Last sportsters: Lightning, Firebird Scrambler 1965 - 1970

The later twin carburettor A65 Lightning naturally comes with all the refinements on the Thunderbolt. Although having the same 9:1 compression ratio, twin Concentrics upped power to a questionable 55bhp. BSA claimed a more realistic 44bhp for the single carburettor Thunderbolt. Cycle blasted their Lightning up to 108mph and were impressed with the brakes and easy starting. The Firebird Scrambler is a street version of BSA's off road 650 Hornet. A65T Thunderbolt is arguably the best value unit construction twin. Double damped front fork and its front brake are useful features.

The Firebird Scrambler - a street version of the off road Hornet. First made in 1967, this 1968 model has a high level exhaust sytem. It was first built in 1967 without a lighting set and with the pre-unit Gold Star's 190mm front brake - also fitted to the Spitfire at the time. By 1969 a steel petrol tank based on the 250 Starfire model replaced a glassfibre type and the exhaust system exited together at high level along the drive side - its centre section covered by a wire heat shield. You are unlikely to find a Firebird Scrambler in Britain unless you have good contacts.