Can someone please point out the distinguishing features of the side panels to suit a '69 US export spec Lightning.
I've worked out that the twin carb bikes have the panels with the cut outs to clear the air filters.
What I'm confused about is that some panels have a recess for a BSA badge, some are plain.
I'm thinking that I need the plain type but I'm not 100% sure yet.
Is there anything else that changes year to year that I should be aware of ?
Do the fixing holes stay in the same place ?
I've looked in my '69 parts book, shows one RH panel illustration, but eight different part numbers, left and right panels for four different models.
67 were the first models NOT to have the recess for the little badges, however 65-68 were all fibreglass. 69-on bikes were steel side panels, these used slightly different oddie clips, rubber bumper on the battery side (a bumper fitted to the oil tank side which wasnt about for the fibreglass items) and a spacer between the rear bracket and frame on the battery side.
Decal FWIW, should be "650Lightning", with the 650 in black and the Lightning in white (all one one line).
The part numbers in the parts book are pretty self explanatory, Im sure it needs no introduction, but:
L = Lightning these are shaped for the twin carbs
T = thunderbolt - panel in black, panel shaped to wrap around the single filter
R = Royal star - panel in Red otherwise as per thunderbolt
F = Firebird, thse had a chopped left side panel with a 3rd oddie stud mounting to suit the high level exhaust system.
For your interest, I have also attached a 69 US Spec catalogue photo, courtosy of the BSAOC NSW.
Cheers Allan
Many thanks for the comprehensive reply.
I had absolutely no idea that the panels changed to steel for '69 and '70.
So glad that I made the post now, the material change isn't mentioned in the parts books AFAIK, although obviously the parts numbers will have changed.
I was also looking at Roy Bacon's BSA Twin Restoration book last night, and I can't remember any reference to a change to steel in there.
Maybe I was just looking in the wrong place, I'll take another look tonight just in case I missed something.
I've got a pair of GRP panels on their way to me now.
Not the correct parts, but they were cheap and they will do to get the bike registered and on the road.
I'll collect the proper steel items as and when they turn up in reasonable condition and a reasonable price.
Many thanks
You can still use the GRP panels, but you will want to use the correct oddie studs for them, and all the other associated acceseries, rubber buffers etc.
The shape of the GRP panels is a little nicer and more rounded/bulbous than the steel ones, and they are getting harder to find in decent condition. I too am after a set of the lightning type ones from my 1970 A50 as I have a twin carb head that I would like to use....
I've just consulted my oracle of all that actually exists in the real world (I just searched A65 Side Panels on fleabay)
Loads and loads of new GRP ones available, some supposedly UK made, others available in India (and not particularly cheap either)
Decent looking GRP ones available in the UK for £80 all in.
That would seem to be the most sensible option if I hadn't bought used items.
Only one used steel panel offered, and that was for an A65 Star.
I've no doubt that the correct '69 type steel panels are out there somewhere, but I'm not going to loose any sleep over them, they'll turn up somewhere eventually.
Point taken about the Oddie studs and rubbers being different, I'll make sure to get the right lengths
You're best with the second hand ones. I bought some "NOS" ones 20 years ago nearly, they wernt NOS at all and they didn't fit properly, I did eventually get some from Burton Bike bits which did fit properly.