Triumphrat

gatornapper

Ok, it's not a Triumph, but this is the best place where I'm a member where I expect someone will know the answer:

What is a restorable BSA A70L worth, in decent condition? Only about 202 were made in '71/'72. A friend has one and might want to sell it. I think I saw only about 27 are known to exist in the world.

Thanks in advance!

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gatornapper

My sweet '72 T120V Bonne
'73 Trident T150V, '72 Bonneville T120V, '71 Trophy 500 T100C
"A Dream Collection" (w/apologies to all '60's purists)

ebsbury

Contact Burton Bike Bits in the UK. They have an interest in A70s and compile a register of bikes.

http://www.burtonbikebits.net/bsaa70.htm

75jazz

Here we go again?... I sense a new thread.

Snakeoil

Gator,

My buddy Lance and I had a conversation about late model BSAs a year or so ago. He has a customer with one. I'm not 100% sure, but I believe that the A70 had improved bearings and eliminated the bushing and shim arrangement for the main bearing that is the achilles heal in the older BSA engines.

I suspect that those bikes are a niche market for sure. As a rule, BSAs do not bring the money that a Triumph or Norton brings. But for the educated BSA collector, that bike might be a valuable piece.

I have an A65C that is fully restored and although not a rocket by any means, I love that bike. It grows on you. It seems a little more refined than my T140V. The triumph is like a hotrod and the BSA is like a restored vintage car if I can use that analogy. It will go when you want it to and has a wonderful sound.

It appears you are being afflicted by gottahavemall syndrome. I'm a victim as I suspect are others here. Hard to pass up an older bike in nice shape, even when you know you are going to wish you had more room in the shop/garage.

regards,
Rob

epynt1050

A70L were built to homologate the 750s for USA AMA racing. 200 were built as 1971 models in June/August 1971 and 2 (also in August) as 1972 models. There were also 202 Triumph T120RT 750cc models built for the same reason.
All are very collectable and, at least in the UK, command good prices.

Snakeoil

What you are saying lines up with what Lance had told me. I know he had mentioned something to do with the engines being built around racing, but did not remember the details so did not mention it. I think the racing focus was the basis for the bearing improvements.

regards,
Rob

gatornapper

Thanks, EB

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gatornapper

My sweet '72 T120V Bonne
'73 Trident T150V, '72 Bonneville T120V, '71 Trophy 500 T100C
"A Dream Collection" (w/apologies to all '60's purists)

gatornapper

Thanks! The owner told me this when I met him a couple years ago, but then I did some web research and found there are about only 27 known to exist world wide....somewhere I saw the list....and my friend's would make 28.

What we are wondering is if it would have value here in the states.

I think he's not sure he wants to sell it, but might change his mind if he could get enough.

Surprisingly, NADA had it listed with a max value of just under $5k, and down to $1,500 restorable......a lot less than I would think.....

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gatornapper

My sweet '72 T120V Bonne
'73 Trident T150V, '72 Bonneville T120V, '71 Trophy 500 T100C
"A Dream Collection" (w/apologies to all '60's purists)

GrandPaulZ

NADA does not estimate collector value, or account for market trends; they list raw values of two-wheeled vehicles.

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GrandPaulZ
Author of "Old Bikes"
Born Again Bikes
My Photo album

gatornapper

Thanks, GPZ....I was wondering why their numbers were so off......surprised such a rare machine would even have a raw value.....

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gatornapper

My sweet '72 T120V Bonne
'73 Trident T150V, '72 Bonneville T120V, '71 Trophy 500 T100C
"A Dream Collection" (w/apologies to all '60's purists)