The Vintage Motorcycles
Specialists in antique, classic, veteran and vintage motorcycles.
Specialists in antique, classic, veteran and vintage motorcycles.
The Birmingham Small Arms Company, widely known as BSA, was one of the most influential motorcycle manufacturers in British motorcycling history. Founded in Birmingham, England, BSA began producing motorcycles in 1910 and eventually became the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world during the 1950s.
BSA motorcycles gained an international reputation for durability, engineering quality, and racing performance. The company produced a wide range of machines including lightweight commuter motorcycles, military motorcycles used during the Second World War, and high-performance racing machines such as the legendary BSA Gold Star.
This reference guide provides an overview of the historic BSA motorcycle models including production years, engine specifications, and historical context. The page is intended as a quick reference for collectors, restorers, and enthusiasts interested in identifying classic BSA motorcycles.
| Model | Production Years | Engine Type | Capacity | Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BSA Model E | 1910-1914 | Single-cylinder | 499cc | Road |
| BSA Sloper | 1927-1935 | Single-cylinder OHV | 500cc | Road |
| BSA M20 | 1937-1955 | Side-valve single | 500cc | Military / Road |
| BSA Bantam | 1948-1971 | Two-stroke | 125cc - 175cc | Lightweight |
| BSA Gold Star | 1938-1963 | High-performance single | 350cc - 500cc | Sport / Racing |
| BSA A7 | 1946-1962 | Parallel twin | 500cc | Road |
| BSA A10 | 1950-1963 | Parallel twin | 650cc | Road / Touring |
| BSA Rocket Gold Star | 1962-1963 | Parallel twin | 650cc | Sport |
| BSA Lightning | 1965-1972 | Parallel twin | 650cc | Sport |
Production Years: 1910-1914
Engine Type: single-cylinder four-stroke
Displacement: approximately 499cc
Drive: belt drive
Gearbox: early manual gearbox
The BSA Model E was one of the earliest motorcycles produced by the Birmingham Small Arms Company. During this period the motorcycle industry was still developing, and machines such as the Model E reflected the simple mechanical designs of early motorcycling.
Production Years: 1927-1935
Engine Type: overhead valve single
Displacement: 500cc
Gearbox: 4-speed
The BSA Sloper became one of the most distinctive motorcycles of the interwar period. Its inclined engine design lowered the center of gravity and improved handling.
The Sloper demonstrated BSA's willingness to experiment with new engineering ideas during the rapidly evolving motorcycle industry of the 1920s and 1930s.
Production Years: 1937-1955
Engine: side-valve single-cylinder
Displacement: 500cc
Gearbox: 4-speed
Drive: chain
The BSA M20 became one of the most famous military motorcycles of the Second World War. Tens of thousands of these machines were supplied to Allied forces and used for dispatch riding, reconnaissance, and general transport.
Known for reliability and mechanical simplicity, the M20 became one of the most widely produced British military motorcycles.
Production Years: 1948-1971
Engine Type: two-stroke
Displacement: 125cc - 175cc
Gearbox: 3 or 4-speed
The BSA Bantam became one of the most popular lightweight motorcycles in Britain during the post-war period. Affordable and economical, the Bantam introduced many riders to motorcycling during the 1950s and 1960s.
Production Years: 1938-1963
Engine Type: high-performance single-cylinder
Displacement: 350cc - 500cc
Fuel System: Amal carburetor
The BSA Gold Star became one of the most legendary British motorcycles ever produced. Designed for both road use and racing competition, the machine earned its name from a racing achievement at the Brooklands circuit.
Gold Star motorcycles were known for exceptional performance and became highly respected in road racing and club racing events.
Production Years: 1946-1962
Engine Type: parallel twin
Displacement: 500cc
The BSA A7 represented the company's entry into the growing twin-cylinder motorcycle market during the post-war period.
Production Years: 1950-1963
Engine Type: parallel twin
Displacement: 650cc
The BSA A10 offered improved power and touring capability compared with the earlier A7 model. It became a popular choice among riders who wanted a larger and more powerful motorcycle.
Production Years: 1962-1963
Engine Type: parallel twin
Displacement: 650cc
The Rocket Gold Star combined the powerful A10 engine with high-performance components inspired by the Gold Star racing machines. It became one of the most desirable BSA motorcycles among collectors.
Production Years: 1965-1972
Engine Type: parallel twin
Displacement: 650cc
The BSA Lightning was introduced as a high-performance road motorcycle aimed particularly at the American market, where British motorcycles enjoyed great popularity during the 1960s.
By the 1950s BSA had become the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world. The company produced motorcycles for commuters, touring riders, racers, and military use.
Although the British motorcycle industry faced increasing competition during the late 1960s and early 1970s, historic BSA motorcycles remain extremely popular among collectors and classic motorcycle enthusiasts today.
BSA is a historic British motorcycle manufacturer and is featured in our guides to British vintage motorcycle brands as well as our complete overview of vintage motorcycle manufacturers by country, covering major global motorcycle industries from 1900 to 1980.
AJS, Ariel, Vincent, Royal Enfield, Coventry Eagle, Douglas, Excelsior, Matchless, New Map, Norton, Rudge, Sunbeam, and Triumph, all of which played a major role in British motorcycle racing and engineering development.
Motorcycle enthusiasts and collectors looking for rare and classic machines can explore our vintage motorcycles for sale and discover a curated selection of historic and collectible bikes.
If you are restoring a historic motorcycle, you may also learn more about our motorcycle restoration services .
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