BSA, a brand name that motorheads still adore, gave the world several spectacular bikes. The company was one of the top manufacturers of motorbikes, globally, during the pre-WW II period but dissolved post the war due to bankruptcy around the 60s. However, BSA bikes still hold the status of being some of the best bikes for their time and made way for the industry to boom. Here are some of the top BSA motorcycles that motorheads can never forget:
Gold star is not just one of the most successful BSA bikes, it is also the bike with the longest history. By the late 1930s BSA had built its reputation in Britain as the most prominent bike manufacturer. one of its most celebrated bikes was the performance single Blue Star and subsequently the Silver Star available in the 250, 350 and 500CC models. In 1937, TT Star Wal Handley crossed Brooklands for the first time on the 500cc bike at over 100mph for which he was awarded a Brooklands ‘Gold Star' pin. BSA released a commemorative bike to recognise this honour- the Gold Star. This bike had a successful run with subsequent generations also being produced until 1963.
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The Bantam was an economy bike and became a one of the top BSA motorcycles due to its affordability. This two-stroke bike was unlike the Gold Star in all aspects, in fact, it wasn't a BSA design at all. The bike was based on German bike DKW RT 125 which was received as war remuneration. The British manufacturers mirrored the bike and created the traditional British right-handed gear change for the imperial riders. The bike gained immense popularity leading to the sales of over 2,50,000 bikes.
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The A 65 was a powerful bike with a 650CC engine, and became one of the top BSA motorcycles in the 1960s. BSA made the thunderbolt as a big capacity machine with twin cylinders to rival its international competitors. Although the bike did not match the likes of Triumph and its other major competitors, BSA's credibility and popularity made the bike a huge success once again.
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BSA built its bikes not only to rock the commercial lanes but also difficult terrains and mountains. One of the top BSA motorcycles used for off-roading was the BSA44 a four-stroke bike. In its glory years, the B44 won the world championship at the hands of Jeff Smith who subsequently won the championship again. He boarded an upgraded version of the bike called ‘Victor' which also became one of the top BSA motorcycles.
BSA may have stopped manufacturing bikes but the classic pieces can still be seen with collectors. You can see the traditional British manufacturing style in them and see how the bikes have developed through the years. Which of the top BSA motorcycles bikes would you like to ride?
