BSA A65T THUNDERBOLT

[slyvestor2]

I am considering buying a 65T which has had a srm 750 conversion,the problem is the bike keeps dropping out of fouth gear!! i think this could be due to the extra torque the engine is turning out,my fear is that even after gearbox work it may do it again,has anyone else had this problem with a unit BSA.

[wetdog]

sounds like a worn box (dogs) this box will take the extra power no problem if its in good condition

[john.k]

Jumping out of fourth is often related to bearing wear either the large ball,or the sleeve bushing,or both .It may also be caused by worn selecter forks,or a weak spring in the detent.If it jumps in and out of gear,expect widespread damage from gear chips .The engagement dog teeth will also be worn, possibly requiring gear replacement..The main problem these bikes had was misalignment of the main bearings,apparently caused by a lack of interest at the works.Regards John.

[slyvestor2]

Ok thanks it sounds like its going to be a money pit.cheers.

[Rex]

It could be, but then that goes for any old bike. Clearly if someone's had enough interest and enthusiasm to fit expensive SRM bits then it's not been sat in a damp garage for 50+ years. Don't believe all the doom-and-gloom you find spread around on the 'Net; most is what someone told someone else happened 30 years ago, or is pure 'Net myth.
These bikes weren't known for weak gearboxes, expensive damaged parts or major wear issues, and the bottom line is even if the whole gear cluster was shot,(which is extremely unlikely) parts are  still available both new and used.
Anyway, if the only thing wrong with a 45 year old bike is gear selection issues you'd be very lucky. Hardly a money pit though.

[wetdog]

may i ask what was the asking price for this machine , with a gerbox problem

[john.k]

I have owned several ex police A65T ,they used to sell for half what a Triumph went for at the same auction.The only problem I ever had was smokey motors,and they seemed to suffer from rapid ring wear.The misalignment is obvious when the motor is pulled down,as uneven wear on the timing side sleeve bearing.Align boring of the cases and an insert fixes this,and most motors would have had it done by now.Regards John..

[slyvestor2]

The bike is still up for sale at £4500 and looks in reasonable condition,apart from the gearbox issue.

[Bomber]

Wow that seems a bit steep!

Last one I bought (4yrs ago) was £1500

[Rex]

Yeah, I wouldn't pay that for a known good 'un..
I'd look for a good A10 if I wanted a BSA 650 in that price range, but then I like older stuff...

[wetdog]

just in £4000 message me if your interested , now fitted with single carb head but twin head and carbs come with bike , electronic ignition , nice but heavy

[slyvestor2]

Hello,send me some more shots please and a detailed description of the overall condition cosmetic and mechanical,cheers.

[wetdog]

OK . are you in the UK ?

[slyvestor2]

Yes mate born and bred!. mob 07930580465.