A65 654cc ohv twin || 425Ib || 55mpg || 120mph || 1962-73

The unit-construction replacement for the A10. The A65 has an unfounded reputation as a buzzy vibrator and a leaker of oil, which means that they can often make affordable buys for riders. The singlecarb twins are probably the best of the bunch. Spares are plentiful, if of unusually variable quality. Post-1971 bikes have the same oil-bearing frames as 71-88 Triumph twins and provide fine steering, and have useful modern additions such as indicators. Very late (1972) bikes are very good indeed and hard to fault as practical bikes. They even stopped leaking after the 1971 redesign. Sold as the Thunderbolt (tourer), Lightning (sports), Spitfire (cafe racer) and Firebird Scrambler (street scrambler). Problems tend to be electrical and easily fixed. Specialist engineering sorts suspect bottom end oiling, as in all BSA twins.