Good to see someone caring for these wonderful old bikes and actually riding them. Great old bikes these BSAs. I had the pre-unit A10 back in the 60's.
I was 20 years old in the Air Force living in San Bernardino when I bought a 1967 BSA Lightening. My first Motorcycle. Rode it all over the Desert and Mountains. One thing I was taught was after starting it, remove the Oil Cap and make sure you see flow. Your's sure brings back memories..
This was a big seller in my small California town in the 60s. Everyone wanted a Bonneville, but hey, the Thunderbolt was about $250 cheaper, probably the best buy in motorcycles over 500cc. Most jobs then paid around $2 per hour.
Beautiful. I had one in the mid 60s. Rode it all over the midwest. Never failed, reliable. And comfortable putting on the miles at speed too. And the sound..distinctive,, isn't it! Loved my Bolt.
I had BSA in 69 my Brother bought for me to Ride that Summer while I was there in Las Vegas...It was a 441 Shooting Star..Not a Victor..It was a Street Bike with a low exhaust pipe..The Tank,Seat and Rear Fender we're all one Piece...I got it in 69 but I'm not sure if it was a 69,68 or Earlier...I've never seen another one like it since...Wish I still had it...In the 3 months I had it the speedometer Cable unraveled and broke the Speedometer..The Throttle cable broke and it Leaked oil from the Cases...Alot to happen in 3 Months..
Thank you very much for posting this video, I have so many happy memories of riding on the back of my Dad's 650 Thunderbolt around 1973. All of my friend knew when we were on our way home as they could hear the Bike from half a mile away.
lovely bike 🙂 I had the lighting which I rebuilt when I was 20 in 1980. had a devimead conversion on it which took it to 750cc. wish I had kept it now... Steve from the uk
I had a new 66 thunderbolt that was candy apple blue. My most favorite bike of all the bikes I owned. My thunderbolt was fast and I often out ran Lightening Rockets and Bonnies. I always felt one big single carb more sense than two carbs. No carb sync issues.
I had the same bike back in 1969 that I chopped. Sold it in early 70's. Have a '68 BSA 650 chopper now that I can ride but not road legal right now. Also ride an old Harley Low Rider but boy I love those old Limey twins.
They're a lot easier to start if you are astride them and if you're short like me leave the side stand down but that's just in case. You hold it up and kick with your right leg, unless you have some disability that prevents it. Switching from the old British shift pattern of right foot and pull up for first and down for second, third, fourth to the Japanese left side shift and one down and the rest up was a trip. Went the wrong way more than once shifting to second instead of 4th on my first Honda.
-Best looking bike i have ever seen. And that includes the 650 cc Honda with the 5 speed gear box. The 4 speed was best just like the Harley's with there 4 speeds gear box. Plenty chrome on this bike & even the gas tank sides. Great sound but not from small computer speakers.Best to hear it in person.The biggest mistake BSA done was to go out of business.A great looking bike like this today would put all bikes in it's cc class to shame.Plus would have sold like hotcakes. A good buddy of mine had the 1969 BSA 650cc Lighting.It too was a great looking & powerhouse of a bike,But not as good looking as this one in this video. And The BSA had the edge on the Triumph 650. The Triumph was to high up but with the BSA you sat at a much better lower seat level so you're feet could touch the ground flat footed & not on ya tiptoes. If BSA was still in business today I would have one like in this video right now .It's just upsetting that no company today has a bike too match the looks of this super great looking bike.Dumb move on there part because they could do it if they wanted too.Just silly & dumb thinking on there part. All I can say it's there loss.---Great job with the BSA you are so lucky to have.
There's a great British film called IF where they ride one of these during a scene in the film well worth watching especially the cafe bit .. a cult bike in a cult film .. super cool
At the time we couldn't figure out why you didn't spot the extra hundred for a Lightning Rocket (surely the best-ever motorcycle name) but in the real world one carburetor was a lot easier to mind than two.
