Winning bid
£4,500

1971 BSA Lightning 650

Highlights

  • Full restoration completed with professional respray in 2011
  • Significant engine upgrades and rebuilds by SRM Engineering Ltd
  • Only 200 miles covered since engine modifications
  • Stored in a dehumidified bike bubble in a dedicated garage
  • Comprehensive history file with numerous invoices and photos

The Appeal

The BSA Lightning is a revered classic mount - often touted as one of those quintessentially British motorcycles when it was a true Anglo-centric art, known for its robust 650cc engine and top-notch all round performance. The Lightning was largely intended for US export, and saw such a substantial pop culture influence that it even got a Bond role in Thunderball. 
This 1971 example has undergone a significant full restoration, including a professional respray in 2011, and has been meticulously maintained ever since. The engine has seen substantial upgrades and rebuilds by the renowned SRM Engineering Ltd, ensuring it runs in fine fettle. Since then, it's only run 200 miles - and still looks superb.
IMG_2778 Simon Plummer.jpeg 1.12 MB

History and Paperwork

  • Registered in 1971
  • The motorcycle has had 5 previous registered keepers, with the seller being 2 of those
  • The motorcycle was bought by the seller's uncle on 05/05/1976
  • Stored by the family in Stoke-on-Trent after the uncle emigrated
  • The seller undertook a full restoration after receiving the bike on 06/08/2011
  • Sold to a friend on 18/12/2014, who had significant work done on the engine
  • Reacquired by the seller on 18/08/2018
  • Full receipts and documentation included
  • Multiple workshop manuals, BSA owners manual, parts list included
  • Numerous invoice receipts and photos of restoration included
  • Currently indicates 20,699, only around 200 miles of which has been covered since 2014

The Condition

  • The frame looks in very good order
  • Non-factory turquoise colour scheme - retained since the uncle’s ownership
  • All painted components were resprayed professionally in 2011 during the major restoration phase
  • Paintwork presents well with only a couple of minor marks
  • Slightly different handlebars to the original factory fit, though this doesn't detract from those classic lines
  • The frame was re-powder coated in 2016 when the engine was removed for necessary upgrades and a rebuild by SRM Engineering Ltd

The Mechanics

  • 654cc (39.9 cu in) OHV parallel twin engine
  • Manual transmission with 4 gears
  • Modifications and work undertaken include:
    • Recognised needle roller crankshaft bearings upgrade
    • Oil pump high delivery upgrade
    • New big end shells
    • Cylinder liners
    • New pistons
    • New high strength alloy con rods
    • Numerous more replacement parts during two engine rebuilds in both 2016 and 2018
    • Both engine rebuilds were completed by SRM Engineering Ltd
    • Upgraded with a Pazon electronic ignition system
  • Only covered about 200 miles since the engine modifications and rebuild
  • All lubricants were replaced in August 2023 with only a handful of miles on the clock since then
  • We understand the bike to be in excellent working order
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following: 
The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions.. 
We request that a non-refundable fee  be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates. 
This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind. 
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing. 
We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence. 
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own  full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle. 
✓Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection 
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected] 
Icon

Selling your BSA?


Advertise to 4 million monthly visitors on Car & Classic

Sell by Auction

Auction Details

  • Year1971
  • MakeBSA
  • ModelLightning
  • ColourBlue
  • Odometer20,699 Miles
  • Engine size654cc
  • Seller TypePrivate
  • TownChristchurch
  • CountyDorset
  • CountryUnited Kingdom
  • Auction ends

Bidding history

16 Bids

hutchi8••••
Bid
£4,500
20/06/24
william••••
Bid
£4,400
20/06/24
hutchi8••••
Bid
£4,300
20/06/24
william••••
Bid
£4,200
20/06/24
hutchi8••••
Bid
£4,100
20/06/24
william••••
Bid
£4,000
20/06/24
hutchi8••••
Bid
£3,900
19/06/24
marco p••••
Bid
£3,800
19/06/24
marco p••••
Bid
£3,502
19/06/24
marco p••••
Bid
£2,749
18/06/24

Buying with Car & Classic

animation

How bidding works

All you need to know about the bidding process on Car & Classic

animation

Five steps to buying safely

We make it safe and simple to secure your dream classic

animation

Shipping & transport

Useful information on collecting your new vehicle

animation

Secure payments

How we protect you and your money, to make Car & Classic the safest place to transact

More FAQs

Gallery