Hi all. I have just joined the forum and this is my first posting. Hope I'm doing things right but please excuse me if I'm making some blunder with protocol.
I'm doing a complete 'nut and bolt' restoration of a 1966 Lightning. It came with what are clearly non standard aftermarket handlebars so I need to replace them. I want to fit standard UK specification 'bars - ie same as the bike had when new.
The only 'bars I can find are what I understand to be A10 touring bars but which all the sellers advertise as suiting the lightning. My fading memory tells me that the original 'bars were somewhat flatter (but my memory might be playing tricks on me).
So, while the touring 'bars certainly fit, I dont think they are period correct.
Does anyone know if I'm right ?
If I am right, does anyone know where I can buy some ?
Thanks
DJC
Hi DJC,
Welcome to the Forum and don't forget to join the BSAOC as well. If you look at the BSAOC website the home page should have access to brochure images from many years. Have a look and see what bars your bike should have.
Dave.
Thanks Dave
Yes I have joined the BSAOC and the information on the bikes is great. Unfortunately I've studied all the pictures on all the relevant brochures in the library and non show the handlebars at an angle that show what I'm trying to ascertain. Murphies Law !
Hi,
I just had quick look through some things I have and all the images are from the side so no better.
Dave.
Does this 1966 road test assist with bar shape.
If your bike was originally supplied for the US market, and a lot were, the bars and tank at least, would have been different.
Being original with the handle bars might not suit your back. On all my BSAs I have replaced my handle bars with Norton Westerns as they are one inch higher then the BSA ones, this helps my back. Unless you are a stickler for originality try your bars first.
I too have fitted the Norton bars to one of my A10s and they are much nicer to ride with than the standard ones on my other A10
Looking at catalogues in members area, the A10 ones do look higher (couple of screenshots attached).
If you've not found it - go to library search in members area and then Unit A series / 1966 .... catalogues are down the page a bit.
Many thanks for the various replies so far.
The bike was originally exported to California but found its way to Japan before coming back home, so yes, originally it would have had 'Western' bars.
I'm happy with a more sporting riding position so the flatter bars should suit me - but thanks for the advice on comfort.
I had seen the catalogue picture of the Lightning but never thought to compare it with an A10, so thanks very much for that as it does confirm the flatter bars.
Just need to find somewhere I can by some from !
Cheers
Derek
Not sure if this helps but I'm presently building a Lightning ('Clubman' eventually) and here's the bars that it came with (I believe they are 'Ace' bars).
I think I should be able to ride it easily to the nearest coffee bar, which is in Eccleshall, 4 miles away.
A mile further is gonna take my back out, not to mention my wrists....
Good luck with your build/ project,
Dave.
I have a pair unused, came with bike. Still wrapped, never fitted part no. is 65 4960. apparently, correct for up to '66 home market lightning. Can be yours cheap if interested..?
Hi Taffyboy - yes I'd be interested in your 'bars. How do we go about this using the forum ?
Thanks for offereing them to me.
DJC
I've sent you a pm, DJC.