Hey everyone,
I recently received my Grandfather's old BSA Motorcycle. He passed away about 6 years ago, and it has been sitting in my Aunt's possession since then. She always intended to have work done on it, but never did, so I had it shipped to my house. My Grandpa was a huge gearhead/grease monkey and was always fixing up and selling old cars & bikes.
He had owned this BSA since the 60's & my dad has memories of riding the bike back in his day, so it's a pretty sentimental piece. It probably hasn't ran in over a decade or more however, so I'm currently trying to find a place to either get in good enough shape to run again or fully restore it.
I think that getting this bike in good shape again would be a great way to honor my late Grandfather, and it would be a great thing to pass on to later generations if possible.
I am located near Houston, Texas & would prefer to find a place nearby (within a few hours) that could potentially fix this bike up. After calling about 25 different shops nearby, I was recommended to ask around here.
I've attached a link below to view images of the motorcycle in its current condition. From what I understand its a 1965 BSA Lightning, but then again I'm not very knowledgable on the matter, and my grandpa was known for making "Frankenstein-like" vehicles.
If anyone could offer any advice, or what to expect with restoration, or even confirm the year/model, it would be greatly appreciated.
Link:
https://imgur.com/a/bwDD1oe
Hi Dan,
Welcome to BSA ownership and to this Forum. The bike looks pretty standard to me apart from the silencer/muffler. There are a few US members on this Forum who may be able to help but the nearest BSAOC in the US is in California. However, they could well know of someone nearer to you.
If you google 'BSA Owners Club of Southern California' or bsaocsc.org you should be able to contact them.
Dave.
:) :) :)
Hi and welcome. If you put the frame and engine No on here someone will tell you exactly what you have. It certainly looks like a very worthwhile machine.
Mike 8) 8) 8)
Hi
welcome aboard
I agree with Mike , fantastic bike to restore, looks very original so well worth the effort
Good luck , and keep us posted
please see attached
im a complete novice as well, but with some help , was able to restored my 1968 bsa b25
so i would think, if restored profesionale, she would be stunner
Dane
:) :) :)
Hi Dan
It looks like a great bike and a wonderful history to have.
In my opinion it would be better to clean it up and recommission it get it roadworthy and run well.
Too much 'restoration' might lose some of that originality and patina that makes it special.
Let's see it when you have it sorted out.
Pete.
By the way Dan
You might be interested to see this series on recommissioning a mid sixties BSA twin, similar to your grandfather's I think.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcexUX0sijZDjVpopm7EAjg
Pete
Looks like a 1964 or 1965 USA market 650cc A65 Lightning Rocket.
Photo is from the 1965 USA West Coast catalogue.
Hi Dan
just reading some of the posts,
And agree with Pete,s comments
so your shout buddy
Just do what you think is correct , im certain we will all support you in your endeavor
:) :)
I don't know how confident you are with a set of spanners, but you could consider undertaking the work yourself.
Whilst there may not be anyone in your area willing to undertake the whole project you may find that there are specialists that will do each bit. E.g an engine shop for a re bore etc and a different person for the paint. From the pics the bike looks fine as it is, so you could just sort the engine and brakes to be able to use it.
These machines are relarively easy to take apart and re assemble with a good set of tools and workshop manual.
hi Dan
Beesy got a point
you may not be confident in works required , to witch i understand, However i was the same , but with lots of help from BSAOC completed my first project
Just thinking , how proud would your gramps be if you got hands on
As beesy said, have the engine rebuilt [ most important] you can then , remove bits and bats and have them ether deep cleaned or re sprayed
just remember to number all parts removed and bag in itemized bags
let me know your thoughts
b
Dane