Produced between 1965 and 1972, the BSA Lightning was a traditional British sports bike aimed at the lucrative American marketplace. Featuring a 654 cc parallel twin with twin Amal carburetors and high-lift camshafts, the Lightning was capable of over 100 mph flat out and possessed classic good looks. For the 1970 model year, BSA introduced several changes for the Lightning in a last-ditch effort to stave off the onslaught from a new generation of Japanese sport bikes. Improvements included larger brake drums, revised styling, and a passenger grab rail that surrounded the rear section of the seat. These bikes are also notable as they were the last of the BSA twins to feature an oil tank beneath the seat, rather than the later oil-in-frame design.

According to the consignor, this classic BSA has benefited from limited use since undergoing a comprehensive cosmetic and mechanical restoration. During this process, the engine, front fork, and instruments were rebuilt, a new clutch was installed, and new bearings were fitted throughout. Recently serviced under the consignor’s ownership, this 650 Lighting is a fantastic example of a model that represents the end of an era in the British motorcycle industry.