BSA

BSA was for many years was the largest British motorcycle manufacturer. In the 1850's a group of gunsmiths came together to form a Trade Association and in 1861 they founded the BSA Company (Birmingham Small Arms). As rifles tend to drop off in demand when there is no war, they decided to start making bicycles in 1880. The first complete motorbike they built was produced in 1910. During the wars they produced both arms and motorcycles and in WW2 the main stay of the British Army became the BSA M20 with a side valve engine of 500cc. The Gold Stars became the name that will live for ever as they were the first of the production racing machines. Despite entering the 1960s boasting record profits and a formidable reputation, by the end of the decade BSA were all but finished and production ceased in 1972/3.

Click links for reviews and the photo to see a full size version

Up to 250cc

1963 K1 Beagle 75cc	1949 D1 Bantam Rigid 125cc	1953 D1 Bantam Plunger 125cc	1954 D3 Bantam Major 150cc
1962 D7 Bantam 175cc

250cc Class

1947 C10 250cc	1950 C11 Rigid 250cc	1954 C11G Plunger UK 250cc	1956 C12 Swinging-Arm 250cc
1959 C15 250cc	1966 C15T 250cc	1968 B25 Starfire 250cc	1971 B25SS Goldstar 250cc

350cc to 500cc Class

1946 B31 Rigid 350cc	1949 A7 Star Twin 500cc	1953 B31 Plunger 350cc	1960 B33 350cc
1967 B40 350cc	1970 Fury 350cc	1967 B44 Shooting Star 441cc	1970 B44VS Victor 441cc
1955 B34 500cc	1950 M33 Rigid 500cc	1957 M33 Plunger 500cc	1959 DBD34 Goldstar 500cc
1962 A7 500cc	1969 A50R Royal Star 500cc	1971 B50SS Goldstar 500cc	1972 B50MX 500cc
2001 Regal SR 500cc

650cc to 750cc Class

1950 A10 Golden Flash
Plunger 650cc

1960 A10 Golden Flash
650cc

1967 A65SS Spitfire Mk3
650cc

1967 A65 Hornet
650cc

1969 A65L Lightning
650cc

1969 A65 Thunderbird
650cc

1971 A65FS Firebird
650cc

1971 A65T Thunderbolt
650cc

1972 A65L Lightning
650cc

1970 A75 Rocket 3
750cc

1971 A75 Rocket 3
Vetter 750cc

BSA Model Reviews

Beagle 1963-66 75cc OHV single 4hp, 40mph, 125mpg 145lbs
In an attempt to compete with the Japanese 50cc & 90cc step-through BSA produce this model. Featuring roller main bearings, gear primary drive and a four speed box. It never caught on and is quite rare today.

Bantam Originally copied from the DKW RT125 and then developed on by BSA

D1 1948-63, 125cc, 2-stroke single, 160lb, 125mpg, 50mph
Single saddle, rigid rear end and telescopic forks. Plunger rear end on later models. Unit single engine with 3 speed gear box.

D3 1958-61, 150cc, 2-stroke single, 180lb, 95mpg, 60mph
Rare, bored out version of the 125 with improved front forks and brake. Later model has a swinging arm frame. Engine had improved lubrication system means it is less prone to seizures.

D5/7/10 1958-68, 175cc, 2-stroke single, 220lb, 95mpg, 65/70mph
The D7 benefited from better frame, forks and guards. Engine is a bored out version of the previous model. D10 had relatively modern chassis with much improved suspension and brakes.

D14/175 1968-72, 175cc, 2-stroke single, 215lb, 55mpg, 75mph
The D14 was the best Bantam. The D14/4 has a 4speed gearbox. Most of the problems were now ironed out and this is a nice bike with good handling and reliability..

250cc Class

C10 1945-57, 249cc, sv single, 310lb, 75mpg, 55mph
A post-war utility bike with rigid frame, un-damped forks, minimal brakes and side-valve engine. Not the most reliable bike.

