SELLER SAYS: 1968 BSA A65 Firebird Scrambler. One of only 250 produced in 1968. Frame # NC 14284 A65F. Engine # NC 14284 A65F. Fitted with high pipes, 2 gallon metal tank, chrome fenders, rear grab bar, and the universal tyres, together with the twin carbs of the Lightning and Spitfire models giving it more high-rpm power. This attractive A65 Firebird Scrambler on offer here has been in its current ownership since March 2007, the past 16 years. The bike presents as a well-maintained example, having had a full restoration. Parts that could not be restored were replaced with new. Motor and gearbox stripped and rebuilt, electronic ignition, new battery, twin carburetor (930 Amal Concentric). Honda levers and grips with blinkers fitted. The bike has also been enhanced with a higher gearing ratio making it much more user friendly for the open road. BSA’s 650cc A65 is rare to find in Australia and indeed harder to find an example that has been so well maintained and yet sparingly used. Smith’s odometer displaying 18293.2 miles. Shown twice at VV&CMCC Canberra Day Long Weekend Rally. Runner up on both occasions in Popular Classic 1960-1969. Contact Malcolm on 0418 297 547 (East Lindfield, NSW)
EDITOR TERLICK SAYS: What a stunner! In the early 1960s, BSA accounted for 20% of motorcycle sales world-wide. They were the dominant brand of the era, with a way-long history of mostly gradual (and rather slow) evolution. And while England was the home of BSA, the dominant market was, just like it is today, the USA. The Yanks were big into desert racing in those days, mostly on British bikes that were really designed for the road but then fitted with high pipes and bars, bash plates, and knobby tyres. Street scrambler, you might suggest? Absolutely. But many of the street scramblers of the ’60s found themselves doing some pretty serious off-road work too. The BSA Firebird was a marvellous example of the breed, and made no secret of its made-in-Engand-for-America design brief. Sharp eyes will notice the decal on the sidecover of this wonderful bike of Malcolm’s, showing an American flag crossed with a Union Jack. Having had an obviously thorough and high-quality restoration, we reckon this one is headed for an easy life with a collector — but we hope it gets plenty of opportunity to roar, as BSA 650s should!
“The process of listing my Kawasaki W650 for sale with The Bike Shed Times was easy and very reasonably priced. My bike sold within two weeks to a nice gentleman in the Perth Hills. I was tired of scammers on other sites. Dealing with Peter at The Bike Shed Times was a delight. Highly recommend.”
– Kate, Western Australia.
