Category Archives: BSA Motorcycles

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Roaring with Majesty: A Royal Enfield Classic 350

Many thanks to Lucy at Shellwood Blake and Royal Enfield UK these past two weeks I have manage to quality time with the Royal Enfield Classic 350. This will be my first experience with a Royal Enfield and on the whole it was enjoyable.

The Royal Enfield brand has a rich heritage dating back to the year 1901 when it was first established here in England. Since then, it has become one of the oldest motorcycle manufacturers in the world.

The company’s commitment to craftsmanship and quality has earned it a loyal fan base globally. In 1955, the iconic Indian company, Madras Motors, acquired the Royal Enfield brand, making it an integral part of the Indian motorcycle industry. The Royal Enfield Classic 350 has been in production since 2008.

One of the defining features of the Classic 350 is its exquisite design, which seamlessly blends classic aesthetics with modern-day engineering. Inspired by the post-war era motorcycles, the Classic 350 exudes a vintage charm that is hard to resist.

From its timeless fuel tank design to its vintage-style headlamp and exhaust, every element of this motorcycle reflects meticulous attention to detail. Despite its retro design, the Classic 350 incorporates modern technologies such as an dual channel ABS, LED tail lights, and an electric start, ensuring a perfect balance between nostalgia and contemporary functionality.

It has a low-slung, comfortable seat that is perfect for long journeys for the rider but also for the pillion. The handlebars are ergonomically designed to provide a comfortable grip and the footpegs are adjustable to suit your riding style.

Furthermore, the distinct thump of the Royal Enfield exhaust has become synonymous with the Classic 350, ensuring that heads turn wherever it goes. With its stylish instrument cluster, including a speedometer and odometer, the Classic 350 offers modern conveniences while maintaining its classic allure.

Beyond its classic looks, the Classic 350 packs a punch when it comes to performance. The all new Royal Enfield Classic 350 offers ample torque with 20.2 BHP @ 6100 RPM and 27 Nm @ 4000 rpm. Assembled with a twin downtube spine frame for a comfortable ride, 350 cc single cylinder, fuel injected air cooled engine, 13 litres of fuel capacity, a ground clearance of 170 mm and single and dual channel ABS.

In Conclusion
The Classic 350 is a great choice for riders who want a classic-style motorcycle with modern safety features. It has a comfortable seat, a good engine, and a number of safety features that make it a great choice. My only personal gripe is the gap between the foot peg and gear shift is small and as such I couldn’t wear my favorite boots as I struggled to change gear.

What I also like about it is (like the BSA Gold Star I rode last week) the Classic 350 isn’t dripping in chrome (anyone who know me knows not a fan of loads of chrome). I think the 350 is a perfect city commuter bike especially for someone who has just passed their test or has short legs or doesn’t like a big heavy bike.

Specifications as per Royal Enfield UK

Frame
Frame type – Twin Downtube Spine Frame

Dimensions
Weight in running order (Kg.) – 195
Wheelbase (mm) – 1390
Seat height (mm) – 805
Ground clearance (mm) – 170
Length x width x height (mm) – 2145 x 785 x 1090

Engine
Number of cylinders – 1
Bore x stroke (mm) – 72 x 85.8
Cooling System – Air-Oil Cooled
Displacement (cc) – 349.34
Injection system – ECU controlled
Valve gear / valves per cylinder – 2
Compression ratio – 9.5:1
Maximum power (Kw/HP-rpm) – 14.87 kW, @ 6100 rpm
Maximum speed (mph) – 114 km/h (4th Gear)
Maximum torque (Nm/rpm) – 27Nm@4000 rpm
CO2 emission (g/km) – 63.4
Idle rpm – 1050 ± 100
Noise Emission – 89 dB(A) @ 3050 rpm
Clutch – Conventional Wet Clutch
Secondary transmission – Chain
Gearbox – 5 Speed Constant Mesh
Starting System – Electric
Engine Oil – SAE 15W50 API SL Jaso MA2, Semi-synthetic

