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1971 BSA Lightning 650 - $2,995 (East Cesar Chavez)
1601 E Cesar Chavez St Apt 210
1971
BSA Lightning
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Located in East Austin, this well-sorted BSA Lightning is an iconic piece of British motorcycling history with modern upgrades and careful maintenance. With only 5K on the odometer (actual mileage unknown), this bike delivers an authentic vintage experience (good and bad!) while looking great and being a blast to ride!
Runs strong even in Texas heat but can be hard to start especially if it hasn't been started in a while. The oil tends to wet sump making it hard to start but I installed an upgraded oil drain to make it easy(ish) to drain the oil. Recent work includes new Amal carbs, 12V electronic ignition, and refreshed cosmetics. Title and keys in hand. Asking $2995 OBO – trades for reliable commuters considered. All receipts included.
The header cross tube has some small cracks that might need to be addressed either by welding or replacing. They don't seem to impact anything but the bike does vibrate quite a bit when running.
All Purchases, Parts & Upgrades
| Qty | Part/Service | Source/Details | Price USD | Notes
| 1 | 1971 BSA Lightning 650 Motorcycle | Austin, TX, Feb 2025 | $2600 | Odometer 5K, clean TX title
| 2 | Amal 930 Premier carburetors | British Classic Spares | $710 | Brand new, top-of-the-line
| 1 | Sure-Fire Electronic 12v Ignition System | British Unit Twin | $200 | Modern, reliable spark
| 2 | Dunlop Gold Seal tires | | $280 | New correct tire
|All new rubber components (see detail below) | British Classic Spares, | $154.69
| 1 | Japanese reproduction gas tank | Aftermarket | - | Badges "finnessed" in place
| 1 | Tyvek fuel line & inline filters | Modern upgrade | - | Clean, safe
| 1 | 12V battery, wiring & lights check | All lights/blinkers function | - |
| 1 | Seat cover | Present, good condition | - |
| 1 | Kickstart lever cotter pin (replaced) | British Classic Spares | - | Recent replacement
| 1 | All fluids, gaskets, general tune-up | Limey Bikes, Austin TX (See below) | $1,015.80 | 5 hrs labor, new chain/tensioner
| 1 | Metal airbox & side covers (A65L/T120R) | eBay purchase | $135.63 | Separate, included with sale
| 1 | Front fender rubber mounts (set of 4) | eBay purchase | $16.24 | Separate, included with sale
Detailed Rubber Replacements
| Qty | Part/Kit Name | Fitment/Part # | Price |
| 2 | Speedo & tach rubber cups | Triumph/BSA 60-2600 | $39.90
| 1 | Gear change rubber | BSA 29-3250 | $8.95
| 1 | Handlebar P-clamp bonded bushings | Triumph 97-1527 | $14.95
| 1 | Kickstart rubber closed end w/ logo | BSA 42-3159 | $7.95
| 1 | Rear passenger footrest rubbers | Triumph/BSA 82-9054 | $15.95
| 1 | Riders footrest rubber set w/ logo | BSA 82-9602 | $17.95
| 1 | Oddie stud rubber grommets | BSA 68-9226 | $8.95
Recent Pro Shop Work @ Limey Bikes, Austin TX
- Drain/refill all fluids (engine, primary)
- Carbs cleaned, rebuilt, bench tuned, synchronized
- New chain/tensioner, clutch adjusted
- New gaskets, primary cover resealed
- All rubber & p-clamp bushings replaced
- Metal sump plate with drain fitted
- Receipts and itemized invoice included
Grand total invested in recent refresh: ~$2,600
Key Features & Character
- New tires, carbs, and ignition = starting and running take a bit of work, it's old, but it gets there
- Fun, lively Brit twin: easy clutch, honest brakes, needs a minute to idle like any vintage
- Replated tank and badges – not perfect but presentable for cruise-ins and vintage rides
- All electrics working: lights, blinkers, battery
- All receipts, title, keys included
Price: $5,575 OBO — Ready for new adventures!
Contact Ethan (East Austin 78702)
Open to offers, especially for something good as a daily commuter!
Tags for visibility: BSA Lightning 650
1971 BSA
Vintage motorcycle
Classic British bike
Cafe racer
Retro motorcycle
Austin Texas bikes
Triumph Norton BSA
650cc twin