BSA Lightning Rocket
 | |
| Manufacturer | BSA, Birmingham |
|---|---|
| Also called | BSA A65-2L |
| Production | 1964-70 |
| Predecessor | BSA Royal Star |
| Successor | BSA A65L |
| Engine | 654cc, OHV parallel twin |
| Top speed | 115mph |
| Power | 48 bhp @ 6,250 rpm |
| Transmission | Four speed gearbox to chain final drive |
| Brakes | drum brakes |
| Wheelbase | 56 inches (140 cm) |
| Seat height | 32.3 inches (82 cm) |
| Weight |
395 lb (179 kg) (dry) |
The BSA Lightning Rocket was a Birmingham Small Arms Company (BSA) motorcycle made in Birmingham. A highly tuned version of the BSA A65R Rocket this was BSA's bid to capture the potentially lucrative USA export market in the mid-1960s. Twin Amal 389/206 carburettors and high compression pistons combined with an optional close ratio gear box to give lively acceleration.
Sharing many A65 cycle parts, the Lightning Rocket had a slimmer fuel tank and mudguards - with extra chrome. From 1965 the A65 was discontinued in the UK and the BSA A65L Lightning became the main BSA production twin.[1]
BSA Lightning Rocket at the National Motorcycle Museum (UK)