1962 BSA A65 Star Twin, 650 cc. Registration number 393 ERH....

Hammer

£3,200

1962 BSA A65 Star Twin, 650 cc. Registration number 393 ERH. Frame number A50 301. Engine number A65 237.
The decision by Lucas in the late 1950s to switch production of motorcycle electrical components (from magneto/dynamo systems to alternators/coil systems) forced British motorcycle manufacturers to completely redesign their engines. Triumph and BSA took the opportunity to move from pre-unit and semi-unit construction to full unit construction, that is, with the engine and gearbox together in an integrated casting. At the same time, Bob Fearon, managing director and general manager of BSA, recognised the need for a new look that built on the best features of the A10s but would succeed in the potentially lucrative, but competitive, US market. Working with chief development engineer Bert Perrigo, he developed the unit construction Star twins.
A range of these 650 cc Star twins were produced between 1962 and 1972, and improved on the old pre-unit A7 and A10 series, being lighter and easier to manufacture, with more up to date styling.
When the range was revised for 1965, the touring twins were renamed 'Royal Star' (A50) and 'Thunderbolt' (A65).
ERH, an early A65, was first registered by Brown's of Witham (it still has their badge) on the 24th April 1962, and they sold it to John Walker of Hull in 1963, followed in the August by Malcolm Pearce and then in 1964 to Leonard Brown, ten years later it was in Burnley for a short time before coming back to Hull in 1974 with Robert Himsworth. Our vendors father bought it from him in 1976 for £65.
Last MOT'd in 1997 at 40,248 the mileage is now only 40,286.
This very original example is offered for sale with the R.F. 60, 1997 MOT, V5, V5C and purchase document from 1976.