'72 BSA Lightning - Last Year - 15K Miles - Excellent example of British Rumble

1972 BSA LightningLast Model Year - Classic British Cafe Bike Only 15K miles - Well preserved and lightly restored End of an Era -Up for bid is a signature piece in British motorsports history. BSA had a great engine. but was struggling in other areas. They tried to make a fit for the Triumph brand. but at last the engine height did not match the current inventory of frames at the Triumph plant. This is the end of era bike for a storied British Manufacturer. Cosmetic Condition --Excellent example of a well preserved original with a light restoration (paint) and common upgrade (pipes). It was made in March 1971 (Brit Bikes web site does an excellent job of cataloging by VIN#). The U. S. market received a slimmed down tank with a nice polished aluminum trim piece. This gave it a more modern. sporting look. Click below for a full photo album --https://plus. google. com/photos/114468795787885898444/albums/6146142558171935201?authkey=CI_71Z2sjNe1lwEBSA did not hold themselves to strict standards for color codes. Experts in the area assure me they don't exist. The '72 model year was simply red. This bike was professionally repainted using a Citroen color code (a bit of French flair. if you will). It captures the period well and may be spot on given the creative license they enjoyed at the time (any given day any given "artist"). It's a great fit for the bike and is complimented well by the polished aluminum (gotta love that aluminum)! Mechanicals --This bike hails from Iowa. Iowa is an important epicenter to a region of British bike enthusiasts. It only has 15K miles and has been treated well throughout it's lifetime. Mechanicals are mostly original (why wouldn't they be with this few miles). Amal carbs. check. Lucas electronics. check. Front drum brakes with air dam. check. The mufflers are Dunstall. Common upgrade on these bikes and they sound fantastic. They may have been with the bike since almost new. These bikes are right side shifters and kick start only. For a truly iconic British vintage bike experience BSAs are hard to beat. It's a trip back in time the moment you throw your leg over it. Nothing rumbles quite like the old British twins. Lenses. Gauges. Mirrors. Seat. Etc. --The bright bits on this bike are in very good condition as well. Proudly take it to shows. but don't be afraid to ride it. Gauges are sharp and clean. The seat was recovered in the light restoration phase. It is in excellent shape. I don't think BSAs from this era even had mirrors from the factory. This bike comes with some sharp looking period correct ones. Numbers matching --The number stamped on the engine block matches that on the frame. The frame is difficult to read in person. let alone capture in photos. As mentioned. it was made in March (C in VIN code) of 1971. As is common with European vehicles of the era. it was not titled until the following year. Comes with a clean and clear 1972 Missouri Title. Questions. Bidding. Shipping. etc. --Reserve Price -- the reserve will be kept private out of respect for the auction process. The "Buy it Now" at least serves as a point of reference. Simply bid the amount you feel comfortable investing in a classic British bike preserved to this level. Or. beat 'em to the punch and buy it!European import classics are very hot. This bike is likely to garner quite a few interested parties. Please treat the bidding process as the serious intent (and contract) to purchase that it is. Everyone wins when this level of respect is shown. Thanks in advance. Shipping -- the bike is in Kansas City. MO. Shipping is the responsibility of the buyer. I will certainly help out with basic logistics on my end. Questions -- I hope the pictures and my description are thorough. That was my intention. Please to not hesitate to call for whatever reason or to arrange to see the bike. (816) 786-7534. These are really cool rides from a never to be seen again era. I can't wait to see what the future holds in store. Good luck bidding!

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