Beschreibung:

Following Triumph's lead, BSA turned to unitary construction for its range of parallel twin as the 1960s dawned, launching the all-new 500cc A50 and 650cc A65 Star tourers in January 1962. The first high-performance variant - the A65R Rocket - arrived in October 1963, only to be superseded the following year by the Lightning, the first of the unitary construction twins (along with its A50 equivalent, the Cyclone) to be equipped with the new splayed-port cylinder head fitted with twin-carburettors. Cycle parts remained unaltered except for the adoption of a 19" front wheel. For 1965, BSA's original A65 Star single-carburettor touring twin was replaced by the A65 Thunderbolt, joining the twin-carb Lightning, and both models continued after the range was given a major makeover for the 1971 season. One of the desirable, late, pre-oil-in-frame models, this example comes with a BSA OC Dating Certificate recording that both the frame and engine were exported new to the USA in June 1966, though in two different Lightnings. 'GVU 663D' was first registered in the UK on 1st September 2016, and the vendor is the first owner in this country. This immaculate machine has been fully restored by the vendor, whose detailed breakdown of the extensive works carried out is available (perusal recommended). Accompanying documentation consists of DVLA correspondence, expired MoT (September 2017), and a V5C Registration Certificate.