Introduced the 1965, the A 65 Lightning used the relatively new ‘unit construction’ motor with alternator and battery electrics. Designed to be a sporty motorcycle the motor had a serious vibration over 5000 RPM and the chassis had a tendency to weave at speeds over 90 MPH. A great innovation an oil pressure warning light was included but it malfunctioned with such frequency riders learned to ignore it. By 1969 BSA had the whole thing sorted out but they were in deep financial difficulty and shuttered the doors in 1972.
The 1965 BSA A65 Lightning used a 654 CC (39.9) air cooled overhead valve parallel twin motor that produced 52 HP with a four speed close ratio transmission to rate a top speed of 112 MPH. The bike sported drum brakes fore and aft, weighed 395 LBS and boasted a 58 MPG fuel mileage rating.
This particular A65 Lightning (VIN# AD 04644 A65L) is in Beaverton, Oregon and is listed as a fully restored motorcycle. The bike is listed as a 0 miler but shows 331 on the clock. The bike is available with a starting bid of $1,000 and a Buy It Now price of $8,500