BSA A65 Lightning
74/100 Overall
63 On the road85 As a classic
Classic motorcycle head-to-head
BSA A65 Lightning vs Triumph Bonneville T140
BSA A65 Lightning scores 74/100 overall against Triumph Bonneville T140 on 81/100. On the road: 63–72. As classics: 85–90. Overall result: Triumph Bonneville T140.
Photo: Classic & Classy Motorcycles Ltd · Owned by Classic & Classy Motorcycles Ltd
Triumph Bonneville T140
81/100 Overall
72 On the road90 As a classic
The numbers
Category-by-category result
| Category | BSA A65 Lightning | Triumph T140 | 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 | Triumph T140 |
| BrakingDirect comparison of real stopping ability without an age allowance. | 5 | 7 | Triumph T140 |
| ReliabilityEngine, electrics and general dependability when properly maintained. | 5 | 6 | Triumph T140 |
| Ease of ownershipMaintenance, parts supply and access to specialist knowledge. | 7 | 8 | Triumph T140 |
| ComfortRiding position, vibration and suitability for longer journeys. | 7 | 7 | Level |
| classic | |||
| StylingDesign quality, visual presence and period appeal. | 9 | 9 | Level |
| Historical importanceInfluence on motorcycling and importance within its era. | 8 | 9 | Triumph T140 |
| Collector appealLong-term desirability among classic motorcycle enthusiasts. | 8 | 8 | Level |
| CharacterSound, feel, personality and memorable riding experience. | 9 | 10 | Triumph T140 |
Choose the BSA A65 Lightning if…
you want handsome unit-construction BSA styling, lively twin-cylinder performance and genuine late-1960s character.
Choose the Triumph T140 if…
you want classic Bonneville character with 750cc torque, disc brakes and more everyday usability than earlier versions.
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.
Triumph T140
The Triumph Bonneville T140 was produced from 1973–1983 and used a 744cc air-cooled parallel twin. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for character, styling, 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.
Triumph T140
- Its production span in this library runs from 1973 to 1983.
- The recorded engine description is: 744cc air-cooled parallel twin.
- Its strongest comparison scores are character, styling, 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.
Triumph T140
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Triumph Bonneville T140. Its library score for character 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.
Triumph T140
- 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 Triumph T140
Final result
The verdict
Triumph Bonneville T140 wins the direct on-the-road comparison. Triumph Bonneville T140 wins the classic-motorcycle comparison. Triumph Bonneville T140 takes the overall result after the road and classic scores are weighted equally.