1966 BSA A65
1966 BSA A65 Spitfire Special
1966 BSA A65 SPITFIRE SPECIAL
This was the hot rod version of the A65, just behind the A65 Lightning. Like the Lightning, the Spitfire had twin Amal carbs (Amal Monoblocs would be standard for 1966; Amal Concentrics didn’t arrive until 1967.)
A65 MECHANICALS
The unit construction 650 twin hadn’t changed in any major way since its introduction in 1962. However, there had been constant incremental improvements made as problems presented themselves. Lots of improvements were made in the main bearings which started out with a bushing on the timing side, but was soon upgraded to a bearing. This is just one of the many running changes that were made over time that the A65 benefitted from. They were actually becoming fairly reliable, as long as you didn’t press them too hard.
1966 BSA A65 Hornet Scrambler
A65 HORNET SCRAMBLER
The Hornet was BSA‘s 650 dirt bike. They came stripped of all highway gear, knobby tires, special gearing, and those slick side pipes, one running high on each side of the bike. No way you’re going to hit them, right?
1966 BSA A65 SPECIFICATIONS
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A65 Thunderbolt A65 Lightning A65 Spitfire Scrambler Engine type Displacement Bore & Stroke Compression Carburetor(s) Ignition Engine output Primary drive Clutch Gearbox Ratios, overall: 1st, bottom 2nd 3rd 4th, top Final drive Frame type Wheelbase Seat height Ground clearance Suspension, front Suspension, rear Brake, front Brake, rear Tire, front Tire,rear Fuel Capacity Curb weight |
Single-carb Roadster Twin-carb Roadster Twin-carb Street Scrambler Air-cooled OHV vertical twin 654cc 75mm X 74mm 9.0:1 Amal Monobloc, 1-1/8″ Breakers & coils, Lucas 38 bhp @ 5800 rpm Triplex chain Multi-plate, wet 4-speed constant-mesh, right-foot shift — 11.1:1 7.18:1 5.13:1 4.35:1 Chain Welded & brazed lug, full double cradle 54″ 33″ 7″ Telescopic fork, hydraulic damping Swing arm, 2 Girling dampers 8″SLS drum 7″ SLS drum 3.25″ X 18″ Dunlop 3.50″ X 18″ Dunlop 2.4 gal (US models); 4.8 gal (UK & export) 406 lbs |
I have a 1971 BSA scrambler I hope to restore I need exhaust side covers and fenders is there any chance that I can find these parts if so where. Thank You
I don’t think bike pictured is a 1966 Spitfire MK II.
1966 had smooth valve covers and Amal GP carbs.
1967 Spitfire MK IIIs had Amal Mono lock carbs.
Looks as if the bike pictured has Amal concentrics.
1968 Spitfire MK IVs had twin leading double shoe front brakes with large cooling air intake
The bike pictured is a 1967 MkIII Spitfire as the decal on the side over also indicates. As previously mentioned the 66 had Amal GP’s and the rocker box cover was not finned.
Both 66 and 67 Spitfires had the 190mm front stopper, the 68 had the twin leading shoe brake.