Classic and Cheap Motorcycles

In a world dominated by vintage Harley Davidsons, and timeless classics such as the Triumph Bonneville, few true enthusiasts have ever heard of the rich history of BSA Motorcycles. Having had a long standing part in the development and growth of motorcycle history, BSA has become an almost forgotten relic of sheer simplicity and an unbridled connectedness to the open road. Though the roads are now overrun with powerful, streamlined sportbikes with ever expanding capabilities and flickability, classics like the creations of Birmingham Small Arms were one of the originators of the sport, and helped to make it what it has become.

Before its untimely demise in the early 1970s, Birmingham Small Arms was known the world over for solid, dependable bikes that riders valued for their uncompromisingly austere qualities. Born in the early 1860s in the Gun Quarter of Birmingham, England, BSA started by manufacturing airplanes, autos, and weapons. It would not be until another decade later that production would begin on the first BSA motorcycle. At their peak, the company would release the early Gold Star, and later the Rocket Three Triple models. What really helped BSA make their mark and compete with vintage Harley Davidsons, were their A-Model Bikes.

Throughout the 1950s, BSA became a household name when they built their 500cc A7 and 650cc A10 bikes. Acclaimed for their superior reliability and overall efficiency, the A7 and A10 were also kind on wallets, being relatively cheap motorcycles. What they lacked in flash, they more than made up for in function. In spite of all this success, the end was not too far off for BSA motorcycles, due to the shifting market trends and shoddy business strategy. Sporty, performance inclined Japanese bikes were saturating the market, and ultimately final efforts to salvage the company could not halt its end in 1973.