1964 BSA A65 LIGHTNING
SOLD
THIS UNIT HAS SOLD AND IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE.
Description
1964 BSA A65 LIGHTNING
Concours-Level Frame-Off Restoration
One Owner Since 1966 • 11,778 Original Miles
Rebuilt Engine • Investment-Quality British Classic
A Lifelong Love Affair
Every lifelong love affair eventually comes to an end. Father Time is undefeated, our days on this earth are numbered, and some of us feel compelled to preserve the machines that remind us of our youth and the best times of our lives.
That passion is why we created the New England Motorcycle Museum—and it is why the story behind this spectacular 1964 BSA A65 Lightning means so much to us.
The owner, Rich Romano, purchased this BSA from the dealer in 1966 when it was approximately one year old. He has owned it ever since.
For nearly 60 years, this motorcycle has been Rich’s lifelong companion. It is being offered for sale only because he can no longer ride. He has entrusted us with finding it a worthy caretaker and a true forever home.
Concours-Level Frame-Off Restoration
Before hanging up his helmet approximately a decade ago, Rich commissioned a comprehensive, concours-level frame-off restoration by Masiak Motorsports, a highly regarded European and British motorcycle specialist.
No corners were cut and no expense was spared.
Rich invested approximately $15,000 in parts and labor for the restoration alone—and that figure does not include the cost of the complete engine rebuild performed previously.
The chassis was completely disassembled and refinished in the correct original factory color. The attention to detail is exceptional throughout.
Previously Rebuilt Engine
The engine had already received a complete crank-up rebuild and has accumulated only a few thousand miles since.
It is tight, strong, clean, and remarkably oil-tight for a classic British motorcycle.
Our technicians inspected the BSA upon arrival and determined that it needed nothing. This is one of the very few motorcycles that has come through our doors without even requiring a trip to our detail shop.
We fired it up, took it for a riding demonstration, and it performed beautifully.
Restoration Work and Notable Features
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Complete concours-level frame-off restoration
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Approximately $15,000 invested in restoration parts and labor
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Previously rebuilt engine from the crankshaft up
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Only a few thousand miles estimated since the engine rebuild
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11,778 original miles
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Brand-new rims imported from England
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Brand-new stainless-steel spokes
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New wheel bearings
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Restored and refinished wheel hubs
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Re-chromed front and rear fenders
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Completely rebuilt front forks
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New fork lowers
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New steering-head bearings
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Extensive professional chrome restoration
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Brand-new full exhaust system
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New chains and sprockets
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Restored seat
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Two premium Amal 930 carburetors
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New control cables
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Correct “Made in England” frame decal
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Original gauges
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Original owner’s manual
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Period BSA passenger backrest
Exceptional Attention to Detail
The craftsmanship becomes even more impressive when you examine the motorcycle closely.
The polished front-brake backing plate has a finish that looks like chrome. The headlamp, steering-head hardware, fasteners, cables, wheel assemblies, frame finish, and extensive chrome work all demonstrate the level of care invested in this restoration.
Usually, the original chrome and finishes on a 60-year-old British motorcycle are long gone. The chrome was not always the most durable when these motorcycles were new, and six decades certainly did not make it any better.
That is what makes the condition and finish of this BSA so extraordinary.
Beautiful Chrome Fuel Tank and BSA Badges
The fuel tank is especially striking. Its chrome panels, paintwork, and dimensional BSA badges are works of art.
Look closely at those magnificent tank badges. They are deeply sculpted, three-dimensional pieces that could almost be displayed on their own. They represent an era when motorcycles were built with character, craftsmanship, and details that manufacturers simply do not reproduce today.
This BSA is truly a piece of mechanical art—but unlike a painting hanging on a wall, you can start it, ride it, and experience it.
A Motorcycle Filled With Family History
The period BSA passenger backrest is another wonderful part of this motorcycle’s story.
It gave Rich’s wife and children something secure to hold onto when they rode with him. This was not merely a motorcycle stored away in a collection. It was part of Rich’s family and part of his life for nearly six decades.
