By Dave Porter, Technical and Customer Support at The Bonneville Shop
Barn Bikes Abound – BSA Motorcycles
“…not only are they plentiful, but affordable.”
Over the past several months, we’ve seen the volume of BSA parts sales and inquiries has been on the rise. Could there be a surge in interest in the revival of BSA motorcycles, especially twins? You bet there is, and for good reason. There are still hundreds of these A65 variants languishing in barns and garages, and not only are they plentiful, but affordable.
A quick survey of Facebook Marketplace reveals dozens of examples of these old Beezers in various states of condition for well under $3000 (in 2024), as well as finished units with price tags that are more commensurate with Norton and Triumph models in roadworthy condition. Given the storied history of BSA motorcycles from the pre-war time period, through their dogged reliability during WWII as dispatch motorcycles that would run on “pool gas” in difficult conditions, they deservedly gained a following with riders in the UK as daily transportation.
Later, in the 1950s, performance models such as the single-cylinder Goldstars and twin-cylinder A10 Super Rockets were developed to suit the requirements of sporting riders in both the UK and the US. At one point in the early 1950s, BSA was the world’s largest supplier of motorcycles, with an enviable worldwide distribution.
As far as project bikes go, vintage Norton and Triumph twins are becoming increasingly difficult to find at reasonable prices, while BSA A65s are still listed at modest prices in many cases. Don’t overlook the oil-in-frame models, as they are good riders when sorted and offer great value. One of the most reliable vintage British motorcycles I have ever owned was a 1972 A65 Thunderbolt! If singles are your preference, forget about finding a complete DBD Goldstar bargain, but there are almost always B25 and B44s listed cheap on Marketplace and Craigslist.
Should you encounter a suitable BSA project, or need spares for your existing rider, know that we are continually expanding our BSA parts catalog. We can supply exhaust, wheel goods, mudguards, and other common parts needed during a refurbishment. We also offer workshop manuals and parts books to help with the project. This month we are featuring a few examples of choice products for your BSA twin for your viewing pleasure.
BSA A50 A65 Lightning Wasp Thunderbolt UK Exhaust Pipe Set (2) PN# 68-2789-2nd 68-2791
Original price was: $307.82.$278.15Current price is: $278.15.
Triumph BSA 500, 650, 750 Twins Economic 7‑Plate Clutch Conversion Kit PN# TBS-0212-2nd
Original price was: $238.67.$202.25Current price is: $202.25.
Lucas Type Mag Dyno Securing Strap Triumph Norton BSA Magneto PN# 460056-2nd
Original price was: $22.37.$20.10Current price is: $20.10.
Triumph 650 ’66-72 & 750 ’73-76 Unit ’66-72 BSA A50 A65 Main Bearing NSK CN PN# 70-2879-CN-2nd
Original price was: $156.88.$141.19Current price is: $141.19.
BSA 500 A50 Exhaust Valve G&S UK-Made 1966-1969 PN# 68-0662 GS V256
$48.43 – $93.73Price range: $48.43 through $93.73
BSA 500 A50 Inlet Valve G&S UK-Made 1966-1969 PN# 68-0661 GS V255
$44.15 – $85.36Price range: $44.15 through $85.36