Return of a Birmingham Legend: BSA Motorcycles unveil new generation model - The Bromsgrove Standard

Return of a Birmingham Legend: BSA Motorcycles unveil new generation model

Bromsgrove Editorial 6th Dec, 2021   0

After recently announcing the return of the iconic British motorcycle brand, BSA Motorcycles have now officially revealed their first new model – the BSA Gold Star.

Standing for Birmingham Small Arms Company Ltd, BSA was founded in 1861, for the production of firearms. The brand’s motorcycle division was set up in 1903, and the first motorcycle was introduced in 1910.

The Birmingham brand went on to become the largest supplier of motorcycles to the Allied Forces during the Second World War. By the 1950s, BSA was the world’s largest motorcycle maker, with one in every four motorcycles sold worldwide sporting the BSA badge. The company also enjoyed phenomenal success on the race track, with notable victories at Daytona and Santa Catalina.

Over the course of the century, BSA carved out a hallowed name among motorcycle enthusiasts, with legendary nameplates such as the Golden Flash, Bantam, Lightning, Firebird and Gold Star becoming cult favourites.

While operations ceased in the 1970s, BSA Company Ltd. was given a new lease of life in October 2016, when the BSA Motorcycles brand and the rights to the motorcycle business were acquired by the Mahindra Group, a renowned automobile manufacturer.




Earlier this year, BSA Company Ltd. was also awarded a £4.6 million grant by the UK Government for the development of zero-emission motorcycles, as part of the low-carbon automotive initiative.

The new BSA Gold Star is classified as a modern classic motorcycle, and its form is instantly recognisable as a BSA. A design icon of its era redefined to reclaim its glory in the current times, the new BSA Gold Star’s design is a befitting evolution of the brand’s most successful motorcycle.


Announcing the reveal of the new motorcycle, Mr Anand Mahindra, Chairman of Mahindra Group, commented:

“BSA reigned supreme during the golden era of British motorcycles, renowned for their spirit and impeccable workmanship. We’re incredibly honoured to be showcasing a new model that captures the DNA of such a legendary brand, which stamped an undeniable mark on the world of motorcycling. The next chapter in the brand’s history is going to be an exciting ride.”

The new BSA Gold Star is classified as a modern classic motorcycle, and its form is instantly recognisable as a BSA. Photo credit: BSA Company Ltd.

Set to rekindle memories of the past, the new Gold Star is pure and retains the essence of its predecessor, such as the round headlamp sitting neatly below the signature twin-pod instruments – keeping the same proportions intact. Another notable feature is the chromed fuel tank with pinstriping and a dominating BSA Gold Star logo, which was inspired by the coveted ‘Gold Star’ pin won by Wal Handley in 1937, when he lapped the Brooklands circuit at over 100mph on a BSA Empire Star. Add to that the engine cover that harks back to the BSAs of the past, the distinctive kink in the exhaust pipe and silencer design, rear fender with the trademark stays, and it’s clear that everything remains true to the iconic Gold Star design.

Mr Ashish Singh Joshi, Director of BSA Company Ltd. added:

“For us, the new BSA Gold Star is not just a motorcycle, but an emotion and we pursued the journey of bringing BSA back with utmost passion.

“To stay authentic to its roots, the new Gold Star was designed and engineered in the UK. The new motorcycle incorporates BSA’s DNA and stays a Gold Star that is true to its lineage.”

BSA Motorcycles are attending Motorcycle Live, on now until 12 December 2021 at NEC Birmingham. They are exhibiting in Hall 4, Stand 4D10.

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