BSA MOTORCYCLES | Workshop Manuals | PDF Downloads

The Birmingham Small Arms Company, better known as BSA, was a British motorcycle manufacturer with a history dating back to the early 20th century. Founded in 1861 as a firearms manufacturer, BSA began producing bicycles in the 1880s and motorcycles in 1910. 

The company quickly established itself as a formidable competitor in the burgeoning British motorcycle industry.

BSA achieved notable racing successes in the 1920s, with riders such as Wal Handley winning the prestigious Isle of Man TT races on BSA machines. In the 1930s and 1940s, BSA became one of the largest motorcycle producers in the world, with a wide range of models catering to different market segments. The company's most iconic model, the BSA Gold Star, was introduced in 1938 and became a favorite among racing enthusiasts for its high-performance engine and nimble handling.

BSA motorcycles also played a significant role in World War II, with the company producing over 125,000 bikes for the Allied forces.

In the post-war era, BSA continued to innovate with new models like the A10 and the Bantam, but faced increasing competition from Japanese manufacturers in the 1960s.

Despite efforts to modernize its lineup, BSA struggled financially and eventually merged with Triumph in 1972, forming the Norton-Villiers-Triumph conglomerate.

While BSA ceased motorcycle production in the 1970s, its legacy lives on through the countless classic bikes that are still cherished by enthusiasts around the world.