Lovely. What would you say the value is? There 's one just like it near me for sale, all rebuilt. Doesn't seem to be anyone interested in it. I think it would make a great flat tracker.
I had a Gold Star for a while after I got out of the service in 71. Someone had changed it to a rigid and put scrambler pipes on. Check out the sig pic
I went to a bsa dealer and looked at a new thunderbolt back in the day. Sat on the thing, pulled in the front break and nothing moved! The forks were locked solid! Brand new with forks that had to be completely reworked before you could even ride it! All this old British nostalgia is B/S! What people really miss is being young. My 2000 Kawasaki W650 is more of a good time than anything I had in my youth and will bring me home.
I have a 1960 BSA Super Rocket and a 2002 Kawasaki W650. Both great bikes but the BSA does have certain feel about it, a beautiful punchy engine. OK, the Kawasaki is the better ride it and forget it machine.
Only the RH pet cock needs to be opened, the LH side is reserve fuel once you fill up that way you can keep the throttle going while you switch on the reserve tap. Also hold down the tickler on the carb until fuel comes out, stabbing it repeatably can puncture the float. You should also free the clutch before a cold start to save the gearbox
Hi Mike, a couple of questions. Is the 1967 Thunderbolt for sale? Second, I have a 1951 AJS 500 single. It is a 25 year old restoration. I bought it at auction about 4 years ago. The bike really needs to be "refreshed". I live in Prescott Arizona, and you mentioned the man that restored the Thunderbolt is in Phoenix. Can you give me his name and number? Let me know regarding both of these questions. Thanks Everett Davidson
I would always with these twins suggest position the pistons first just into compression with the kick lever before giving spark. Choke or prime motor if temp is same as air. If the motor is still warm you may need neither.
Originality of a Classic Car or Motorcycle is critical. This example is terrible. It has Painted Fenders, Polished Engine Side Covers, Incorrect Tach & Speedo, Chromed Upper Fork Tubes and the worst incorrect shade of Red Paint.
had a 1969 thunderbolt ,new a cancelled export model from Elite Motors Tooting , South London £299 .on the road . lovely bike .
Good to see someone caring for these wonderful old bikes and actually riding them. Great old bikes these BSAs.
I had the pre-unit A10 back in the 60's.
I was 20 years old in the Air Force living in San Bernardino when I bought a 1967 BSA Lightening. My first Motorcycle. Rode it all over the Desert and Mountains. One thing I was taught was after starting it, remove the Oil Cap and make sure you see flow. Your's sure brings back memories..
Ah the 60's - beautiful resto. Looks & sounds great!. Looks beautiful .
Fab bike. I started my apprenticeship at BSA Motorcycles in 1968 and loved every day I was there.
my dad worked at the B S A before world war 2 . 1938 .
Fantastic ! We went on our honeymoon in 69 on it's grandad being a 54 gold flash. Thanks a lot. Colin UK 🇬🇧
That is one beautiful looking motor cycle, and oh that sound. Heaven.
This was a big seller in my small California town in the 60s. Everyone wanted a Bonneville, but hey, the Thunderbolt was about $250 cheaper, probably the best buy in motorcycles over 500cc. Most jobs then paid around $2 per hour.
An absolute beauty! Thank you for taking such good care of this classic.
Beautiful. I had one in the mid 60s. Rode it all over the midwest. Never failed, reliable. And comfortable putting on the miles at speed too. And the sound..distinctive,, isn't it! Loved my Bolt.
I used to have a Lightning, I think it was a '71. This brings back memories.
That is a beauty ! Well done, I hope you have many happy miles together.
