awesome, thank you for subscribing!

[@renegadet1238]

Came over from gmtim38 saw that truck you traddd for the nova. Love the BSA dont see thim anymore like that. What you trying to get for it? Look fowerd to watching more videos, Stay safe +++

[@chrisromanczuk1468]

Here from AAR and love your videos! New sub here!

[@HotRodHoarder]

Awesome, thank you Chris!

[@danielmcnew605]

Love to have that, I would get it running good, but I would not do anything else, leave just the way it is would not repaint it, leave the chrome the way it is its awsome just like it is

[@donaldtinney8085]

now that is cool, restore,enjoy. only butt hurt you'd have is it is hard tail LOL

[@HotRodHoarder]

Lol yeah, the hardtail makes for a harsh ride, but it sure does look cool!

[@bustedknuckles6960]

If I'm not mistaken I believe those bars are called rabbit ear handle bars, or at least that's what we called em,stay safe and well

[@HotRodHoarder]

I don't know the official term, but they're not very comfortable lol. But hey, you gotta sacrifice comfort for the right look.

[@charlesharper7292]

Cool old bike. You are right about the seat. It definitely sets the theme! Is it still wired positive ground? All those old British bikes were. Some folks couldn't deal with it and went to the trouble to switch it to conventional negative ground. Nice find. Thanks!

[@HotRodHoarder]

It has had some wiring work done, but I actually didn't even think to look if it was positive ground or negative.

[@Rav_4_Guy]

Been sent by Auto Auction Rebuilds. Looking like it going to be a cool ride along with you

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thank you for checking out the channel! Stick around...I post a new video every Friday.

[@steveterio8238]

send from AAR (randy) says that you have a must see channel :-)

[@HotRodHoarder]

Awesome, thank you for checking out the channel!

[@jerryhablitzel3333]

Go through the bearings put some tires on it and a little love and you’ll a have cool old school ride. Somebody is going to have great time with this old bike.

[@BilgemasterBill]

"Go through the bearings"? From his closing comments in the video I get the impression he might not even bother to give it a good cleaning, let alone tear it down for a looksee inside. Frankly, I'm not really sure WHY they bought it, if it's only maybe to "collect dust", as he says. But I'm not familiar with this channel or what they're all about. Maybe they just want to assemble random vehicles to watch them oxidize? Or just flip them? I dunno. I do know that what this Beeza wants right now is "The Kind Oily Rag Treatment": a good cleaning helps identify issues. A little nice wintergreen-smelling Marvel Mystery Oil on a red "grippy" mechanic's towel and an old toothbrush with just a little elbow grease will work wonders for those alloy and chrome and other bits alike, and puts corrosion on the run. Treat that chrome to a small part of a $4 bottle of Turtle Wax Chrome Polish in the humble green bottle, and you'll soon feel even better about the project. Then pull the fuel tank off and at least give its innards a good rinse. From the starts shown in the video, I'd guess those easy-as-a-simplified-carb-diagram Amal Concentrics could probably use a little cleaning too...or at least just pull off the float bowl (just two screws and the banjo union and bolt), put on some eye protection, and give it a really good blasting with some spray carb cleaner, especially up through the little brass jets. Once again: Wear eye protection! That spray concoction will ricochet off in strange and wonderful directions and do your peepers no favors. I'd replace those brittle-as-hell-looking yellow-brown fuel lines for maybe a buck, but do feel free to risk finding yourself in a big orange fireball and ignore them. Then check or change the oil if it's really ghastly, refit tank and fuel lines, put in maybe a gallon of nice fresh fuel (ethanol-free if you can get it) and then maybe a half to a full can "overdose" of SeaFoam. That's a "shock treatment" to help dislodge any recalcitrant cloggy "cruds" in the fuel system (also helpful for coaxing bikes out of winter or other prolonged storage). Wait a bit to check for leaks, such as could be caused by poorly seated/sealed fuel lines or sticky or gummy fuel level floats or needles and seats. While waiting and watching "degronch" the clutch, meaning, hold in the clutch lever while kicking through the kickstart lever several times. This will help free up any clutch plates stuck together from long inactivity. When ready, tickle the carbs, ignition on, and commence giving it the boot. They were already getting good bark in the video, so if all's now a bit tidier in her carbs, this should coax her back to a decent idle after a bit. Normally, I'd have also had a look at the spark plugs, with maybe a scrub of them, and shot a squirt of Marvel, ATF or even oil down into the bores while they were open, just to ease things up in there, but that horse already left the barn. If the tires hold air, a bit of a top-off couldn't hurt, but new rubber's highly advised before any real road work. But all this might give you a working bike--enough at least to then determine what "needs to be fixed properly". I've resurrected FAR worse. And while I doubt this type of chopper's ever going to really come back "in mainstream style", it has its own timeless virtues for sure. Hell, I'd give it a good home...and maybe a front brake too.

[@thebear6529]

Oh please

[@themmustangs]

Here from randy at AAR keep up the great work man

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thank you for checking out the channel! Randy is awesome!

[@themmustangs]

@@HotRodHoarder Your welcome ya he is awesome

[@tonyshaw7389]

If you’d like to sell it give me a buzz is that is what I’ve been looking for for the last 40 years thank you your videos are awesome and bikes even more awesome

[@HotRodHoarder]

It is for sale. We're asking $2,500 or best offer. If you're interested email me at [e-mail]. Thanks!

[@johnsullivan7599]

@@HotRodHoarder [e-mail] is it still for sale?

[@HotRodHoarder]

@John Sullivan, yes it is still available. $2500 or best offer.

[@-Lilymonster-]

that springer at 1:16 is an old Ron Finch double spring front end, that is a find and worth a good chunk of money. google Far out Finch springer for more information. and the "spirder" at 7:55 looks to be an old john Harmon piece that is even more rare and expensive.

[@HotRodHoarder]

Great info, thank you Nate! I'm not quite up to speed on old chopper parts or motorcycle stuff in general.

[@Merylstreep1949]

Wow faaaaar out

[@michaellawrence5492]

Thunder Bolt single carb.

[@wrongturnarchery2337]

Dude that bike will run pretty easy amazon may have crappie china parts but they do work for there price get that bike on the road

[@larrygoodspeed133]

I want that seat..in crushed red velvet!!; Could you please leave that lady's name or find a way to get hold of her

[@danielc5205]

Put the sidecar on the chopper, that'll turn some heads.

[@HotRodHoarder]

We thought about that...would be a crazy combo.

[@calvinriddle2696]

I had it i would put a thrump moter on it

[@calvinriddle2696]

I'm only interested in finding a thrump moter cycle

[@steveclark4291]

That is a nice looking bike but I have time or money to put into it !

[@paulolson6380]

It looks like u have a sugarbear front end

[@Wooley689]

What you were doing to the carb is tickling. For those who don't know, this is not the same as choke. I would be interested in the price when you sell.

[@HotRodHoarder]

Yes sir, just a little tickle on each side.

[@michaellawrence5492]

Lighting or Hornet twin carbs.

[@chadwagoner7056]

I've got a 66' just like this. Chopped, bobbed, inverted I.L. tank, numbers match title. It is for sale. LMK if you are interested.

[@arkangelnorthman]

Like outlaws had early 60s

[@simonapeters4372]

Sound like it was only running on one cylinder

[@anthonyc7670]

That front end at the end of the video is there more info on it

[@jackrucker6377]

I am very interested in this bike if it's still for sale. Thanks

[@calvinriddle2696]

I'm looking for a 1961 thrump moter cycle

[@bakulaw63]

Only tiny drum brake in the back.

[@blissfulbloodshower]

where can i get a seat like that?