1970 BSA 654cc Thunderbolt Frame no. DC21051 A65T Engine no. DC21051 A65T

1970 BSA 654cc Thunderbolt Registration no. DVT 65J Frame no. DC21051 A65T Engine no. DC21051 A65T Following Triumph's lead, BSA turned to unitary construction of the engine/transmission for its range of parallel twin as the 1960s dawned, launching the all-new 500cc A50 and 650cc A65 Star models in January 1962. The basic architecture of the preceding A7/A10 was retained, so the new engine remained an air-cooled parallel twin with 360-degree crankshaft and single camshaft mounted at the rear of the cylinder block. The cycle parts were much as before, comprising a duplex loop, swinging-arm frame fitted with telescopic front fork. For 1965 the Star tourers were replaced by the A50 Royal Star and A65 Thunderbolt, both of which came with a single Amal Monobloc carburettor. The single-carburettor twin was preferred by many riders, being more economical, easier to keep in tune and only marginally less powerful than the twin-carb Lightning model. First registered 17 September 1970, the vendor purchased the BSA as a 'two-owner example' in 1972 for £265 when displaying just 4,200 miles, and fitted the oil cooler, crash bars and carrier shortly after. The motorcycle was registered to the vendors brother in November 1985 whilst working overseas, seeing little use until 1997 when transferred back to the vendor, a competent Aston Martin mechanic. In 2020 the forks were repainted, and the fork seals renewed. Now displaying 8,859 miles to the odometer, the vendor advises the machine starts easily and idles well (video on file). Accompanying documentation consists of two expired Mots', a 1978 tax disc and two keys. Footnotes: All lots are sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com