1969 BSA Model A65L Lightning

Engine: Parallel-twin, OHV, four-stroke, air-cooled
Displacement: 655 cc (40 ci)
Bore & Stroke: 75 x 74 mm (2.95 x 2.91 in)
Power: 38.77 kW (52 hp)
Transmission: 4-forward
Weight: 197.3 kg (435 lb)
Original Cost: Unknown

Twin cylinder motorcycles were the heart of BSA’s product range during the 1960s. The trademark British parallel-twin evolved from an engine designed in the late 1930s. The 650 Lightning, considered a big twin in its time, was BSA’s all-around sport bike and was produced from 1965-1972.  

Chronology:

1861 - The Birmingham Small Arms was founded.
1910 - BSA's first motor bicycle is introduced.
1919 - BSA Cycles Limited created as part of BSA Group.
1919 - BSA introduces their first 50-degree V-twin Model E motorcycle.
1953 - BSA withdrew motorcycle production from BSA Cycles and creates BSA Motorcycles Limited.
1950s - BSA group continues to expand but by 1965 competition from Japan and Europe was hurting BSA's market share and BSA wasn't keeping up with some of the technological innovations, like electric start, that the competitors were introducing.
1968 - To try to gain back some of the lost market share, BSA announced several changes to their existing lines and introduced a new three-cylinder bike, with focus on the US market but it was too little too late.
1971 - BSA is reorganized due to financial difficulties.
1972 - In near bankruptcy, BSA becomes part of the Norton-Villiers-Triumph merger and the last BSA bikes are produced.
2005 - Donated to the Reynolds-Alberta Museum.