1971 BSA A65 Lightning 1971 A-65 Lightning motorcycle, Oil in Frame

Description

Unique opportunity to own a 1971 BSA Lightning resto-mod. If you’re a “rivet counter” who wants a bone stock bike just like the day it left the factory, this bike is not for you. BSA made the 71 and 72 with an all new design called Oil In Frame, which means it has no oil tank. Rather, the oil is integrated into a thick tube that makes up part of the frame. BSA stopped producing bikes altogether after the ‘72 model year, so this is one of the last of the great twins from this venerable brand.
Park this in a lineup of “me too!” Harleys, and guess which bike gets ALL the attention?  Uh-huh… You got it…
This bike has been fairly extensively modified, including the following:
1. Most importantly, the sludge trap was cleaned by the previous owner, and then I added an aftermarket oil filtration system a couple of years ago.  Oil filter is painted to match the tank strip. I change the oil and filter about every 800-1000 miles.
2. Stock fuel tank was sold and a repop tank made for it, out of chrome. It was also lined with corrosion resistant material inside.
3. Engine covers and air filter covers and front and rear fender were sent off to a shop in Illinois to get chromed. All chrome is in very nice condition.
4. Turn signals front and rear were added for safety.
5. Rear tail light is brand new (August 2021). I replaced it to go with the longer version so it could be more easily seen with the rear backpack on the bike.
6. Rear fender luggage rack custom fabricated and installed in 2020, for the backpack to sit on.
7. Carbs were just gone through and cleaned and jets adjusted and new fuel petcocks added in August of 2021.
8. New throttle cables and front brake cable in Aug. of 2021. New clutch cable in 2020.
9. Fuel tank badges were sprayed with gold Spectrachrome. Fuel cap as well, but it’s starting to flake off the cap due to contact with gas.
10. Kick start pedal custom machined out of brass from a shop in Texas, with BSA logo laser etched into the tip.
11. NOS mufflers from an earlier BSA (a ‘67 if memory serves) added in 2019, with brass exhaust tips. Brass grips added in 2019 as well.
12. Handlebars are mini-apes that were  on the bike when I bought it.
13. Points were replaced with an electronic ignition (bike is kick start only).
14. New Hagon  shocks about 2 years ago
15. Tires are probably 95%. Excellent condition.
16. Sissy bar with passenger backrest added a few years ago, came off a Triumph.  BSA and Triumph were made in the same factory for a number of years, and many parts are interchangeable.
Here’s the really cool thing… almost all the important engine, carburetor, electrical and cable work was done by the legendary Frank Deihl, of Frank’s Classic Cycles in Georgetown, SC. He is one of the best British motorcycle mechanics in the world. I have the receipt for the most recent improvements Frank made to the bike a few days ago. It was $1057 worth of work.
I’m not  worried if I sell the bike or don’t. I love it and try to ride it at least once a week. What it comes down to is YOU have to want it more than I do! If it doesn’t sell, no biggie! When regularly ridden, she starts in one or two kicks. Right now it needs nothing. It’s not “perfect” and it’s not a show queen or trailer queen. She wants to be ridden!
When I got the bike, the speedo said there was approx. 4000 miles on the odometer. I don’t know if that was accurate or not. Shortly after getting it, that Speedo conked out and I put on a new one, which you see in the pics. The mileage shown is the number of miles put  on it since the speedo was replaced. If the previous speedo was correct, then I’m ESTIMATING the bike has roughly 6000 miles total, but that’s just an educated guess. Mileage may go up slightly as I *do* ride it around town bar hopping.
I will gladly work with any shipping company of your choice, at your expense, to get the bike to you safely. Local pickup is also available. Bike is located in North Myrtle Beach, SC. Nearest airport is code MYR.