BSA A65 Thunderbolt 1967 Classic A65T

Motorcycle Emporium Ltd

Vintage and Classic Motorcycle Importers 

Unit 20. Stonefield Park. Martins Lane. Chilbolton. Winchester. Hampshire. SO20 6BL

Telephone 07745 650984

To view the Motorcycles we have for sale please call to arrange a time.

For Sale BSA A65T Thunderbolt

Frame Number: A65TA 18542

Engine Number: A65TA 18542-Y

Mileage: 11. 14

A video walk round of this motorcycle. start up and ride can be viewed here  http://youtu. be/0-J0PbtnUTI

Description:

There is nothing quite like pottering a country road on a sunny afternoon on an old British motorcycle. while never an easy call. the larger capacity parallel twins are perhaps the most practical configuration and BSA’s A65s make a great case for themselves. The Thunderbolt is the single carburetor version of the 650cc A65 and. while it may be marginally less powerful than its Lightning stable mate. the extra low end grunt and the fact that the engine is always in balance means that the Thunderbolt is arguably more practical and has every bit as much punch as a less than perfectly balanced Lightning. The parts supply for these bikes is excellent and the number of specialist suppliers means that prices are refreshingly low. add this to the free road tax and appreciation in values and these old machines make a great deal of sense.  

This particular machine has clearly seen a level of restoration but has been left in largely original trim. it is now in tidy and very rideable condition. the engine starts and runs well with no signs of any mechanical issues. For a full assessment of the condition of this motorcycle please see our description below.

Cosmetic

This motorcycle is in good cosmetic condition it has clearly seen a level of restoration work but with an eye to retaining the originality of the handsome pre oil in frame design. The paint work has been refinished and while not perfect it is very tidy. The tank has no dents or damage and is in good order throughout. it has been rechromed and the panels are clean and bright. the small central chrome trim is missing. /p>

The side panels are in similarly good order as can be seen in the photographs there is a minor dink in the left hand side panel and a hairline crack in the right panel by the oil cap. The mudguards are both in good solid condition and have no dents or damage.

The seat appears to be the original item and has a nice patina of age. the cover is in good order and the base solid. The exhaust fitted is in good order a two into one system. we believe it is likely to be the original item and it does have some dints and marks. it is generally clean and very useable. The wheels both retain the original Wm. Jones rims. the rear wheel does have some minor pitting and the chrome on the front is poor. the spokes have been painted black.  

Mechanical  

The bike starts and runs well it ticks over smoothly revs cleanly and pulls through the gears strongly. the engine in this machine is lovely and shows off the advantages of the single carb Thunderbolt well.  

The engine cases are clean aside from a mark in front of the kick start visible in the pictures. there are no signs of the bike being crashed or dropped. The clutch works well and the gears select cleanly.

The carb does have a fuel leak and will require a new float bowl gasket.  

Chassis and Cycle Parts

The chassis and cycle parts are in good order.

The frame is undamaged and the paint clean. with just minor chips and marks. The brakes are both working well. On the suspension side the forks are clean and in good order the action is smooth and the damping effective. The rear shocks are in good order and is damping well.

The headstock. swinging arm and rear wheel bearings show no signs of excessive play. there is some slight play in the front wheel bearings.

Electrical

The electrical systems are working well the headlight works on side light and both dip and high beam as is the tail light. the brake light is working on the rear brake the bike is not fitted with a front switch in common with most machines of this era. The horns fitted are aftermarket and. while not exactly period. they are effective. The ignition on / off is a small push / pull switch mounted on the headlight. The bike has also been fitted with indicators this would not be standard but is a useful safety feature on a bike that is to be ridden regularly.

Summary

This machine is definitely one for riding. it would form a great basis for a simple restoration. but it is a machine that is happy in its skin and really just wants enjoying. We have taken it for a short spin and it rides very well as can be seen in the video. I would be inclined to replace the front wheel bearings. maybe add some Thunderbolt side panel badges and then just use it

Please review the pictures carefully they form an integral part of the description. please do not hesitate to ask any questions you may have.  

Now you have read the description you might want to place a

Bid? Before you do please read the information below.

This Motorcycle will need to be registered with DVLA.  The Registration procedure is simple.  We spend a good deal of time working with the DVLA and HMRC to ensure that are bikes are compliant with all current legislation in order that our customers do not have any difficulties in obtaining age related registrations. we have not had a problem with this in over 700 motorcycles we have sold.

How to register an Imported Motorcycle.

1.  MOT the motorcycle on the chassis number. not required for pre 1960 machines.

2.  Insure the motorcycle on the chassis number.

3.  We at the Motorcycle Emporium will provide the following forms:

?   An invoice

?   A V55/5 – Application form to register the bike at DVLA

?   NOVA reference number as proof duties paid

?   Contact details for the provision of a dating certificate for the age related number plate

4.  Post all the paper work to the DVLA

5.  You will then receive your tax disc. a new MOT certificate with your new registration mark within 3 to 10 days.

6.  A normal V5C Registration Certificate will follow by post within the next 28 days.

7.  DVLA will charge ?55. 00 plus the road tax fee to register the motorcycle

Please consider carefully before bidding on the motorcycle we have for sale if you are new to the world of motorcycle maintenance. This motorcycle is a classic machine. it will need to be maintained and cared for. and if you can’t spin the occasional spanner we would not recommend purchase.  

Our Feedback: Our customers say we offer a good honest description. we are helpful. we are professional. collection and payment is made easy. communication is excellent and many customers buy from us more than once.

If you win: Please contact us within 48 hours of the end of the auction. Call Tony on 07745 650984 or email via eBay.  Bikes can be stored for a period should you not be able to collect immediately by agreement.

Payment: We accept payment by bank transfer. cheque or cash on collection. if payment is made by cheque the funds will need to clear before the bike can be released.

UK Delivery/International Shipping.

If you need your motorcycle delivered we recommend the following shippers depending on your location. they are professional. reliable and will treat your motorcycle like their own. alternatively if you have your own preferred shipper we are more than happy to work with them.

If you need a price for delivery then please contact the appropriate service below:

UK Deliveries: Call Peter on 07831 559538

www. motorcycledeliveryservice. co. uk

European Deliveries: Call Chas on 01233 633623

www. chasmortimer. co. uk

Worldwide Buyers: We are more than happy to deal with International buyers. please contact Shipsafe Logistics via their website below

http://ssl-group. co. uk/index. php/motorcycles/

Please notify your shipper of our contact details and we will arrange the loading and dispatch of your motorcycle. we will make the whole process as simple and straightforward as possible.

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