	Motorbikes As there are two BSA motorbikes featured in the photo album, here is a brief history of where they were made. The BSA bikes featured in our photo gallery are 1949 BSA bantam BSA B31 350cc A brief history of the BSA Motorcycle The Birmingham Small Arms (BSA) company was set up in 1863 and started producing bikes in 1880. The engine powered bicycle was launched in 1905 with a small Minerva engine attached to it. BSA had a good reputation for reliable bikes and throughout its production of their S27 there was little change to its original and popular design. During the Second World War the BSA factory was hit badly by German forces and bomb attacks made it difficult to keep up production, however BSA still produced huge amounts of bikes and guns. After the Second World War BSA was the largest manufacturer of motorcycles world wide. In 1937 Walter Handley raced a BSA empire star over 100mph (160 k/h) around a curved race track. This achievement earned him a gold star which was later adapted by BSA and the next model was named gold star. The Gold Star became a very popular roadster and racing bike. It remained in production up until 1963. During the 1950’s BSA were producing more than 75.000 bikes, however by the 1970’s they were in financial difficulties and the company was sold to the Norton Villiers Triumph company. The last bikes left the factory in 1973. Back to home

BSA Bantam logo

BSA logo

Triumph Logo

Motorbikes

As there are two BSA motorbikes featured in the photo album, here is a brief history of where they were made. The BSA bikes featured in our photo gallery are

1949 BSA bantam
BSA B31 350cc

A brief history of the BSA Motorcycle

The Birmingham Small Arms (BSA) company was set up in 1863 and started producing bikes in 1880. The engine powered bicycle was launched in 1905 with a small Minerva engine attached to it. BSA had a good reputation for reliable bikes and throughout its production of their S27 there was little change to its original and popular design.

During the Second World War the BSA factory was hit badly by German forces and bomb attacks made it difficult to keep up production, however BSA still produced huge amounts of bikes and guns. After the Second World War BSA was the largest manufacturer of motorcycles world wide.

In 1937 Walter Handley raced a BSA empire star over 100mph (160 k/h) around a curved race track. This achievement earned him a gold star which was later adapted by BSA and the next model was named gold star. The Gold Star became a very popular roadster and racing bike. It remained in production up until 1963.

During the 1950’s BSA were producing more than 75.000 bikes, however by the 1970’s they were in financial difficulties and the company was sold to the Norton Villiers Triumph company. The last bikes left the factory in 1973.

Back to home