Chassis and Brakes
Front wheel – Spoke Wheel – 100/90 – 19” – 57P (Tube Type)
Rear wheel – Spoke Wheel – 120/80 – 18″ – 62P (Tube Type)
Front suspension – Telescopic, 41mm forks
Rear suspension – Twin tube Emulsion shock absorbers with 6-step adjustable preload
ABS – Dual-Channel
Front brake – 300mm disc with twin piston floating caliper
Rear brake – 270mm disc, single piston floating caliper

Capacity
Petrol tank (imperial gallons) – 13 ± 0.5 litres
Low fuel warning – 4 ± 0.5 litres
Consumption (mpg) – 2.63 L/100 km

Equipment
Instrument Cluster – Digital LCD with analog speedometer
Navigation – Tripper Compatible – accessory fit (subject to availability)
Emergency stop switch – Yes
Central and side stand – Fabricated and Spring loaded
Tool kit – Provided in Right side cabinet of vehicle
Side stand switch – Yes

BIke Reviews, BSA Motorcycles, Industry News, Latest News, Manufacturers, Reviews

Reviving Greatness: Exploring the Timeless Charm of the BSA Gold Star

Many thanks to Alfs Motorcycles (particularly Mick) in Worthing, West Sussex for the loan of bike for the day. Just to emphasise Alf’s Motorcycles are now BSA as well as Kawasaki dealers and have a new dedicated showroom in the rear of the premises.

Normally would get a couple of weeks to spend with review bike but today I spent the day with the 2022 BSA Gold Star that said it was plenty of time to get an idea of the bike. I love the look, colour and feel of the Gold Star,  I’m not a huge fan of chrome and its used pretty sparingly on this bike. Whilst I can appreciate modern bikes with their TFT screens that look like the starship Enterprise there’s just something reassuring about old fashioned speedos. The BSA transports you back in time to the golden days of British motorcycling (no I wasn’t alive then) but without the dread of reliability issues.

The Gold Star can trace its roots back to the original of the 1930s, there is something magical about embracing the timeless allure of a classic motorcycle. The Gold Star is back with a bang, paying homage to its legendary predecessors whilst introducing innovative features that cater to the demands of today’s motorcycle enthusiasts.

Underneath its elegant exterior, the 2022 BSA Gold Star boasts a powerful engine that delivers exceptional performance. Equipped with a high-performance liquid-cooled 45bhp, 652cc single cylinder DOHC, 4v engine, this motorcycle offers a thrilling riding experience. The advanced technology incorporated in the engine ensures smooth acceleration and optimal fuel efficiency. With its cutting-edge fuel injection system and state-of-the-art electronics, the Goldstar guarantees an exhilarating ride for every rider.

The Gold Star is designed with the comfort and convenience of the rider in mind. The ergonomics of the bike are carefully crafted to provide a comfortable riding position, reducing fatigue on longer journeys. The plush seating and well-positioned handlebars offer optimal control and stability, allowing riders to maneuver with ease. Additionally, the suspension system is fine-tuned to absorb shocks and vibrations, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable ride even on challenging terrains.

When it comes to safety, the bike is equipped with Brembo brakes, including anti-lock braking technology, ensuring precise and controlled stopping power. The responsive traction control system provides enhanced stability, preventing wheel slip during acceleration or cornering. Additionally it features powerful LED headlights and taillights, improving visibility and alerting other road users to your presence.

In Conclusion
The 2022 BSA Gold Star encapsulates the essence of British motorcycle heritage whilst embracing modern advancements. The legendary status, impeccable craftsmanship, and unmatched performance of the Gold Star make it a motorcycle that captivates riders and enthusiasts across generations. With the revival of this iconic model, BSA proves its commitment to preserving its legacy and delivering motorcycles that stand the test of time. It is the embodiment of power, elegance, and innovation it marks a new chapter in the extraordinary history of this British motorcycle legend.