I had BSA in 69 my Brother bought for me to Ride that Summer while I was there in Las Vegas...It was a 441 Shooting Star..Not a Victor..It was a Street Bike with a low exhaust pipe..The Tank,Seat and Rear Fender we're all one Piece...I got it in 69 but I'm not sure if it was a 69,68 or Earlier...I've never seen another one like it since...Wish I still had it...In the 3 months I had it the speedometer Cable unraveled and broke the Speedometer..The Throttle cable broke and it Leaked oil from the Cases...Alot to happen in 3 Months..
saw a lot of canada on my 68 A65T back in the day , times i miss that old machine . I can say you will enjoy this bike
Thank you very much for posting this video, I have so many happy memories of riding on the back of my Dad's 650 Thunderbolt around 1973.
All of my friend knew when we were on our way home as they could hear the Bike from half a mile away.
lovely bike 🙂 I had the lighting which I rebuilt when I was 20 in 1980. had a devimead conversion on it which took it to 750cc. wish I had kept it now... Steve from the uk
Cracking looking Beeza, mate and sounds a million bucks. Fantastic.
I had a new 66 thunderbolt that was candy apple blue. My most favorite bike of all the bikes I owned. My thunderbolt was fast and I often out ran Lightening Rockets and Bonnies. I always felt one big single carb more sense than two carbs. No carb sync issues.
Word, holmes. Word.
That is DEF one beauty of a Britt!! Love the pipe shot sound.
Bill
‘68 Triumph T100C
‘73 Norton Commando
‘97 HD FXDWG
Gotta love a commando 👍
NICE LOOKING BIKE SOUNDS GREAT TOO.
Ah the 60's - beautiful resto. Looks & sounds great!
Great bike. Always loved their style. The later twin leading shoe front brake is all I would change. Also electronic ignition, if not already fitted.
Thats a real beauty, love BSAs
Love it. A work of art as well as a great bike. 🇦🇺🦘🦘🦘🦘
Nice thanks for sharing it on the tube
Fantastic best wishes from Durham England 🇬🇧
Stunning motorcycle👍👍
Beautiful Brit bike.
Just AMAZING, from Italy...
I had the same bike back in 1969 that I chopped. Sold it in early 70's. Have a '68 BSA 650 chopper now that I can ride but not road legal right now. Also ride an old Harley Low Rider but boy I love those old Limey twins.
They're a lot easier to start if you are astride them and if you're short like me leave the side stand down but that's just in case. You hold it up and kick with your right leg, unless you have some disability that prevents it. Switching from the old British shift pattern of right foot and pull up for first and down for second, third, fourth to the Japanese left side shift and one down and the rest up was a trip. Went the wrong way more than once shifting to second instead of 4th on my first Honda.
Looks beautiful 👍
Melodious exhaust note
-Best looking bike i have ever seen. And that includes the 650 cc Honda with the 5 speed gear box. The 4 speed was best just like the Harley's with there 4 speeds gear box. Plenty chrome on this bike & even the gas tank sides. Great sound but not from small computer speakers.Best to hear it in person.The biggest mistake BSA done was to go out of business.A great looking bike like this today would put all bikes in it's cc class to shame.Plus would have sold like hotcakes. A good buddy of mine had the 1969 BSA 650cc Lighting.It too was a great looking & powerhouse of a bike,But not as good looking as this one in this video. And The BSA had the edge on the Triumph 650. The Triumph was to high up but with the BSA you sat at a much better lower seat level so you're feet could touch the ground flat footed & not on ya tiptoes. If BSA was still in business today I would have one like in this video right now .It's just upsetting that no company today has a bike too match the looks of this super great looking bike.Dumb move on there part because they could do it if they wanted too.Just silly & dumb thinking on there part. All I can say it's there loss.---Great job with the BSA you are so lucky to have.
There's a great British film called IF where they ride one of these during a scene in the film well worth watching especially the cafe bit .. a cult bike in a cult film .. super cool
👍
Saw that film as a schoolboy. Loved these bikes ever since, but never had one. Things have got to change!
Most beatiful.
At the time we couldn't figure out why you didn't spot the extra hundred for a Lightning Rocket (surely the best-ever motorcycle name) but in the real world one carburetor was a lot easier to mind than two.