That kind of personal history cannot be bought, manufactured, or recreated.
Inspected and Approved by Kaplan Cycles
Our technicians inspected this BSA and determined that it needed nothing.
It did not require mechanical repairs. It did not require cosmetic restoration. It did not even need to be sent through our professional detail shop.
We simply fired it up and took it for a ride.
This Lightning is mechanically sorted, beautifully restored, and ready to be ridden, shown, or displayed as the centerpiece of a serious British motorcycle collection.
If you are unfamiliar with vintage British motorcycles, watch the accompanying cold-start and riding demonstration. The video will tell you everything you need to know about how well this motorcycle starts, sounds, runs, shifts, and rides.
This one has my personal seal of approval.
Original Owner’s History Included
The motorcycle comes with its original owner’s manual.
Rich’s contact information can also be made available to the new owner. We are confident he would be happy to share the motorcycle’s history and answer questions about his many decades of ownership.
Opportunities to purchase a documented classic directly from the gentleman who bought it in 1966 are exceedingly rare.
Nearly 60 Years With One Owner
I have been buying and selling motorcycles since I was 15 years old, and I am now 61.
Once in a blue moon, you meet someone who has owned the same motorcycle for more than half a century. Rich is not selling because he wants something newer, and he is certainly not selling because there is anything wrong with the bike.
His riding days have simply come to an end.
Any motorcycle can be restored, but its original history cannot be recreated. This bike’s story, its 11,778 original miles, and Rich’s nearly 60 years of ownership make it something genuinely special.
Investment-Quality British Classic
This motorcycle is worthy of any serious collection. I would wholeheartedly recommend it to one of my closest friends, best clients, or family members.
It would be extremely difficult—if not impossible—to duplicate this BSA to its present standard for the asking price.
This is more than a restored vintage motorcycle. It is a piece of British motorcycling history, a piece of one man’s life, and a genuine investment-quality classic with a story that cannot be recreated.
You will be hard-pressed to find a finer example anywhere.
Help Us Find Rich’s BSA a Forever Home
Rich, God bless you. You did a spectacular job preserving this machine.
We understand how difficult it must be to let your lifelong friend go, and we intend to find it the forever home it deserves.
As my father used to say, “If you’re not happy with this bike, you’ll never be happy.”
If this 1964 BSA A65 Lightning is still available, contact Junior at Kaplan Cycles immediately. Premium, one-owner, concours-restored motorcycles with this kind of history rarely become available—and when they do, they do not remain available for long.
Thanks for looking, and God bless America.
WHY SHOULD YOU BUY FROM KAPLAN? WHAT DO YOU GET?
“You are buying from the Kaplan Cycles Family. We are not just another big auction house. We are family-owned and operated and have been buying, servicing, and selling motorcycles since 1975. You will work directly with Ken Jr., Ken Sr., and/or one of the 30+ experts on our team. We provide museum-quality, white-glove concierge service from start to finish. Every motorcycle we sell is inspected, serviced, and supported by our team, and we stand behind it after the sale. You’re not on your own — we back what we build and what we sell.
With over 17,000 units sold and still 100% positive feedback, we are the best stress-free buying experience you can have. From the first call to delivery at your door, we will handle it all — because vintage motorcycles deserve support, and so do you.
With every bike we curate you get:
• museum-level inspection & preservation services
• every machine is professionally evaluated, serviced, & rotisserie detailed
• all critical systems are checked, adjusted, or renewed
• you get professional setup, tuning, and delivery prep
• done by the best experts in the industry — we ride and restore every day
• you get post-sale phone support
• you get white-glove, insured, always-enclosed shipping to your door anywhere in the country
You’re buying from Kaplan Cycles at the New England Motorcycle Museum, one of the largest vintage motorcycle collections in North America. Free museum tours and tickets are included with every bike sold. With every bike you purchase, a portion of the proceeds is used to support, continue, and improve the 501(c)(3) nonprofit New England Motorcycle Museum.
You don’t just win an auction — YOU are creating & helping to preserve motorcycle history, and you become part of our family, a Kaplan Cycles client for life.
