1965 BSA A65 Thunderbolt

1965 BSA A65 Thunderbolt 650Purchased from an estate. I am the second registered owner of this very special bike. A great model with true vintage style and in my opinion incredible patina. It's in as near original condition as possible replacing only a few items with vintage stock OEM and a couple reproduction parts. More on that later. Clear PA title. original NJ title in picture comes with the bike as a historic document. VIN A5010981 and motor number A65C2203 are consistent with this model year as per the Illustrated BSA Buyers Guide by Roy Bacon. Early year BSAs did not having matching engine and VIN numbers. Actual mileage is unknown as it did not have a speedometer when I received it. She appeared to have been in storage for many years. Cosmetically the paint is original with the exception of the headlight nacelle. Note the scratches. fading and a couple little dents on the front of the tank. all adding to her wonderful character and history. Chrome is shiny with some wear. scratches. pitting and rust in certain areas. Seat is original with one small tear and some stitching pulling away around the edges. I tried to detail as much as possible in the pictures. please look at them closely. Mechanically she starts on the first or second kick and runs well. I was told from previous owner the top end was rebuilt - given the way it runs and where you can see new gasket sealer I believe this to be true. It's a 6 volt system with all electrics working properly. Front and rear brakes work well (as well as possible for vintage drum brakes) with some slight chatter in the front under certain conditions. Nothing too noticeable but can be resolved by machining the drum surface. Clutch works well and transmission shifts smooth. Motor sounds good and the exhaust tone is pure vintage British twin - music to the ears! The tank is pretty clean with no significant rust or crud. A good thing. since I hate to use any tank sealer products given their high failure rate. As with any British bike there is a slight oil leak when sitting. Below is what has been replaced or repaired:Tires have been replaced with a Dunlop K70 on the rear and a Kenda 265 (K70 clone) on the front. Had to use Kenda as Dunlop does not make 3. 25-18. which is the stock size for this model bike. Please note the front tire was replaced after these pictures were taken. All tubes are new as well as rim strips. I have the original UK made K70s that can be provided with the bike. I wouldn't ride them as they are cracked and the front has a bubble in the sidewall. All new rubbers on foot pegs. shifter and gripsNew spark plug wiresNew fork gaitersNew cork stops in petcocks and new gaskets in carburetor. New correct style silencers (mufflers). They are British made. Replaced a used appropriate vintage Smiths grey face speedo with patina consistent for the bike. Replaced a used appropriate vintage Lucas ignition and key. Replaced battery with a new old stock Yuasa. What she needs or could be addressed in the future:Horn is missing. I had been searching for a vintage correct style 6 volt on eBay that's reasonably priced. I'm sure it can be found if you just keep looking. All cables work - but for smoother action could be replaced. I didn't have the heart to replace them especially the cloth wrapped front brake - the antique quality is so cool. As mentioned earlier you could resurface the front hub drum for smoother braking. Sorry I don't have the tool kit or owners manual so you would need to source those if desired. Someone to ride as much as possible and enjoy her!The description of this motorcycle is written to the best of my knowledge. I would be happy to show the motorcycle for your inspection. If you have any questions. please e-mail me. Local pick up preferred. However I'm willing to work out delivery if you are reasonably close by. For those further away. buyer must arrange transport and is responsible for shipping costs. customs fees and taxes. I can help assist the shipper with readying the bike for transport and/or recommend a shipper. This is a 50 year old motorcycle and is being sold as is. where is with no warranty. expressed. written or implied. Sale is final. so please ask all questions before bidding. A $250 deposit is required within 48 hours end of auction. full payment required within 7 days end of auction. Buyer must contact me within 2 days of auction end to schedule final payment and pickup. As long as bike is paid in full. I can store the bike for a reasonable period of time. Seller has the right to terminate auction early as the bike is up for sale locally. Thank you and happy bidding!On Mar-14-15 at 15:01:13 PDT. seller added the following information:Videos: