Vintage Motorcycles | BSA 'Birmingham Small Arms'

Birmingham Small Arms Company History

The Birmingham Small Arms Company Ltd., known popularly by its acronym BSA, started as a weapons manufacturer in 1861 (Birmingham Small Arms and Metal Co. Ltd.), but went on to become one of the largest motorcycle manufacturers in the world.

BSA's first flirtation with the bicycle industry began in 1881, with the invention of a three-wheeled tricycle called the "Dicycle," or "Otto bicycle," named after its creator Mr. E.C.F. Otto. The Dicycle was an unconventional design featuring two large wheels on either side of the rider. Bicycle manufacturing by BSA was short-lived, and by the late 1880s the company discontinued their bicycle production alltogether.

1932 BSA W32-7 Blue Star

****Under Construction****

1949 BSA Model 500

1954 BSA Gold Star Special

1960 BSA Gold Star DBD34 Clubmans

1968 BSA Gold Shooting Star 441

1970 BSA Rocket 3 Roadracer

BSA Motorcycle Links

BSA Owners' Club U.K.

History of the Birmingham Motorcycle Industry

BSA Motorcycles & Cycles - Armoury Road, Small Heath

National Motorcycle Museum in Coventry

BSA Gun History

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