BSA A65 Lightning
74/100 Overall
63 On the road85 As a classic
Classic motorcycle head-to-head
BSA A65 Lightning vs Norton Commando 850
BSA A65 Lightning scores 74/100 overall against Norton Commando 850 on 82/100. On the road: 63–68. As classics: 85–95. Overall result: Norton Commando 850.
Photo: Yesterdays Antique Motorcycles · CC BY-SA 4.0
Norton Commando 850
82/100 Overall
68 On the road95 As a classic
The numbers
Category-by-category result
| Category | BSA A65 Lightning | Norton Commando | 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 | 8 | Norton Commando |
| BrakingDirect comparison of real stopping ability without an age allowance. | 5 | 6 | Norton Commando |
| ReliabilityEngine, electrics and general dependability when properly maintained. | 5 | 5 | Level |
| Ease of ownershipMaintenance, parts supply and access to specialist knowledge. | 7 | 8 | Norton Commando |
| ComfortRiding position, vibration and suitability for longer journeys. | 7 | 7 | Level |
| classic | |||
| StylingDesign quality, visual presence and period appeal. | 9 | 10 | Norton Commando |
| Historical importanceInfluence on motorcycling and importance within its era. | 8 | 9 | Norton Commando |
| Collector appealLong-term desirability among classic motorcycle enthusiasts. | 8 | 9 | Norton Commando |
| CharacterSound, feel, personality and memorable riding experience. | 9 | 10 | Norton Commando |
Choose the BSA A65 Lightning if…
you want handsome unit-construction BSA styling, lively twin-cylinder performance and genuine late-1960s character.
Choose the Norton Commando if…
you want a fast, handsome British twin with excellent road manners and the distinctive Isolastic riding experience.
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.
Norton Commando
The Norton Commando 850 was produced from 1973–1977 and used a 828cc 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.
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.
Norton Commando
- Its production span in this library runs from 1973 to 1977.
- The recorded engine description is: 828cc air-cooled parallel twin.
- Its strongest comparison scores are styling, character, historic importance.
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.
Norton Commando
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Norton Commando 850. 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.
Norton Commando
- 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 Norton Commando
Final result
The verdict
Norton Commando 850 wins the direct on-the-road comparison. Norton Commando 850 wins the classic-motorcycle comparison. Norton Commando 850 takes the overall result after the road and classic scores are weighted equally.