Description
This is Lot 369 to be auctioned by Bonhams at The Spring Stafford Sale on the 26 & 27 April, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Public Viewing:
Available 26 April from 09:00 until 17:00 and 27 April from 09:00 until 17:00, at The International Classic Motorcycle Show, Stafford.
Lot 369
1964 BSA 750cc 'X65' (A65) Special
Registration no. EAX 241B
Chassis no.
Following Triumph's lead, BSA turned to unitary construction for its range of parallel twins 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 The first high-performance variant - the A65R Rocket - arrived in October 1963, only to be superseded the following year by the Lightning and Lightning Clubman, the first of the unitary construction twins (along with their A50 Cyclone equivalents) to be equipped with the new splayed-port cylinder head and twin-carburettors. Cycle parts remained largely unaltered except for the adoption of a 19" front wheel.
According to the vendor, this BSA was exported to the USA in 1964 as a 'Lightning Rocket A65'. The BSA returned to the UK around 1995. In 1995-96 the machine was fully rebuilt and re-engineered by BSA twin experts SRM Engineering. Fully overhauled at the time, the engine has an SRM cylinder barrel and now displaces 750c, while SRM have styled the bike in the same vein as the Triumph X75 Hurricane as designed by Craig Vetter. The BSA was road tested by Steve Jones of Classic Bike Guide in 1997 (copy on file). Described by the private vendor as being presented in beautiful condition, this unique machine has seen very little use since our vendor purchased it from SRM in 1997, and is said to be ready to ride this summer. Offered with a current V5C and a BSA OC dating certificate.
All lots are sold 'as is/ where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams website for all pertinent auction information.