A quick overview of the specifications 

ENGINE
Engine Type – Liquid-cooled, single- cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves, twin spark plugs
Engine Capacity – 652cc
Compression Ratio – 11.5:1
Max Torque – 55Nm@4000rpm
Max Power – 45hp@6500rpm
Transmission – 5-speed
Cooling System – Liquid

SUSPENSION
Front – 41mm telescopic forks
Rear – Twin shock absorbers with 5-step adjustable preload

MASS
In working order – 213kg

WHEELS & TYRES
Front Tyre – 100/90-18 Pirelli
Phantom Sportscomp
Front Wheel – 36 wire spoke alloy rims 18 x 2.5”
Rear Tyre – 150/70-R17 Pirelli
Phantom Sportscomp
Rear Wheel – 36 wire spoke alloy rims 17 x 4.25”

BRAKES
Front – Single 320mm floating disc, Brembo twin-piston floating calliper, ABS
Back – Single 255mm disc, Brembo single-piston floating calliper, ABS

FUEL TANK
Total Capacity – 12 litres
Fuel Consumption – 70.6 mpg (WMTC) / 4.001L/100 km

DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase – 1,425mm
Seat Height – 780mm
Rake – 26.5 degrees

If like the look of the Gold Star and would like to test ride one head down to Alf’s who have a demo bike ready and waiting.

Once again would like to thank BSA UK (Luke Gregory from Lukas Distribution) and in particular Mick from Alfs Motorcycles who made it happen.

BSA Motorcycles, Industry News, Latest News, Manufacturers

BSA Motorcycles Launches New Clothing Range In Collaboration With Merlin

BSA Motorcycles is pleased to announce the launch of its clothing range, produced in partnership with Merlin, a market-leader in heritage-style protective motorcycle clothing, as it looks to cement its return to the world stage following the arrival of the new Gold Star model.

The newly unveiled BSA x Merlin range features the iconic Gold Star brand, offering the same timeless look and feel that is synonymous with its DNA and everything that has made BSA a motorcycling institution. Partnering with Merlin has helped BSA to create a clothing range that fully meets the needs of its riders, allowing them to showcase both their personalities and those of their bikes, without compromising on safety, function or performance.

The collaboration began with the relaunch of the BSA brand at the Motorcycle Live show in 2021. Merlin provided two dual-branded jackets for display and following an unprecedented level of interest and support from customers, the BSA x Merlin capsule collection was born.

Merlin’s team of industry-leading designers got to work on developing a collection to cater for the style and riding requirements of BSA riders. Designed to a high specification using only the finest materials, including British Halley Stevensons® waxed cotton, D3O® armour, and genuine DuPont™ Kevlar® and YKK® zips, the range retains a high-quality, stylish feel while remaining true to the BSA ethos.

The range features a mix of summer and winter suitable products, including jackets, riding shirts, riding jeans and gloves, all of which are fully CE-certified, as is standard in all Merlin products.

Prices of the clothing start at £20 for a neck tube, up to £349.99 for an Empire Wax Cotton Jacket, and the collection will start to appear in official BSA dealerships this month.

Ashish Joshi, CEO, Classic Legends, and Director of BSA Company Ltd, said: “We wanted the first range of clothing from BSA to be of the highest standard and as stylish as our machines. This made Merlin a natural partner given the strength and quality of its products and we’re pleased to say the partnership with Merlin has really brought our vision to life. We’re incredibly proud of this range, which will soon be appearing in our dealerships along with our bikes.”

James Franklin, Brand and Product Director at Merlin, said: “Merlin and BSA share the same values and proud ties to Birmingham, which has played such an important part in our mutual success. It’s an honour to have worked with a prestigious name like BSA and we’re really proud of what we’ve been able to deliver in collaboration. This collection allows BSA riders to show their allegiance to two leading names in motorcycling while experiencing the high levels of quality that are synonymous with the Merlin brand.”