Lovely. What would you say the value is? There 's one just like it near me for sale, all rebuilt. Doesn't seem to be anyone interested in it. I think it would make a great flat tracker.
Love it. Wish it was mine.
Bloomin lovely
I had a Gold Star for a while after I got out of the service in 71. Someone had changed it to a rigid and put scrambler pipes on. Check out the sig pic
Best way to wear out the carb I know of.
British bike and no oil stains on the garage floor, how did you manage that?
Better seals now than 67 ?
That's lovely 👍🇬🇧
I went to a bsa dealer and looked at a new thunderbolt back in the day. Sat on the thing, pulled in the front break and nothing moved! The forks were locked solid! Brand new with forks that had to be completely reworked before you could even ride it! All this old British nostalgia is B/S! What people really miss is being young. My 2000 Kawasaki W650 is more of a good time than anything I had in my youth and will bring me home.
I have a 1960 BSA Super Rocket and a 2002 Kawasaki W650. Both great bikes but the BSA does have certain feel about it, a beautiful punchy engine. OK, the Kawasaki is the better ride it and forget it machine.
lol sour grapes , i ran bsa and triumph for years good machines back in their day .
The bike looks beautiful, a great job well done.
I had one just like this about 20 years ago. Bought it for 850.00. I restored it and about 5 years later sold it for 3500.00, big regrets!
Damn, what a beauty
I olways fit single cards on brit bikes i have a bsa with a xs yamaha motor single card runs good 76 year young still building rideing
Sweet bike. Sounds great.
Шедевр!
So now we are getting this video recommended to us...
Only the RH pet cock needs to be opened, the LH side is reserve fuel once you fill up that way you can keep the throttle going while you switch on the reserve tap. Also hold down the tickler on the carb until fuel comes out, stabbing it repeatably can puncture the float. You should also free the clutch before a cold start to save the gearbox
Nothing quite like the sound of a Limey twin..
I see that this video is several years old 2 years old. Do you still have this bike?
Gorgeous! Where do I get one of those GPS speedos from?
Hi Mike, a couple of questions. Is the 1967 Thunderbolt for sale? Second, I have a 1951 AJS 500 single. It is a 25 year old restoration. I bought it at auction about 4 years ago. The bike really needs to be "refreshed". I live in Prescott Arizona, and you mentioned the man that restored the Thunderbolt is in Phoenix. Can you give me his name and number? Let me know regarding both of these questions. Thanks Everett Davidson
I would always with these twins suggest position the pistons first just into compression with the kick lever before giving spark. Choke or prime motor if temp is same as air. If the motor is still warm you may need neither.
Nice bike.
the carburetor is new style concentric that came out in 1968
Abcerluy brilliant thanks
Nice.
Not original, so what ! This BSA is super cool, ..well done Mike !
I have one of those.
very good-looking machine, but those brakes need up-grading.
Mantep motornya
Wow never seen this bike...
Nice bike 😉
If only BSA had sold the REAL Spitfire here with the big tank.....
Nice bike... Sitting that far back on the seat just looks silly though
-Seat is for 2 riders,
Droool!
Hello doggie
The handle bars spoil it.
Bring the bike up to steady idle and hold it there, stop all the revvy revvy stuff, it's not good for the motor.
Handlebars, those'll literally give you a pain in the neck - as well as looking completely naff. Otherwise, very nice.😀
I found those type handlebars quite comfortable and they contributed greatly to the pleasure of riding around town or up a mountain road.
IT WAS TOTAL FAILURE. TRADITIONAL OIL LEAKS BRITISH BIKES FAILURES.
Do you troll funny cat videos also?
Originality of a Classic Car or Motorcycle is critical. This example is terrible. It has Painted Fenders, Polished Engine Side Covers, Incorrect Tach & Speedo, Chromed Upper Fork Tubes and the worst incorrect shade of Red Paint.
I had a TRIUMPH that was totally rewired by a guy that DIDNT know what he was doing. Every wire was red.OMG
They should be white. :)