In the 1950s, BSA was the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world, and they provided a wide range of machines for all needs. The 500cc A50 and the 650cc A65 were BSA's entry into the performance bike, vertical twin category from 1962 to 1968. Almost 60,000 were made in various trim and tuning levels. These unit construction twins were well received in the motorcycling press for their smooth power, sure-footed handling and, in later years, exceptional braking. The higher-performance models also made their mark in production racing, and an earlier BSA twin had won the Daytona 200.

However, it takes a determined privateer to reconfigure a BSA Lightning for flat track use. The modifications to the motorcycle on offer are substantial from brakes to suspension to frame. And, as reported by the vendor, it runs as good as it looks.