Loud and Free: BSA A65 Lightning Scrambler

BSA A65 Lightning Scrambler

A British scrambler from Free Biker Magazine x 2 Loud Customs…

The BSA Lightning was the high performance, twin-carb roadster of the 650cc A65 lineup — one of the most successful ranges of British twins in history. The “power egg” unit-construction engine made 52-hp at 7000 rpm, capable of pushing the machine to a top speed of around 110 mph.

BSA A65 Lightning Scrambler

Enter Chen Ching, the chief editor of Taiwan’s Free Biker Magazine — the country’s only magazine dedicated to custom motorcycles. This BSA A65 Lightning is Chen’s personal bike, built with the help of Taiwan’s 2 Loud Custom — one of the nation’s best-known workshops. Starting with a fairly uncommon ’72 A65L, they built a 70s-style scrambler with a 750cc big bore kit and a ton of go-fast engine goodies.

BSA A65 Lightning Scrambler

Unfortunately, the strict twice-annual motorcycle inspections required under Taiwanese law precluded any modifications to the frame, but Chen and the crew at 2 Loud were still able to create one of the sweetest British twins we’ve seen in quite some time. Below, we the full story on the build.

BSA Lightning Scrambler: Owner Interview

BSA A65 Lightning Scrambler

• Please tell us a bit about yourself, your history with motorcycles, and your workshop.

My name is Chen, I am Chief Editor of Free Biker Magazine. This is the only one magazine about custom bikes and not scooters in Taiwan. It was launched in 2009, becoming an online magazine from 2018.

FreeBiker Magazine

• What’s the make, model, and year of the bike?

1972 BSA A65 Lightning.

BSA A65 Lightning Scrambler

• Why was this bike built?

This is my personal bike and there are two reasons. The first one is that the original condition was so bad when I bought it, so many parts were rusted and damaged. The second one is that I like the Scrambler style, and this A65 looks good as a scrambler custom.

BSA A65 Lightning Scrambler

• What was the design concept and what influenced the build?

The concept is ’70s Scrambler and I want to make it a cross between a racer and street bike. But in Taiwan, the motorcycle inspection system is very strict. So I have to keep the original frame, although I wanted to cut the sub frame to make it look smaller.

• What custom work was done to the bike?

All customization and engine overhaul was done by 2 Loud Custom. Handmade parts: Exhaust Pipe, Battery Box, Seat, Fork Stabilizer and Rear Fender. Engine parts: SRM 750 kit, Big Valve, Valve Spring, Cam Shaft, Belt Drive Dry Clutch and Cylinder Head Machining.

• Does the bike have a nickname?

No, just A65 Lightning.

• Was there anything done during this build that you are particularly proud of?

For British vintage bike enthusiasts, the most popular A65 is the ’60s model. So a ’70s A65 is very rare in the custom world. And I like it because it is special.

Follow the Builders

FREE BIKER MAGAZINE
www.freebikermagazine.com

2 LOUD CUSTOM
www.instagram.com/2loud_custom/

2 Comments

  1. Ted Le Craw

    Very sweet ride

  2. tony Kroot

    Where can one purchase these hi rise scrambler pipes from as on 1972 Bsa A65 lightning. Thanks.

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