1966 BSA

Description

Intro:
This 1966 BSA Lightning is an excellent candidate to be ridden and enjoyed or as living room art.  It is worthy of the collector who is looking for a very nice example that will maintain or go up in value due to its excellent condition and being frame and engine matching, also with a clear Wisconsin title.  This Lightning is ready to be ridden and enjoyed as it is!  I take how I represent my vehicles very seriously and have shipped various premium vehicles world wide.  See my 100% feedback rating.  This is an example from my personal collection. Please view this detailed listing (140 photos, 3 videos, other details) to be confident in this lovely BSA’s condition!  ~Regards, Shane
Video:
1966 BSA Lightning Driving
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1966 BSA Lightning:  Kick Starting
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1966 BSA Lightning:  Walk Around w/ Commentary
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Please view the videos.  One video shows how the motorcycle rides down the road.  It runs, shifts, and brakes properly all while sounding great!  One video clip shows it being kickstarted and idling which it does so easily.  Another video is a walk around video with commentary.  It shows the detailed areas very close up and shows just how clean this motorcycle is.
Photos:
https://flic.kr/s/aHsmWfu3Fk
Please view the 140+ photos.  There are all kinds of different angles, different lighting, close ups showing the level of condition, etc.
Cosmetics:
This 1966 BSA Lightning is in stunning shape.  From about five feet away it essentially looks perfect.  This motorcycle is more than nice enough in the details for the BSA enthusiast that wants a stunning rider that can be taken to shows, or as a piece of garage art.  The level of detail is not quite at a 100 point ,000 example that would go in a Mecum auction, but the level of quality is well above a handyman’s garage restoration.  The work performed on this bike one can tell was professionally done.  Please view the video with commentary which really shows the cosmetics in detail.
The tank is in excellent condition.  The finish on it, and on the side covers, is the proper metallic reddish orange color which looks beautiful in the sun.  The finish is of high quality, has excellent depth, and is glossy.  The finish looks to be professionally done and looks to be a base with clearcoat.  I recently buffed, polished, and waxed the finish.  The remainder of the tank is excellent with beautiful chrome and being rust free inside.  Absolutely no leaks, cracks, or issues with the tank.  The “BSA” emblems on the tank are superb as are the emblems on the side covers.  The frame on the BSA looks to have been either repainted or powdercoated.  It is in exceptional shape showing essentially no wear.  Absent are stone chips to the fork legs, oxidation on other areas, etc.  The frame is in excellent shape with a nice glossy black color.  The chrome throughout the bike is in superb condition showing little to no wear/aging.  The chrome fenders look essentially new with no pitting, dents, or dings as does the grab rail, levers, and various other chrome bits.  The wheels themselves have some minor pitting so I am assuming those did not get restored although they are still very presentable on the bike and not distracting.  They are stamped “Made in England”.  The seat cover is fine and has a cut on the left side.  New seat covers can be acquired for ’ish and if one wanted to replace cosmetic items, that might be one of the first worthwhile items.  The chrome mufflers are essentially perfect and the headers are in very nice shape.  The cosmetics of the engine are excellent.  The aluminum covers are in impressive condition with no major or notable scratches or damage.  There are absolutely no broken fins on the cylinder or head.  The paint on the cylinders is in excellent condition, not flaking, etc.  The gauges are in excellent shape and not full of dust or dirt on the inside.  The Lucas headlamp is in great condition as is the chrome around it.
There really is not much to complain about on this bike cosmetically.  It truly is a stunning machine, an example that one can stand back and admire.
Mechanical:
Please view the videos of this BSA being ridden and started.  With proper technique it usually just takes one kick to get it started and it will settle into an idle by itself.  There are no odd noises, no excessive vibrations, or other issues noted.  The motor feels proper and sounds proper as you are riding down the road.  The proper Amal Monobloc carburetors are present and function extremely well with no sticking, flooding, or other issues.  The throttle snaps back properly.  The engine does not consume oil and does not wet sump.  Present is the proper smooth, non-finned, rocker cover.  Also present is the proper early style primary cover that does not have the timing adjustment hole.  The clutch lever works well and it shifts very well and without issues.  The brakes work as they should.  Both the tachometer and speedometer function properly.  The odometer is not accurate as it will flip over multiple numbers at a time.  The battery is newer.  Tools in the pouch are present and luckily thus far have not been needed on a ride!  The tires do have some dry cracking on them so if the bike were to be regularly ridden they should be replaced for safety reasons but they otherwise are plenty good if the BSA will be a living room ornament.
The motor is proper matching to the frame.  BSA back in 1966 did not yet stamp both the frame and engines with the same number.  One can tell that the frame and engine are matching per decoding the numbers which correlate with a year.  The frame and title is marked A50C10115 which is proper for a 1966 BSA Lightning.  The engine is stamped A65LA612 which is proper for a 650CC Lightning spec engine for 1966.  I had this also confirmed by a hardcore BSA enthusiast, and there are various resources (websites and BSA books) that also relay the same info.
Overall this is a well sorted Lightning that runs and rides great!  There of course is always more or something to do on these old Brit bikes but in its current state it can be ridden and enjoyed and does not show evidence of needing anything major.
Conclusion:
This is a superb BSA Lightning and it is so difficult to not only find an early example like this, but one with matching frame and engine!  On these earlier models the different tank badges, side cover badges (instead of stickers), and other details really add to the style and in many’s opinion look better.  This Lightning is plenty nice to keep as an investment but also reasonable enough that it is worth riding.  These Lightnings have been bringing significant money at auction lately.  I have tried to price this example fairly as it is not a 100 point Concours example but yet is still a stunning example as it sits and with some more effort can easily be taken to a higher level.  If you do not feel my asking price is fair, shoot me an offer of what you think is fair.
If prior to shipment there is certain work you would like performed on this BSA or certain parts purchased and installed, we can potentially work that out.  This BSA is from my personal collection of bikes which I am looking to downsize a bit.  I also have a numbers matching excellent condition 1968 Bonneville and numbers matching excellent condition 1974 Norton Commando that I plan to sell from my collection.  Contact me if interested.
I take how I represent my vehicles very seriously.  I have shipped various premium vehicles world wide.  Please see my 100% feedback rating.  I do not mind working with your shipper or helping you find a shipper, and do not mind working with out of state or out of country buyers.  Pending how far you are I can potentially deliver in an enclosed trailer for a fee.  PayPal, wire transfer, cash, and cashier’s/bank check all work as forms of final payment.  This BSA is kept securely in my garage in Sussex, WI zip 53089.  Let me know what questions you have or what your offer is.
Regards,
Shane
262.391.1069