C11/C11G 1945-55, 249cc, ohv, 320lb, 8ompg, 60mph
Better than the C10 the motor has OHV. C11G was available with a 3 speed box in the rigid frame, and 3 or 4 speed options were available in plunger frame which was different to suit the gearboxes. Both had a better front brake and generator electric’s. Not a bad looking bike

C12 1956-58, 249cc, ohv single, 320lb, 75mpg, 67mph
Basically the same engine as the C11G but housed in modern chassis with reasonable suspension, better brakes and a more comfortable seat. The only minor and important change was the external oil feed to the rocker shaft which the C11G did not have. This is the last pre-unit construction 250.

C15 Star 1959-67, 249cc, ohv single, 320lb, 70mpg, 75mph
A 250cc unit construction engine with neat styling. In their day most models were prone to gearbox problems when treated harshly, but this should not be a problem now-a-days with an owner who rids the bike steadily. The sports version was the SS80 with roller big-ends which was quicker but was also less reliable, again this should not be a problem now-a-days. The standard models are easy to convert to 12v electrics, which improves lighting and allows the owner to fit electronic ignition. The C15T and Scrambles are more expensive to buy. An excellent classic to buy and own as there are plenty of models around and spares are easy to come by.

C25 Barracuda / B25 Starfire 1966-1970, 249cc, ohv single, 330lb, 60mpg, 75mph
Restyled C15 to try and keep up with the times. Tougher internals and castings, but less reliable due to the high compression engine, big-end problems being the most likely. The B25 Starfire introduced in 1968 is a better bet as it was more reliable and had less vibration following a mild de-tuning. Also sold as the Fleetstar for fleet users which was a de-tuned version which gives more reliability and in a modified frame.

B25SS Gold Star 1971-72, 249cc, ohv single, 320lb, 55mpg, 80mph
Last of the C15-based series with the new oil-bearing chassis and smart Street Scrambler styling for BSA’s final fling. Nice bike which was let down by the leaky and out-of-date engine. Naming it the ‘Gold Star 250’ did not help sales or credibility. Badly assembled when new, but any that are still running should be OK.

350cc to 500cc Class

B31 1945-59, 348cc, ohv single, 365lb, 80mpg, 75mph
Basic but robust engine in pre-war rigid chassis fitted with telescopic forks. 1949 plunger suspension was fitted giving slightly more control. 1954 a swinging arm frame was fitted. Leaky and noisy with poor starting. The early rigid or plunger frame models are desirable.

B32 Gold Star 1949-57, 348cc, ohv single, 360lb, 65mpg, 85mph
Basically a B31 with more go, flashy bodywork and better brakes. The DB32 has a good duplex frame but the price is high and there are plenty to be had. Suffers from a 'cult status'.

Fury 1970-72, 349cc, ohc twin, 345lb, Prototype
Announced at the last Major Motor show, this twin was state of the art alloy engineering designed by Bert Hopwood. Carrying many of the now established Japanese components, such as electric start, indicators, twin overhead cams, it is a shame that it never made the production line, as tests proved it to be a good bike.

B40/SS90 1960-65, 343cc, ohv single, 305lb, 80mpg, 75mph
Bored out version of the C15 with greater torque and enclosed pushrods. Sound construction and usually reliable if treated kindly. WD version the best to ride. Sports SS90 version is pretty rare as the market did not welcome them.

B44 Victor (Shooting Star) 1966-70, 441cc, ohv single, 335lb, 65mpg, 85mph
B44 similar to C15 with stronger internals and modern chassis. Basically a stretch C15 with slightly more go and vibration. Engines can be fragile if abused. Sold initially in the USA as the Shooting Star, renamed in UK after 67 the later models had a good twin leading shoe front brake.

B33 1947-59, 499cc, ohv single, 420lb, 70mpg, 80mph
Bored out B31 with more torque for the sidecar outfit. Later models had a swinging arm, and there is also TLS front drum conversion. This is the 1950’s classic workhorse, which it will run for ever.

M33 1947-57, 499cc, ohv single, 370lb, 70mpg, 70mph
B33 engine inserted into a M21 bicycle. Intended to pep up performance for sidecar use. Not good on power or steering.

