BSA Lightning 650 chopper

[JamesG]

Can someone give me some input as to the pros and cons of that bike? Its a 67'.......I have a chance to get one if I hurry and jump on it, but I know nothing about them. Thanks. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

[Spitfire1776]

I have a 66 and a 67. Love em both. BSA is a great bike. Solid, and strong runner. Replace the electrics, and no problem there. BSA's were a little more oil tight than Trumps (not dissing the Trump). I'd say go for it.

Here's an in process pic of my 67 chop.

[Beezerbum]

I've got a '65 Lightning,I bought new when I got out of highschool, and I'm still ridin' it! Blew it up in '70 racin' a Harley big twin. Had 'im till he got into high. Bought a used engine rebuilt it and it's still in the bike.Chopped an old frame a guy gave me and have been ridin' it ever since. Parts are readily availeable. Go for it! Remember "If You Ride A Beezer, You Ride Alone" (It's painted on my tank) Good luck!

[atch]

i'll prolly get shot to hell for saying this, 'cause someone out there probably remembers better than me, but i believe from the time the lightning 650 came out 'till the kaw triple 500 came out that the bsa was the quickest production bike in the world.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

good bike that will run GREAT if built right...other than the electronics not many negatives

[burndup]

Just as long as you write "squid" on the back of your helmet...

[haring]

The BSA will make a terrible daily driver for your family.

[JamesG]

[ QUOTE ]
The BSA will make a terrible daily driver for your family.

[/ QUOTE ]

Nah, my old lady's ass will fit just right between the handle bars....... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

[polisher]

A65 is a good bike.
Change the oil fairly regularly.
Quick bike, little heavier than the bonnie but more stable in a curve.
If you need any parts let me know.
Lot's of people with Beezah's round here.
If air is dry electrics are no problem.
What brit bikes (and cars) don't like is cold moist air.
They flood real easy.
In high humidity areas fit a high output coil.
Oh, and use concentric carbs.
Monoblocs starve the motor in a curve.
Set up right with standard gears she should be good for 127
I remember that's what the 64's tested at.

[Flat Ernie]

[ QUOTE ]
What brit bikes (and cars) don't like is cold moist air.

[/ QUOTE ]

Good thing we don't have any of the cold moist air over here in the UK, eh? http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Lucas - The Prince of Darkness....



http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[disastron13]

If you get the bike and bond with it(heh) get a 70 and up oil pump with the cast iron body. Lots of UK companies make cartridge oil filters for them now.
Electronic ign is good, RITA or Boyer, most people use Boyars now.
The Concentrics are good carbs and flow good, but they heve to be in pretty much perfect condition, worn slides and bodies really screw up the bike.
Right about the oil changes, 1200 miles. Straight 40 in hot weather.
Don't use moly additives in BSA or earlier Trumpet gear boxes, it's hygroscopic and combines with the phosphor bronze in the bushings to create an icky chemical.
Good luck man

[JamesG]

Man guy's, thanks for all the info! I'm going to seal the deal maybe tonight......

[disastron13]

Well speakin of Beezers, I think one of the cool things about the HAMB is the amount of high quality art on the board, both from pros and beginners.
There are reasons to have art in your shop beyond the obvious ones...
in art school we learned about the Lascaux cave paintings and how the people then would draw a buffalo etc on the wall, to ensure that the gods would bring them a buffalo on the next hunt...
in about 1998 I was idly fuckin around in my shop and put up some calendar pictures of a BSA Royal Star 500.
THE NEXT DAY got one, running and missing only the front fender, and complete with new tires and a siamesed police exhaust system, brand new, all for $700.
So support the HAMB artists, you never know...

[TIKIFREAK13]

Working on third BSA chop and like them way more then the other brit bikes heres some pics of one i am building http://groups.msn.com/FJJCHOPPERS/shoebox.msnw

[JamesG]

I went and rode it last night. Kool litlle bike, but needs some TLC. The eng. was pretty oily to. He said thats the nature of the beast, but I want to see if he keeps it and will come down just a bit more. He has a baby on the way and needs to sell it. It does still have the Lucas headlight with the ampmeter in it.....

I went to take some pics of it and my damn battery light came on, then my cam shut off....FUCK! I know I put new batteries in it........I get in my truck, get about home and decide to try the cam again.....blink!!! Came right on. I think maybe the Murdersickle Gods were trying to tell me something........ http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif