BSA A 65 Thunderbolt vs Honda CB 650 SC (1985)

Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the BSA A 65 Thunderboltstacks up against the Honda CB 650 SC. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.

Spec comparison

SpecBSA A 65 ThunderboltHonda CB 650 SC
Model year19721985
Price
Engine654 cc655 cc
Horsepower46 hp
Weight197 kg
Seat height31 mm
Fuel capacity4.8 L3.4 L
Fuel typepetrolpetrol
Transmission4-speed6-speed
Front brakesExpanding brakeDouble disc. Dual-disc with twin-piston calipers
Rear brakesExpanding brakeExpanding brake (drum brake). Drum
Tires3.25-19 / 4.00-18 100/90-19 / 130/90-16

BSA A 65 Thunderbolt vs Honda CB 650 SC — which should you buy?

Picking between the BSA A 65 Thunderbolt and the Honda CB 650 SC usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the BSA A 65 Thunderbolt brings 46 hp, while the Honda CB 650 SC counters with its own power figure at 197 kg.

Our spec tables above highlight the winning number on each line. For the full rider-focused reviews including real-world fuel economy, service costs and available colors, click into either bike: