1967 BSA 650cc A65 Hornet, Engine no. A65 HA 5146Y

1967 BSA 650cc A65 Hornet
Engine no. A65 HA 5146Y
The A65 Hornet, sometimes called the Hornet Scrambler, was produced for just two years, 1966 and 1967. It was a USA-only 654cc OHV, just over square, unit-construction BSA twin. It joined the great BSA lexicon of model names that caused many a heart to beat faster in the 1960s – among which were Cyclone, Wasp, Rocket, Thunderbolt, Lightning, Spitfire, and Firebird. The Hornet was built in response to a demand for an off-road/desert racer, a Lightning with more power. Although it was supplied without a headlight, taillight and speedometer – rev counter only - but with a straight-through exhaust (low TT pipes for the West Coast model, high pipes for the East) – and twin Amal Monobloc carburetors, high comp. pistons and performance cam – it could be used on the street with an easy conversion to install lights and mufflers. For '67 a darker Cherokee Red was used, and Steve McQueen described it as 'a keen bike.'

This ex-racer A65 Hornet has restored close to its original spec. with East Coast-high pipes being stock. Gone is the front fender and the dash (with any gauge), and the ignition key now substituted with a toggle switch just behind the steering head on the left. The mounting tabs for the side covers were once removed but have been replaced and the ignition and coils are now by Boyer. Sound attenuators have been installed in the pipes. Looming large on both tank sides is a white BSA decal making the whole package 'look the business.'