We do not take new clients off the street.
We do not service bikes purchased elsewhere.
We only take new exclusive clients who purchase a motorcycle from us.
You get a guided purchase experience with, and from, the experts who care about the bike as much as you do. If there’s a problem, you don’t get ghosted. You call us — you will have our cell phone numbers — we will answer your call on weekends, and we will help make it right.
Auction platforms = listing only. No support. No accountability.
Kaplan Cycles = we stand behind what we sell.
You are buying museum-curated provenance. That means:
• expert evaluation
• documented condition
• professional presentation
• long-term preservation mindset
You’re not just buying a motorcycle — you’re buying a curated piece of motorcycling history.
From the #1 family in this business — Kaplan Cycles & the New England Motorcycle Museum.
Sincerely,
Ken Kaplan Sr.
12/28/2025”
AUCTION TERMS:
All motorcycles & vehicles are sold as-is where-is.
Kaplan Cycles guarantees all motorcycles are as-described. Please read the entire description and watch the entire video before bidding.
A non-refundable deposit is due immediately on purchase. PayPal or Credit Card is accepted for the deposit.
Cash (In-Person), Card (+3% fee), or Wire Transfer are our only accepted forms of final payment.
Full payment must be made within 7 days of auction close.
Your motorcycle must be picked up within 30 days of auction close.
Exceptions are made only for international buyers OR buyers who have ALREADY made transport arrangements with a third party.
If a motorcycle is purchased and left here for longer than 30 days without written permission from Kaplan Cycles it will be resold. In the case of a re-sale, the owner will be entitled to a refund less storage fees ($25/ day beginning 30 days from auction close) ONLY if the motorcycle was paid in full on-time within the auction terms.
We always describe our motorcycles as accurately as possible.
You are purchasing a classic motorcycle. Even in cases where a bike may be in good running/ operating condition, new problems & idiosyncrasies can arise over-time from sitting or regular use.
If you have an issue with the motorcycle you’ve received, contact us within 24 hours of delivery and before leaving feedback so that we can address your concerns.
It is important you have at least a basic mechanical knowledge before purchasing and operating a classic motorcycle.
Due to our backlog, we cannot perform any additional service work or modifications on your motorcycle after the sale (ie; adding a light kit, different tires, etc.)
We respond quickly between the hours of 9am and 5pm EST, Monday - Friday
For our fastest service please call Ken Kaplan Jr directly at 860-471-0192
We will not charge out-of-state buyers sales tax.
Out of state residents will pay sales tax with their DMV.
We are not a registering dealership. You will receive only the documents required to register your vehicle in your state.
In our listings, title status is always listed directly below the main description.
In some cases we will sell motorcycles without title or registration. In these cases we guarantee all motorcycles sold are free and clear. We will always provide a route to obtaining title. Generally in these cases, the motorcycle will be sold at a discount to accommodate expenses involved.
Documents are mailed via USPS priority mail with a tracking number. Please allow up to 14 days after payment in full for your documents to be processed and mailed.
Keys will be shipped with the motorcycle.
Warranty:
All Motorcycles sold "as is, where is" and Kaplan Cycles does not warranty any motorcycle sold. No express warranty and/or implied warranty are made by Kaplan Cycles. No statements by us give an implied warranty.
SHIPPING:
SEND US YOUR ZIP FOR A SHIPPING QUOTE!
WE WILL MAKE ALL ARRANGEMENTS!
We have the best shipping contacts in the nation who will provide the FASTEST transport times, have a perfect track record, and are always insured and ENCLOSED! All motorcycles are shipped WHOLE (roll-on, roll-off). We do not offer a pallet or crate service.
International shipping specialist contacts are available! They will assist in ground freight, customs clearance, and ocean freight to your country. International buyers will be required to work directly with our third party shipping contacts.
We strongly recommend you insure your motorcycle at the time of purchase.
PICKUP:
We require a 24 hour notice prior to pick-up. Please call us at 860-454-7024 during office hours Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm EST.
We will provide ramps, a dock for loading, and assistance to load for free.
