1971 BSA Lightning 650

Highlights

Full restoration completed with professional respray in 2011
Significant engine upgrades and rebuilds by SRM Engineering Ltd
Only 200 miles covered since engine modifications
Stored in a dehumidified bike bubble in a dedicated garage
Comprehensive history file with numerous invoices and photos

The Appeal

The BSA Lightning is a revered classic mount - often touted as one of those quintessentially British motorcycles when it was a true Anglo-centric art, known for its robust 650cc engine and top-notch all round performance. The Lightning was largely intended for US export, and saw such a substantial pop culture influence that it even got a Bond role in Thunderball.

This 1971 example has undergone a significant full restoration, including a professional respray in 2011, and has been meticulously maintained ever since. The engine has seen substantial upgrades and rebuilds by the renowned SRM Engineering Ltd, ensuring it runs in fine fettle. Since then, it's only run 200 miles - and still looks superb.

History and Paperwork

Registered in 1971
The motorcycle has had 5 previous registered keepers, with the seller being 2 of those
The motorcycle was bought by the seller's uncle on 05/05/1976
Stored by the family in Stoke-on-Trent after the uncle emigrated
The seller undertook a full restoration after receiving the bike on 06/08/2011
Sold to a friend on 18/12/2014, who had significant work done on the engine
Reacquired by the seller on 18/08/2018
Full receipts and documentation included
Multiple workshop manuals, BSA owners manual, parts list included
Numerous invoice receipts and photos of restoration included
Currently indicates 20,699, only around 200 miles of which has been covered since 2014

The Condition

The frame looks in very good order
Non-factory turquoise colour scheme - retained since the uncle’s ownership
All painted components were resprayed professionally in 2011 during the major restoration phase
Paintwork presents well with only a couple of minor marks
Slightly different handlebars to the original factory fit, though this doesn't detract from those classic lines
The frame was re-powder coated in 2016 when the engine was removed for necessary upgrades and a rebuild by SRM Engineering Ltd

The Mechanics

654cc (39.9 cu in) OHV parallel twin engine
Manual transmission with 4 gears
Modifications and work undertaken include:
- Recognised needle roller crankshaft bearings upgrade
- Oil pump high delivery upgrade
- New big end shells
- Cylinder liners
- New pistons
- New high strength alloy con rods
- Numerous more replacement parts during two engine rebuilds in both 2016 and 2018
- Both engine rebuilds were completed by SRM Engineering Ltd
- Upgraded with a Pazon electronic ignition system
Only covered about 200 miles since the engine modifications and rebuild
All lubricants were replaced in August 2023 with only a handful of miles on the clock since then
We understand the bike to be in excellent working order

BEFORE YOU BUY

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