Description
This motorcycle is Lot 37 to be auctioned by Bonhams at the Timed-Online June Sale, please see the Bonhams website for full details. The timed online auction runs between June 6th through June 16th, with lots closing from midday June 16th 2025.
Public Viewing:
Available 11th & 12th June 2025 from 09:00 until 17:00, by appointment only at Bonhams Milton Keynes.
Lot 37
Property of a deceased's estate
1971 BSA 650cc A65 Firebird Scrambler
Registration no. AKE 367J
Frame no. NE01569A65FS
Engine no. NE01569A65FS
The 'street scrambler' had been part of BSA's line up since the 'pre-unit' days. When the concept was revived for the unitary construction range, the name 'Spitfire Hornet' was chosen for the new model, the 500cc version being called 'Wasp'. The 'Spitfire' part of the designation was soon dropped, being applied exclusively to the new sports roadster, while the 650 street scrambler was re-christened 'Firebird' in 1967, by which time it had become a US-only model. Combining classic British engineering with a rugged, desert-racing look, the Firebird was essentially a Lightning equipped with raised handlebars, sump shield and a high-level exhaust system; it was one of BSA's last attempts to compete with the rising tide of Japanese and American off-road bikes. Without doubt one of the most handsome of these late BSAs, the Firebird perished along with its fellows when BSA-Triumph collapsed in 1972. A relative rarity in the UK, most of the production run having been shipped to North America, it is one of the most highly sought after of unitary BSAs.
The accompanying BSA Owners Club Dating Certificate lists the aforementioned frame number but records the engine number as 'Not Stated'. This certificate confirms the machine is a 650cc Firebird Scrambler despatched from the factory to BSA East Coast in Baltimore, New Jersey, USA on 15th May 1971. (The gov. uk log lists the machine as first registered on 15th May 1971.) The machine was first registered in the UK on 5th September 2011.
This Firebird was purchased by the late owner on 27th March 2013 as per the accompanying Maintenance Log and online auction receipt on file. There is a lengthy and detailed maintenance log on file covering the period February 2010 to December 2023, testifying to the fact that this Firebird has been fastidiously maintained with no expense spared. Also on file is a gov. uk MoT log listing six passes between August 2011 and April 2017 (the last MoT expired in May 2018).
Extensive receipts, invoices and other paperwork on file include the following (inspection recommended):
• 17 09 2011 Vehicle Restoration Services £1, 389
• New Altar Ignition Systems information
• DVLA Numberplate Authorisation Certificate
• 08 09 2011 DVLA correspondence to register a vehicle
• 30 06 2016 SRM Classic Bikes invoice for £3, 018
• 13 06 2013 SRM Engineering Ltd Invoice for £129. 96
• 24 03 2013 online auction invoice (£3, 500) purchased from Barry, Wales and described therein as 'matching numbers' (see listing printout for other as-purchased details)
• 27 03 2013 purchase receipt/ sales invoice
• 22 02 2010 Spitfire Direct invoice for exhaust pipes and H-section connector (£153)
• 17 12 2010 Supreme Motorcycles Ltd invoice for chip basket and indicator stem (£108. 10)
• 28 01 2011 Lighting Spares Ltd invoice £15. 32
• 02 02 2011 Burton Bike Bits invoice for head steady bracket, rear wheel c/ w hub (£382. 20)
• 21 12 2010 Lightning Spares Ltd invoice (£28. 80)
The Firebird also comes with a workshop manual and a current V5C Registration Certificate stating two former keepers.
This motorcycle has not been run or maintained for approximately a year and will therefore require recommissioning to a greater or lesser extent. As such, it is being sold strictly as seen.
It was restored and carefully enhanced by its late owner, a retired aircraft engineer who worked on the Tornado with BA(E) and later served as Chief Engineer on the Nimrod at RAF Kinross. His high standard of precision engineering is clearly reflected in both the detailed maintenance log and the meticulous workmanship evident throughout the motorcycle. Until relatively recently, the motorcycle was regularly started, maintained, and kept in riding condition, and represents an excellent opportunity to acquire a very well presented example of BSA's iconic and collectible Firebird Scrambler. Offered with a detached grab rail, number plate, exhaust guard and keys (for both the ignition and steering lock).
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 Motorcycles website for all pertinent auction information.
