BSA is back in business

Photo: B.S.A. Company/Erling Sande A.S/Hallgeir Muren

When BSA made a comeback with the retro classic Gold Star 650 in 2021, the brand had been "dead" for almost 50 years. Now they are back, and just listen to what the new company BSA Company wrote about the model when it was unveiled in December 2021; "A design icon of its time, redefined to regain its glory in our time, the new BSA Gold Star design is a fitting further development of our most successful motorcycle". Now BSA has more models in the pipeline, and the Scrambler 650 and Bantam 350 are news to come. BSA Company, which now carries on the proud legacy, has its headquarters in Southampton in England. Production takes place in India, more specifically at the company's factory in Pithampur, Madhya Pradesh.

When BSA made a comeback with the retro classic Gold Star 650 in 2021, the brand had been 'dead' for almost 50 years. Now they are back, and just listen to what the new company BSA Company wrote about the model when it was unveiled in December 2021; 'A design icon in its time, redefined to regain its glory in our time, the new BSA Gold Star's design is a fitting evolution of our most successful motorcycle.' Now BSA has several models in the pipeline, and Scrambler 650 and Bantam 350 are new releases coming soon. The BSA Company, which now carries forward the proud heritage, has its headquarters in Southampton, England. Production takes place in India, specifically at the company's manufacturing facility in Pithampur, Madhya Pradesh.

BSA made its first motorcycle in 1910, and from its base in Birmingham, specifically in Small Heath, they would climb to the top of the motorcycle manufacturer rankings. By 1921 they were among the world's largest, a position they held into the 1950s. BSA became known for their solid everyday machines, and at the same time knew the art of building fierce sports bikes such as the DBD34 Gold Star, Lightning Clubman and Spitfire.

BSA made its first motorcycle in 1910, and from the base in Birmingham, specifically in Small Heath, they aimed to climb to the top of the ranking of motorcycle manufacturers. By 1921, they were among the largest in the world, a position they held well into the 1950s. BSA became known for its sturdy everyday machines, while also mastering the art of building powerful sports machines such as the DBD34 Gold Star, Lightning Clubman, and Spitfire.

The gates closed in 1973

In 1973, however, the industrial adventure in Birmingham came to an end. The gates were closed, and BSA was sold to Manganeze Bronze Holding. In the autumn of 2016, the Indian company Mahindra Group bought the rights to BSA for 3.4 million pounds, and now more models will soon be rolling that proudly carry the heritage of Birmingham Small Arms. In anticipation of the new models from the Indian factory becoming available for testing and review, we take a never-so-small look back at the greats of the golden age of BSA in Small Heath/Birmingham.

The doors closed in 1973

However, in 1973, the industrial adventure in Birmingham came to an end. The doors were closed, and BSA was sold to Manganese Bronze Holding. In the autumn of 2016, the Indian company Mahindra Group acquired the rights to BSA for 3.4 million pounds, and soon several models that proudly carry the legacy of Birmingham Small Arms will roll out. While awaiting the new models from the factory in India to be available for testing and reviews, we take a brief look back at the former greatness from BSA 's golden age in Small Heath/Birmingham.