I was a proud owner of this model in 1966 as a 16 year old high school student. All of my $950 savings from my paper route bought it from the first owner. Loved every minute riding it. Survived many other motorcycles through the years, but the memories of my BSA Lightning are the best.
As a Freshman in HS, a senior kid rode a Lightning to school, every morning a dozen or so would wait in the parking lot to admire his arrival....the sound still rings in my ears.
My buddy (deceased) had that same bike. Not sure of the year (late 60s for sure) his was but always remember it as an incredibly beautiful classic motorcycle.
I had have exaktly the same one using it for about 10 years. But my wife cannot sit behind me comfortable. So when I had went out for a vintage ride she told me to go alone. But alone was not a really fun ride. So finally I had sold it and change meanwhile to a retro-classic Triumph Bonneville with a longer comfortable seat for both of us. Regretable the new bikes don't have this wonderful super (trumpet-) sound from the vintage ones. But that's the life: You cannot have everything, can you?
I saw my first Lightning long, long ago at a motorcycle hill climb. It was love at first sight. Such a gorgeous machine; I could never afford one but I did own a 441 Shooting Star and a B50.
The A10 was a good-looking bike. The A65 retains it's sturdy but sporty appearance, IMHO. The BSA bikes in general have a sort of period look that I love, although I've never owned one.
Great bike. I didn't realize the monobloc has the tickler on the opposite side of the airscrew and throttle screw. Another reason people switch to the concentrics on the dual carbs bikes. My 1964 Triumph TR6 had a concentric carb on it when I bought it. It came with the original monobloc in a box of extra parts. It would be interesting to go back to the monobloc at some point, just to see what the difference is.
Woohoo ! I Love your enthusiasm Mr Bill . The A65 is a lovely looking bike . Fairly rare to see an original in nice shape . If you could do a vid of an earlier A10 , Golden Flash , or later Road Rocket / Super Rocket , it would be much appreciated . Best regards from Eastern Canada . Oh yes , and more Trials classics please and thanks . 👍
The Monoblock was a superior carb to the Concentric, which was cheap junk and wore out fast, but the Monoblock was prone to many leaks from hamfisted repairs. I bought some brand new unused Monoblocks in the mid '70's, and they were really nice. BSA did many improvements on the A10 with the A65 Poweregg, which Triumph didn't do going unit. And the A65 could rev ! Back in the day guys would take them to 10,000rpm, you couldn't keep your feet on the pegs or the fillings in your teeth, but they could wind out alright.
@@wheelhousegarage Can't wait!! i have a small collection of 1960's Bultaco's in a storage unit in various states of completion. I wish I had a dedicated garage so i could get them back on the road. Your enthusiasm really is inspiring.
I was a proud owner of this model in 1966 as a 16 year old high school student. All of my $950 savings from my paper route bought it from the first owner. Loved every minute riding it. Survived many other motorcycles through the years, but the memories of my BSA Lightning are the best.
As a Freshman in HS, a senior kid rode a Lightning to school, every morning a dozen or so would wait in the parking lot to admire his arrival....the sound still rings in my ears.
That's so cool!
The Les rule. No more beers than wheels. 81 and still riding. BSA georgeous sound. Had a 70 Thunderbolt
👏 😂
had one in college a million years ago - still the most beautiful bike ever
They are amazing!
I toured on a 650 Thunderbolt the summer of 1970
Amazing!
1970 is the last year for classic BSA motorcycles
The Triumph is a very handsome machine but the BSA's are pure sculptured artwork
Agreed!
Absolutely stunning indeed! Thanks for another great episode, Bill.
Really appreciate your support!
My buddy (deceased) had that same bike. Not sure of the year (late 60s for sure) his was but always remember it as an incredibly beautiful classic motorcycle.
I had have exaktly the same one using it for about 10 years. But my wife cannot sit behind me comfortable. So when I had went out for a vintage ride she told me to go alone. But alone was not a really fun ride. So finally I had sold it and change meanwhile to a retro-classic Triumph Bonneville with a longer comfortable seat for both of us. Regretable the new bikes don't have this wonderful super (trumpet-) sound from the vintage ones. But that's the life: You cannot have everything, can you?
That's right! Glad your having fun on any bike!
I saw my first Lightning long, long ago at a motorcycle hill climb. It was love at first sight. Such a gorgeous machine; I could never afford one but I did own a 441 Shooting Star and a B50.
Those are great bikes too!
Really good video im so glad theres others that share my enthusiasm for bsa bikes mines a 59 a10 flash love it 👍🇬🇧
I love your whole collection. this bike looks and sounds gorgeous
Thank you kindly!
The A10 was a good-looking bike. The A65 retains it's sturdy but sporty appearance, IMHO. The BSA bikes in general have a sort of period look that I love, although I've never owned one.
They're so awesome!
Well said 👍🇬🇧
Great bike. I didn't realize the monobloc has the tickler on the opposite side of the airscrew and throttle screw. Another reason people switch to the concentrics on the dual carbs bikes. My 1964 Triumph TR6 had a concentric carb on it when I bought it. It came with the original monobloc in a box of extra parts. It would be interesting to go back to the monobloc at some point, just to see what the difference is.
Give it a shot!👍
Woohoo ! I Love your enthusiasm Mr Bill . The A65 is a lovely looking bike . Fairly rare to see an original in nice shape .
If you could do a vid of an earlier A10 , Golden Flash , or later Road Rocket / Super Rocket , it would be much appreciated . Best regards from Eastern Canada . Oh yes , and more Trials classics please and thanks . 👍
Thank you so much! I'll keep an eye out for a good stock A10. I had a Super Rocket turned desert sled at one point - wish I kept that one!
Great bike! Absolutely beautiful! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for watching!
The twin leading shoe front brake is a good upgrade. I like the ⚡ Thunderbolt better because I prefer single carburetor. Much easier to live with.
I prefer single carb too!
Wonderful Brits Bike, TOP 🔝 Engine sounds..
Indeed!
The Monoblock was a superior carb to the Concentric, which was cheap junk and wore out fast, but the Monoblock was prone to many leaks from hamfisted repairs. I bought some brand new unused Monoblocks in the mid '70's, and they were really nice. BSA did many improvements on the A10 with the A65 Poweregg, which Triumph didn't do going unit. And the A65 could rev ! Back in the day guys would take them to 10,000rpm, you couldn't keep your feet on the pegs or the fillings in your teeth, but they could wind out alright.
I'm a monobloc fan! Crazy about the revs! Thanks for sharing.
Great bike! love the low end grunt sound!!
The best!
Love this channel, love your passion! Been a bit since a new video. Hope all is well.
Really appreciate your kind words and support! Working on a new video now👍👍
@@wheelhousegarage Can't wait!! i have a small collection of 1960's Bultaco's in a storage unit in various states of completion. I wish I had a dedicated garage so i could get them back on the road. Your enthusiasm really is inspiring.
Love it thanks!
No problem!
Nice. I have a 1968 A65 Star.
Music! Sweet bike
Indeed!
Everything good man? Been a while since you posted. Hope you guys are doing ok.
All good! Thanks for asking. Making a new video now!
time to tickle!
You know it!
Hello Bill. She is a beauty. Is she for sale?
Thanks Mick! I have a sale brewing for this bike already, but I'll let you know if anything changes👍
@@wheelhousegarage Happy Fathers day Bill! So how do I get on the list for future bikes or if this sale falls through?!
BTW. Clever. Sale “ brewing” 😝