Liberation Leather Jacket

  • The 1.2-1.3mm naked cowhide leather is soft and supple, meaning it’s comfortable straight off the hanger. This also eliminates the awkward ‘breaking in’ period experienced in most traditional leather jackets.
  • Top-level protection used, with D3O® shoulder and elbow armour pre-fitted and a pocket for an optional D3O® Viper Stealth back protector in size Large.
  • Overall certified to CE EN17092 Level ‘AA’
  • Removable 100g thermal gilet with British-made tartan trim

Empire Waxed Cotton Jacket

  • Combining traditional, old-school styling with thoroughly modern protection.
  • Halley Stevensons® 12oz Silkwax waxed cotton outer provides the traditional ‘sticky’ wax feel that retro riders typically seek.
  • Top-level protection used, with D3O® shoulder and elbow armour pre-fitted and a pocket for an optional D3O® Viper Stealth back protector in size Large.
  • Fixed Reissa® waterproof membrane and 150g thermal full body liner for weatherproofing.

Sangster Riding Shirt

  • Single-layer construction offers on and off-bike comfort.
  • D3O®’s flexible ‘fit and forget’ Ghost armour pre-fitted to shoulders and elbows for optimum comfort and discreet protection, with pocket for optional D3O Viper Stealth back protector in size Large.
  • Available in three colours to match with every colour of Gold Star.

Olympia Riding Jean

  • Premium stretch cotton outer provides both on and off-bike comfort.
  • Authentic 100% 220gsm DuPont™ Kevlar® fibre twill lining for abrasion protection.
  • D3O’s innovative flexible ‘fit and forget’ Ghost knee armour pre-fitted with pockets for optional D3O® hip protection
  • YKK® jacket-to-jean connecting zipper allows easy attachment of BSA x Merlin jackets

Browning Leather Glove

  • Premium cowhide leather outer with BSA-branded snap stud and hard scaphoid slider on the palm.
  • D3O® protector to the knuckles.
  • Touchscreen-friendly fingertips allow easy use of smartphones and sat navs without the need to remove the gloves.
  • Punched leather palm to improve airflow in warmer temperatures.

BSA x Merlin Lifestyle Collection

  • Sustainable; 100% organic cotton used in the construction of the hoodies, tees and sweatshirt.
  • Carbonised finishes to the hoodies, tees and sweatshirt ensure they’re comfy and soft to the touch.
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BSA is back in Bristol

Classic British motorcycle brand returns to Fowlers.

BSA Motorcycles make a welcome return to Fowlers spectacular city-centre showrooms in Bristol, after a gap of 50+ years.

Fowlers first started selling new BSAs in 1954 and the bikes were so popular that they became a spares distributor in 1959, but that ended when BSA ceased production in 1973.

Following the acquisition of BSA by Classic Legends in 2016, and the launch of the brand-new Gold Star in 2021, production has restarted, and Fowlers has become an official BSA dealer for Bristol once more.

Instantly recognisable as a BSA, the reborn Gold Star inherits the soul of its forerunners and combines it with modern technology, to deliver an authentic and reliable BSA riding experience. This modern classic is powered by a 45hp 650cc single-cylinder engine – a tribute to the original model – and is built using high quality components, such as Brembo brakes, with Continental dual channel ABS and Pirelli Phantom Sportscomp tyres.

The addition of BSA brings the total number of manufacturers represented by Fowlers to sixteen, covering everything from scooters and commuters to superbikes and off-roaders, as well as two 100% electric brands.

Alongside new motorcycles, Fowlers also offers a huge selection of clothing and accessories. Routine servicing and maintenance is provided on site in Fowlers’ well-equipped workshops and visitors can refuel and relax in Harry’s Café on the mezzanine above the showroom floor.

Find out more and book a test ride on the new BSA Gold Star by calling Fowlers on 0117 977 0466 or visit www.fowlers.co.uk

View our dealer news section for more news: Dealer News

For more information on Fowlers Motorcycles products visit www.fowlers.co.uk

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BSA Motorcycles unveil the new generation model

BSA Motorcycles is delighted to officially reveal their first new model on Saturday 4 December at Motorcycle Live, NEC Birmingham.