B34/DB34/DBD34 Gold Star 1950-62, 499cc, ohv single, 410lb, 55mpg, 110mph
These bikes has become legendary, expensive and somewhat over-rated. Fun on the open road, but exceptionally awkward in traffic and temperamental. Overpriced due to the vast over-reputation which masks their charm from many new riders. This was a racing road bike and has good looks.

B50SS Gold Star 1971-72, 499cc, ohv single, 340lb, 60mpg, 85mph
This was the last of the C15 stretches. It was a radical design change from the traditional British style, but in the fullness of time looks very nice. Built as a street scramble to meet the US market demands, the engine was over-stressed when pushed to the limit. Conversion to electronic ignition transforms it’s behaviour to one of GB’s best ever singles. Starting requires the knack and vibration was still a problem at speed over 60 mph. There was also a B50T Victor model.

M20 1945-55, 496cc, sv single, 425lb, 55mpg, 65mph
The antiquated side valve engine, which was designed to meet the demands of the army and was sold off to the public after the war. Not fast and the brakes are adequate, but this is a very rugged machine. Stretched to 591cc in 1946 as the M21 until 1963, which raised the fuel consumption.

A7 Star Twin, Shooting Star 1946-61, 497cc, ohv twin, 420lb, 55mpg, 90mph
Splendid tough twin with smooth power up to 75mph. From 1954 with duplex frame, swinging arm, and better brakes gave good steering which was let down by poor lights. The A7SS Shooting Star is the tuned version sporty (A7SS), which had an alloy head, improved suspension and full width hubs.

A50 Royal Star 1962-70, 499cc, ohv twin, 420lbs, 60mpg, 90mph
Unit construction replacement for the A7, that has little vibration and lacks in performance. A good looking bike which is reliable because it's hard to thrash them. , if not sluggish machine. Became the Royal Star in 1965 after a brief sporting flurry as the A50C ‘Cyclone’ and A50CC ‘Cyclone Clubman’, and then as the ‘Wasp’ which was mainly for the USA.

650cc to 750cc Class

A10 Golden Flash, Road Rocket, Super Rocket 1951-63, 646cc, ohv twin, 440lb, 55mpg, 105mph
Bored and stroked version of the A7. The A10 was sold as the Golden Flash with flash style. The Road Rocket had a bit more go and as the Super Rocket slightly better.

A10 Rocket Gold Star 1962-64 646cc (70x84mm) OHV twin 51hp, 120mph, 45mpg, 390lbs
The Rocket Gold Star was a super-sports version and these can fetch up to 3 times as much. The A10 is a fine motorcycle and the only worry is the braking on the later ones which goes off quickly. Later swinging arm, duplex frame versions are better. The tuned up A10 motor dumped into Gold Star chassis resulted in a collector's piece. At high revs it has excess vibration and becomes unreliable if kept up length of time. There are some stock A10's in Goldie chassis with upgraded electrics that have all of the pose, style and none of the inherent hassles. Stock Rocket Gold Star's are too expensive but the fake stuff can be bought cheaply.

A65 Lightning, Spitfire, Thunderbolt 1962-73, 654cc, ohv twin, 425lb, 55mpg, 120mph
Unit-construction replacement for the A10. The A65 has a reputation for vibration and oil leak, but this is not justified. The Spitfire has stunning looks and excessive vibration from the engine. Late post 1971 bikes have an oil bearing frame which provides fine steering, although the seat height suffered with this design. The very late 1972 bikes are very good indeed and the Thunderbolt with a single carb gave a good compromise between power, reliability and economy.

A70 Lightning 1971, 751cc, ohv twin, 425lb, 50mpg, 120mph
This was a US only model, a special for racing in the states. Very rare and has been imitated, so beware. An obscure model which has a tendency towards high vibration.

A75R Rocket 3 1968-72, 740cc, ohv triple, 520lb, 35mpg, 125mph
Arguably the first ‘Superbike’, the Rocket 3 was quite a sensation when launched with it’s snappy acceleration, good styling, high top speed for it’s day able, to cruise at 90 to 100mph with excellent steering. The bikes are becoming sought after and can be expensive to run. Rarer than the equivalent Triumphs Tridents as BSA stopped production in 1972.