BSA stands for the Birmingham Small Arms Company, a firm that began as a gun maker in 1861. It added motorcycles in 1910 and grew into an industrial giant. At its peak, BSA together with Triumph was the largest motorcycle producer in the world.
The milestones
- 1910. Motorcycles were added to the bicycle products, with a 3½ hp model exhibited that year.
- The Gold Star. The legendary single, best known in its DBD34 form of the 1950s, gained its reputation through racing success.
- A7 and A10. The 500 cc and 650 cc pre-unit twins, including the A10 Golden Flash.
- A65. The 650 cc unit-construction twin of the 1960s, sold as the Lightning among other models.
- The Rocket 3. A three-cylinder machine announced in 1968 for 1969, shared in spirit with Triumph's Trident.
- The collapse. In the late 1950s and early 1960s poor management and a failure to develop new products led to a sharp fall in sales in its major US market. By 1972 the motorcycle business was merged with Norton-Villiers to form NVT, and the company was liquidated in 1978.
What to know when buying
- The Gold Star is a special case. Many have been rebuilt, modified or assembled from parts, and the price is high. Documented history and correct numbers matter more than anywhere else. See frame and engine numbers.
- Pre-unit or unit. The A7 and A10 are pre-unit twins and the A65 is unit construction. Parts are not interchangeable.
- Clubs and records. BSA owners' clubs and the Vintage Motor Cycle Club hold records and issue dating certificates. See clubs and federations.
Parts and community
Parts for the popular BSA models are widely reproduced, and the community is large. See finding parts and use the buying checklist.
