BSA was given a new lease of life in 2016 when the rights to use the name were acquired by the Mahindra Group. Now the first product of the reborn enterprise is set to dot down here, with Europe Imports the official New Zealand distributor.
BSA kicked off in 1861, the letters meaning Birmingham Small Arms, the company producing guns. It wasn’t until 1910 that it launched its first motorcycle, and the company was so successful that it eventually brought Triumph and Aerial under its wings.
But things went south in the sixties with increasing competition from Japan and BSA came and went a number of times until 2016 when Mahindra stepped in. In 2021 the Gold Star was launched, named after the most successful 50s/60s model. It was developed in Britain and is to be manufactured in India.
“We are thrilled to announce that BSA will indeed be back on our shores soon”, said Europe Imports’ BSA project lead, Robert Maskell.
“This is an iconic brand for many motorcyclists here. I remember my father having BSA motorcycles and it is an exciting thing to see them return to the market with the Gold Star.
“We look forward to building a passionate BSA community and nationwide dealer network to support the brand fully.”
The new Gold Star is expected to slot into the market as another accessible modern LAMS classic option, with the 2024 bike powered by a 652cc twin-cam single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine. It produces 34kW (45hp) at 6500rpm, and 55Nm at 4000rpm. Brakes are by Brembo, and the Gold Star weighs in at 213kg. It has a five-speed gearbox and 12L fuel tank.
BSA has gone to great lengths to retain the classic styling of the bikes of the 1950s and 60s with unique clocks, 17- and 18-inch spoked wheels (the larger up front) and six colour options.
BSA Motorcycles NZ has launched social media accounts for prospective owners to stay up to date with the latest news on the brand’s return to New Zealand roads (@BSAMotorcyclesNZ accounts on Facebook and Instagram).
A New Zealand website is currently in development but for more go to www.bsacompany.co.uk.
Meantime we have just been informed that the BSA Gold Star in Shadow Black will go on sale here with an RRP of $10,990 plus on roads.
Next up is the 2024 BSA Gold Star in Highland Green ($11,990). The Insignia Red, Silver Dawn and Midnight Black versions are priced at $12,590 and each features a racing stripe down the tank and rear fender.
Topping the range is the Silver Sheen Legacy Edition with its chrome fenders and polished engine covers. This is priced from $12,990, before ORCs.
All 2024 BSA Gold Star motorcycles are backed by an unlimited kilometre two-year warranty.
First examples are on the water and arriving imminently.
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