BSA

The Birmingham Small Arms Company (BSA) was formed in Birmingham in 1861. The premises were located in an area of the city called "Gun Quater" and the Company made guns, vehicles and military equipment. In 1910 BSA began producing complete motorbikes. Previous to this, the engine for their bikes had been supplied by other manufacturers. 1919 saw further development of the business when BSA Motorcycles was formed into subsidiary company of BSA.
Following the Second World War, BSA began to explore the racing market and a handful were entered into races like the TT, in the late 1940's there were only a few BSA motorcycles in the races but by 1952, most of the motorbikes were BSA's.
In its day, BSA was a leader and an innovator in the motorcycle world.