PLEASE help me identify my "new" motorcycle. The engine number is "A65D.6202." and the frame number is "A50.10011". There is no existing title for this machine and the previous owner passed away. I have checked known serial number databases to no avail.
The problem I'm having is that it has a single Amal carburetor which, to my knowledge, makes it a Thunderbolt. Other sources say it is a Thunderbolt Rocket.
It's possible that a previous owner converted the dual carb configuration to the present single carb setup. Unfortunately this is my first experience with British bikes and my knowledge is lacking. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks you.
Sorry I can't help directly (know virtually nothing about unit BSAs) but I suggest to post some photographs (or links to your pics on a free hosting site like IMGUR).
That way experts will be able to tell you what you have vs what you should have. Some helpful and knowledgeable people here
The engine prefix A65D indicates it is from a 1965 USA specification Lightning Rocket (UK market Lightnings were prefix A65DC). The original frame for this engine would have a prefix A50B.
The frame is from a 1965 USA specification A65 Thunderbolt Rocket. So the bike has had an engine change at some point during its life.
The Lightning Rocket and Thunderbolt Rocket frames are different patterns as are the forks and wheels.
Below is a 1965 USA catalogue illustration of a 1965 Thunderbolt Rocket.
Julian,
Thanks for responding. Looks VERY similar. Handlebars, control cable retainers, lack of tachometer, 4 gallon touring gas tank.
I'll post some pictures when I figure out how that is done.
Again, thanks.
Steve Foden, BSAOC Machine Dating Officer will tell you all.
Address: (Correspondence by post only)
PO Box 11,
Wirral
CH28 9DA
Send letter with photos and may be pencil rubbings of frame & engine numbers.
SAE & cheque to 'BSAOC Library Account'.
Members £10, non members £20.
Download all relevant forms from www.bsaownersclub.co.uk, (click on Machine Dating)
Applications without will be returned.
[This above information is copied from BSAOC magazine "The Star", page 1.]
DVLA will likely give you a dated registration based on FRAME number.
Good luck.