The new BSA Gold Star is classified as a modern classic motorcycle, and its form is instantly recognisable as a BSA. A design icon of its era redefined to reclaim its glory in the current times, the new BSA Gold Star’s design is a befitting evolution of the brand’s most successful motorcycle.

Announcing the reveal of the new motorcycle, Mr Anand Mahindra, Chairman of Mahindra Group, commented: 
“BSA reigned supreme during the golden era of British motorcycles, renowned for their spirit and impeccable workmanship. We’re incredibly honoured to be showcasing a new model that captures the DNA of such a legendary brand, which stamped an undeniable mark on the world of motorcycling. The next chapter in the brand’s history is going to be an exciting ride.”

Set to rekindle memories of the past, the new Gold Star is pure and retains the essence of its predecessor, such as the round headlamp sitting neatly below the signature twin pod instruments – keeping the same proportions intact. Another notable feature is the chromed fuel tank with pinstriping and a dominating BSA Gold Star logo, which was inspired by the coveted ‘Gold Star’ pin won by Wal Handley in 1937, when he lapped the Brooklands circuit at over 100mph on a BSA Empire Star. Add to that the engine cover that harks back to the BSAs of the past, the distinctive kink in the exhaust pipe and silencer design, rear fender with the trademark stays, and it’s clear that everything remains true to the iconic Gold Star design.

Mr Ashish Singh Joshi, Director of BSA Company Ltd., added:
“For us, the new BSA Gold Star is not just a motorcycle but an emotion and we pursued the journey of bringing BSA back with utmost passion. To stay authentic to its roots, the new Gold Star was designed and engineered in the UK. The new motorcycle incorporates BSA’s DNA and stays a Gold Star that is true to its lineage.”

BSA Motorcycles are attending Motorcycle Live, held 4-12 December 2021 at NEC Birmingham. They are exhibiting in Hall 4, Stand 4D10.

BSA Motorcycles, Industry News, Manufacturers

British Legend BSA Motorcycles returns

Brand-new model set to launch at the beginning of December.

BSA Company Ltd. has announced the return of the iconic British motorcycle brand BSA Motorcycles, with a brand-new model set to launch at the beginning of December.

The all-new modern classic motorcycle will be unveiled to the public at the Motorcycle Live show on 4 December 2021. Further details about the new model will be revealed at the show, which means BSA afficionados will have to wait just a little longer to lay their hands on the much-anticipated motorcycle.

Standing for Birmingham Small Arms Company Ltd, BSA was founded in 1861, for the production of firearms. The brand’s motorcycle division was set up in 1903, and the first motorcycle was introduced in 1910. The brand went on to become the largest supplier of motorcycles to the Allied Forces during the Second World War. By the 1950s, BSA was the world’s largest motorcycle maker, with one in every four motorcycles sold worldwide sporting the BSA badge. The company also enjoyed phenomenal success on the race track, with notable victories at Daytona and Santa Catalina.

Over the course of the century, BSA carved out a hallowed name among motorcycle enthusiasts, with legendary nameplates such as the Golden Flash, Bantam, Lightning, Firebird and Gold Star becoming cult favourites.

While operations ceased in the 1970s, BSA Company Ltd. was given a new lease of life in October 2016, when the BSA Motorcycles brand and the rights to the motorcycle business were acquired by the Mahindra Group, a renowned automobile manufacturer.

The new petrol-engine motorcycle is now ready to hit the roads, and will be officially launched at the Motorcycle Live show, held between 4-12 December at NEC Birmingham, Hall 4, Stand 4D10.

Earlier this year, BSA Company Ltd. was also awarded a £4.6 million grant by the UK Government for the development of zero-emission motorcycles, as part of the low-carbon automotive initiative.

About BSA Company Ltd.
BSA Company Ltd, trading as BSA Motorcycles, is a motorcycle manufacturer acquired in October 2016 by Classic Legends Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of the Mahindra Group. Their vision is to build motorcycles that retain the DNA of the original Birmingham-based BSA brand.