BSA: Difference between revisions
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'''BSA (Birmingham Small Arms)''' have been producing [[Motorcycles]] since 1910 | '''BSA (Birmingham Small Arms)''' have been producing [[Motorcycles]] since 1910 | ||
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* 1904 Parts could be used by other firms to produce machines using [[Minerva]] engines. | * 1904 Parts could be used by other firms to produce machines using [[Minerva]] engines. | ||
* 1910 Entry into market with single model that remained as standard - reflecting quality of materials and design. First model had vertically-mounted 3.5hp engine, chain-driven magneto, sprung forks and excellent fininsh. A TT rear-hub, two-speed model was soon added. | * 1910 Entry into market with single model that remained as standard - reflecting quality of materials and design. First model had vertically-mounted 3.5hp engine, chain-driven magneto, sprung forks and excellent fininsh. A TT rear-hub, two-speed model was soon added. Various models were added, adapted or discontinued until well into the 1930s. | ||
* 1936 Major changes were introduced by [[Val Page]], who revised and simplified models that were no longer economical to produce. His work remained in production until the 1960s. | |||
* 1946 Post-war production saw expansion of the company, models using off-road tyres and much more chrome-plating. | |||
* 1947 Famous (and perhaps most successful) model 'Bantam' introduced, using [[Amal]] carburation and [[Wipac]] electrics. | |||
* 1950s Scooters were gaining popularity. Two models were announced but neither did well. | |||
* | * 1971 BSA and [[Triumph]] launch ranges which include many new models using common parts, such as forks and wheels. By this time the company was in financial trouble. | ||
* | * 1972 BSA had to make major cut-backs , soon to be followed by the demolition of the factory at [[Small Heath]]. | ||
== Sources of Information == | == Sources of Information == | ||
The British Motorcycle Directory - Over 1,100 Marques from 1888 - by Roy Bacon and Ken Hallworth. Pub: The Crowood Press | The British Motorcycle Directory - Over 1,100 Marques from 1888 - by Roy Bacon and Ken Hallworth. Pub: The Crowood Press | ||
Revision as of 11:00, 21 March 2007
BSA (Birmingham Small Arms) have been producing Motorcycles since 1910
- 1861 Founded to make mass-produced guns, the initials stood for Birmingham Small Arms.
- 1880 Bicycle manufacture led to supply of parts to motorcycle trade.
- 1904 Parts could be used by other firms to produce machines using Minerva engines.
- 1910 Entry into market with single model that remained as standard - reflecting quality of materials and design. First model had vertically-mounted 3.5hp engine, chain-driven magneto, sprung forks and excellent fininsh. A TT rear-hub, two-speed model was soon added. Various models were added, adapted or discontinued until well into the 1930s.
- 1936 Major changes were introduced by Val Page, who revised and simplified models that were no longer economical to produce. His work remained in production until the 1960s.
- 1946 Post-war production saw expansion of the company, models using off-road tyres and much more chrome-plating.
- 1947 Famous (and perhaps most successful) model 'Bantam' introduced, using Amal carburation and Wipac electrics.
- 1950s Scooters were gaining popularity. Two models were announced but neither did well.
- 1971 BSA and Triumph launch ranges which include many new models using common parts, such as forks and wheels. By this time the company was in financial trouble.
- 1972 BSA had to make major cut-backs , soon to be followed by the demolition of the factory at Small Heath.
Sources of Information
The British Motorcycle Directory - Over 1,100 Marques from 1888 - by Roy Bacon and Ken Hallworth. Pub: The Crowood Press