Norton C 652 SM International vs BSA A 65 Thunderbolt (1999)

Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the Norton C 652 SM Internationalstacks up against the BSA A 65 Thunderbolt. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.

Spec comparison

SpecNorton C 652 SM InternationalBSA A 65 Thunderbolt
Model year19991972
Price
Engine652 cc654 cc
Horsepower48 hp46 hp
Torque57 Nm
Seat height33 mm
Fuel capacity5.3 L4.8 L
Fuel typepetrolpetrol
Transmission5-speed4-speed
Front brakesSingle discExpanding brake
Rear brakesSingle discExpanding brake
Tires110/70-17 / 130/70-17 3.25-19 / 4.00-18

Norton C 652 SM International vs BSA A 65 Thunderbolt — which should you buy?

Picking between the Norton C 652 SM International and the BSA A 65 Thunderbolt usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the Norton C 652 SM International brings 48 hp, while the BSA A 65 Thunderbolt counters with 46 hp.

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: