BSA A65 Lightning
74/100 Overall
63 On the road85 As a classic
Classic motorcycle head-to-head
BSA A65 Lightning vs Velocette Venom Thruxton
BSA A65 Lightning scores 74/100 overall against Velocette Venom Thruxton on 81/100. On the road: 63–63. As classics: 85–98. Overall result: Velocette Venom Thruxton.
Photo: Piero at Dutch Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0
Velocette Venom Thruxton
81/100 Overall
63 On the road98 As a classic
The numbers
Category-by-category result
| Category | BSA A65 Lightning | Velocette Thruxton | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| road | |||
| PerformanceDirect comparison of power, acceleration and usable performance across the pre-1990 classic field. | 7 | 7 | Level |
| HandlingSteering, stability, weight and real-road manners. | 7 | 9 | Velocette Thruxton |
| BrakingDirect comparison of real stopping ability without an age allowance. | 5 | 6 | Velocette Thruxton |
| ReliabilityEngine, electrics and general dependability when properly maintained. | 5 | 6 | Velocette Thruxton |
| Ease of ownershipMaintenance, parts supply and access to specialist knowledge. | 7 | 5 | BSA A65 Lightning |
| ComfortRiding position, vibration and suitability for longer journeys. | 7 | 5 | BSA A65 Lightning |
| classic | |||
| StylingDesign quality, visual presence and period appeal. | 9 | 10 | Velocette Thruxton |
| Historical importanceInfluence on motorcycling and importance within its era. | 8 | 9 | Velocette Thruxton |
| Collector appealLong-term desirability among classic motorcycle enthusiasts. | 8 | 10 | Velocette Thruxton |
| CharacterSound, feel, personality and memorable riding experience. | 9 | 10 | Velocette Thruxton |
Choose the BSA A65 Lightning if…
you want handsome unit-construction BSA styling, lively twin-cylinder performance and genuine late-1960s character.
Choose the Velocette Thruxton if…
you want an exquisitely made sporting single with racing credibility, fine handling and blue-chip British collector status.
Background
History
BSA A65 Lightning
The BSA A65 Lightning was produced from 1965–1972 and used a 654cc air-cooled parallel twin. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for styling, character, historic importance. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Velocette Thruxton
The Velocette Venom Thruxton was produced from 1965–1971 and used a 499cc air-cooled four-stroke single. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for styling, collector appeal, character. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Interesting details
Did you know?
BSA A65 Lightning
- Its production span in this library runs from 1965 to 1972.
- The recorded engine description is: 654cc air-cooled parallel twin.
- Its strongest comparison scores are styling, character, historic importance.
Velocette Thruxton
- Its production span in this library runs from 1965 to 1971.
- The recorded engine description is: 499cc air-cooled four-stroke single.
- Its strongest comparison scores are styling, collector appeal, character.
Present-day appeal
Collector notes
BSA A65 Lightning
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the BSA A65 Lightning. Its library score for styling is 9/10. Values and desirability can vary substantially between years, specifications and restoration quality, so individual examples should be assessed on their own evidence.
Velocette Thruxton
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Velocette Venom Thruxton. Its library score for styling is 10/10. Values and desirability can vary substantially between years, specifications and restoration quality, so individual examples should be assessed on their own evidence.
Before you buy
Buying checks
BSA A65 Lightning
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Check vibration-related fasteners, primary drive condition and signs of persistent oil leakage.
- Inspect the frame, wheels, brakes and suspension for wear, damage or poor repairs.
- Verify that important model-specific parts have not been replaced with incorrect later components.
- Review the paperwork, ownership history and any restoration invoices before purchase.
Velocette Thruxton
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Check vibration-related fasteners, primary drive condition and signs of persistent oil leakage.
- Inspect the frame, wheels, brakes and suspension for wear, damage or poor repairs.
- Verify that important model-specific parts have not been replaced with incorrect later components.
- Review the paperwork, ownership history and any restoration invoices before purchase.
Period opposition
Historic rivals
Rivals to the BSA A65 Lightning
Rivals to the Velocette Thruxton
Final result
The verdict
On the road the motorcycles finish level. Velocette Venom Thruxton wins the classic-motorcycle comparison. Velocette Venom Thruxton takes the overall result after the road and classic scores are weighted equally.