BSA Owners' Club Workshop Discussions

The BSA Workshop => Twins => Topic started by: john sever on 23 Feb, 2024, 02:04

Title: A65 petrol tank
Post by: john sever on 23 Feb, 2024, 02:04
Hi
I have just finished restoring an A65 which was in really poor condition (originality not a main concern). The frame nr (which I understand "dates" the bike is of October 1969. I have been told the tank (photo attached) is from 1970. I believe by the late 60's BSA were mixing and matching parts, so is it possible the bike did come from the factory with this tank? Also, can anyone advise the tank's capacity?
Thanks in advance
John
Title: Re: A65 petrol tank
Post by: Gup holland on 23 Feb, 2024, 08:13
Hello john, mine is a lightning from 1970 and came originally with the same tank as yours.

Greetz
Title: Re: A65 petrol tank
Post by: john sever on 23 Feb, 2024, 09:04
Thanks, do you know the capacity of the tank?
Title: Re: A65 petrol tank
Post by: JulianS on 23 Feb, 2024, 09:27
If the bike is October 1969 and has a "D" year dating letter in the frame number it is a 1970 season bike.
Title: Re: A65 petrol tank
Post by: john sever on 23 Feb, 2024, 09:39
Yes, frame nr starts with DC which you say is a 1970 season bike, so yes, the tank is correct. Thank you!
Title: Re: A65 petrol tank
Post by: john sever on 23 Feb, 2024, 09:41
Just looking at another site which says DC is April 1969?
Title: Re: A65 petrol tank
Post by: JulianS on 23 Feb, 2024, 11:39
C is the year letter for 1969 season.

The first letter is the month letter.

Below from the factory.
Title: Re: A65 petrol tank
Post by: DAVE BRADY on 23 Feb, 2024, 12:16
Hi,

The manual gives the tank capacity a 4 gallons/18 litres.

Dave.
Title: Re: A65 petrol tank
Post by: john sever on 24 Feb, 2024, 00:14
Thanks to all who responded.
Cheers
John
Title: Re: A65 petrol tank
Post by: Allan G on 26 Feb, 2024, 13:20
Quote from: DAVE BRADY on 23 Feb, 2024, 12:16
Hi,

The manual gives the tank capacity a 4 gallons/18 litres.

Dave.

This is correct for the Large tank, but the Lightning one as pictured measures more like 3.5gallon, there is also the near identical version as fitted to the 69/70 Firebird and unit singles which holds just less than 2.5gallons.
Title: Re: A65 petrol tank
Post by: DAVE BRADY on 26 Feb, 2024, 15:24
Hi,

I suppose that the manuals are not always exactly up to date. The 1970 shows bikes with those tanks fitted and the capacity stated as 4 gall/18l.  Best way to know for sure is to drain the tank and fill it up.

Dave.