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 supersport bike, and this lovely Lightning was the ‘tweener – more of an all-around sport bike.
Fitting the middle of the product range, the Lightning’s 53 horsepower were still plenty enough to get the bike above 100mph when needed. 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 around 5 years later.
The BSA Lightning also enjoyed some fame as a minor vehicular star in the Bond movie, Thunderball. A Lightning with a full fairing destroys a villain’s car with rockets – check it out here on IMCDb.
This specific BSA Lightning has a fresh top end, new paint, gauges, wiring harness, and more. New dual Amal carbs and Boyer electronic ignition – hopefully fixing all the stereotypical problems with this bike (except the notorious oil pressure warning light). The previous seller has taken care of nearly everything, so you won’t have to!
Find this BSA Lightning for sale here on Cycle Trader for $7,500 in Worcester, MA.