'72 BSA Lightning (A65L) - Last Year - Low Miles - Restored - British Rumble

Last Year of Flagship Model BSABSA A65L Lightning 15k Miles - Proud Ownership & Pedigree Up for bid is a signature piece in British motorsports and for that matter automotive history. Things were changing by leaps and bounds in the 1970's. BSA (and everyone else) knew they had a really nice engine. but they were struggling to incorporate other features. Parent company Triumph made one last effort to preserve the fabled powerplant. They wanted to use it in one of their own. At last. the engine was too tall for their frame and investing in the R&D and tooling just didn't make sense. You're looking at the end of an era - literally and figuratively. Cosmetic Condition --This is a very clean. presentable light restoration original bike. This bike was made in March 1971 (Brit Bikes web site does an excellent job of cataloging by VIN#). The U. S. market received a slimmed down tank with a nice polished aluminum trim piece. This gave it a more modern. sporting look. Standard color was white and copper. Some had solid colors. but details of what happened at the dealerships is limited. This one received a two-tone midnight blue and silver "facelift". It captures the period well. It was professionally done. but not quite to show quality level. Arguably. the colors and lines suit the bike better than the original scheme which was not all that successful. It certainly compliments the polished aluminum. Or should I say. the polished aluminum compliments it (love my aluminum)! Mechanicals --This bike hails from Iowa. Many of you likely know what an important epicenter that state is to a region of British bike enthusiasts. It only has 15K miles and has been treated well throughout it's lifetime. True to form. there was a small oil leak even on the day of these photos. The left side primary cover has a timing check plate with a BSA logo. I tracked down a gasket from Baxter Cycles in Iowa and installed it Mar. 31. Seems to have done the trick!Mechanicals are mostly original (why wouldn't they be with this few miles). Amal carbs. check. Lucas electronics. check. Front drum brakes with air dam. check. These bikes are right side shifters and kick start only. You can see why Japan was gaining market share. but for a truly iconic vintage bike experience British BSAs are hard to beat. It's a trip back in time the moment you throw your leg over it. Lenses. Gauges. Mirrors. Seat. Etc. --The bright bits on this bike are in very good rider condition as well. Consistent with the bikes overall condition -- proudly take it to shows. but don't be afraid to ride it. Gauges are sharp and clean. Odometer reads 15. 60. The seat was recovered in the light restoration phase. It is in excellent shape. I don't think BSAs from this era even had mirrors as a given. This bike comes with some sharp looking period correct ones. I think they look pretty tough. even if they don't help all that much! Numbers matching --The number stamped on the engine block matches that on the frame. The frame is difficult to read in person. let alone capture in photos. As mentioned. it was made in March (C in VIN code) of 1971. As is common with European vehicles of the era. it was not title until the following year. It has a clear standard 1972 (Missouri) title. Riding the Bike --The right side shift is a hoot. Many of you may have quite a few miles on bikes with this setup. but it certainly raised my level of focus! Twins of this era have a wonderful sound. The previous owner believed the pipes to be original to the bike. They certainly preserve the sound correctly. It's the kind of sound that carries well in the country and rumbles a bit in back allies and city landscapes. It fits the bike perfectly. Questions. Bidding. Shipping. etc. --Reserve Price -- the reserve will be kept private out of respect for the auction process. The "Buy it Now" at least serves as a point of reference. Simply bid the amount you feel comfortable investing in a classic British bike like this. Or. beat 'em to the punch and buy it!Shipping -- the bike is in Kansas City. MO. Shipping is the responsibility of the buyer. I will certainly help out with basic logistics on my end. Warranty -- bike is sold as is. No warranty neither expressed nor implied. Questions -- I hope the pictures and my description are thorough. That was my intention. Please to not hesitate to call for whatever reason or to arrange to see the bike. (816) 786-7534. These are really cool rides from a never to be seen again era. I can't wait to see what the future holds in store. Good luck bidding!