BSA Motorcycles
BSA Motorcycles.
BSA (Birmingham Small Arms) started all the way back in 1863 building planes, guns, taxis, etc.
The bikes division started in 1880. The engine powered bicycle was launched in 1905 with a small Minerva engine attached to it. By the 1950’s the company was producing more than 75.000 bikes.
After the World War 2, 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. Then the Gold Star became a very popular roadster and racing bike. It remained in production up until 1963. After that, BSA introduced the A models which became very popular because of their simplicity, reliability and low cost.
BSA produced a 750cc Rocket Three Triple which was developed and produced during difficult financial times. Due to financial losses, the company stopped its production in 1973 and was bought by the Norton Villiers Triumph company.