BSA: Difference between revisions
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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. Until well into the 1930s, various models were added, adapted or discontinued. | ||
* 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. | * 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. | ||
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* 1950s Scooters were gaining popularity. Two models were announced but neither did well. | * 1950s Scooters were gaining popularity. Two models were announced but neither did well. | ||
* 1971 BSA and [[Triumph]] | * 1971 Company reorganisation centred production at the [[Triumph]] site and together BSA and [[Triumph]] launched ranges which included many new models using common parts, such as forks and wheels. By this time the company was in deep financial trouble. | ||
* 1972 BSA had to make major cut-backs , soon to be followed by the demolition of the factory at [[Small Heath]]. | * 1972 BSA had to make major cut-backs, soon to be followed by the demolition of the factory at [[Small Heath]]. | ||
* 1979 The name of BSA survived as mopeds and small morotcycles were assembled from imported components. Many of these machines were built for third-world countries and the services. | |||
* 1983 BSA becomes involved with with [[Can-Am]] to assemble the Bombadier. | |||
* 1994 [[MuZ]] acquire the rights to use the name, followed in 1995 by [[Regal]]. | |||
* 1996 the BSA name is used on models using [[Yamaha]] engines to produce retro-styled machines sold predominantly to the Japanese market. | |||
For purists, the end of the line had come in 1972. | |||
Revision as of 11:27, 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. Until well into the 1930s, various models were added, adapted or discontinued.
- 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 Company reorganisation centred production at the Triumph site and together BSA and Triumph launched ranges which included many new models using common parts, such as forks and wheels. By this time the company was in deep financial trouble.
- 1972 BSA had to make major cut-backs, soon to be followed by the demolition of the factory at Small Heath.
- 1979 The name of BSA survived as mopeds and small morotcycles were assembled from imported components. Many of these machines were built for third-world countries and the services.
- 1983 BSA becomes involved with with Can-Am to assemble the Bombadier.
- 1996 the BSA name is used on models using Yamaha engines to produce retro-styled machines sold predominantly to the Japanese market.
For purists, the end of the line had come in 1972.
Sources of Information
The British Motorcycle Directory - Over 1,100 Marques from 1888 - by Roy Bacon and Ken Hallworth. Pub: The Crowood Press