The Story of BSA Motorcycles | From Boom to Bust to the Re-Birth
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- Опубликовано: 15 фев 2023
- I headed off on a two day road trip on the new 2023 BSA Gold Star to trace back the story of BSA Motorcycles!
Starting at Global Moto Coventry, with an original 1959 BSA Gold Star, I rode over to where it all started in Small Heath, Birmingham, before riding over to Triumph's Meriden location and then onto the world's oldest motorcycle dealership.
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With thanks for Global Moto for providing the opportunity to create this video.
globalmoto.co.uk/
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Locations:
- Starting location: Global Moto, Coventry, Sibree Rd, Coventry CV3 4FD
- BSA's original location: Armoury Road, Small Heath, Birmingham
- Triumph's old factory location: Meriden
- The world's oldest motorcycle dealership: Lloyd Cooper's, 59-63 Queen's Rd, Watford WD17 2QN
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The motorbikes:
- 1959 BSA Gold Star
- 2023 BSA Gold Star
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My personal motorcycle: 2010 Triumph Bonneville 865cc (the base version)
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Video editing: @monikameraki (Instagram)
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Music:
Wicked Man - Martin Landstrom
Golden Memories - Golden Age
By the Wayside - Ritchie Everett
A Whisper In The Dark - Gavin Luke
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Some affiliate links may be used. You won’t be charged a penny for clicking on them, but I may get some commission from any purchases 
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Thank you for covering the BSA story. I grew up not far from the factory and remember the mayhem on the roads and hundreds of workers at bus stops at 5 o'clock when work finnished. At school we would look out the windows to watch the test riders, riding along side the canal at the back of the factory. The parts they demolished were still painted in camaflage paint to try and avoid air raids during ww2. Thanx freddie.
Woooooow!! What an insight, I will pin this comment to the top, thank you Keith🙂
That's fantastic Keith
I’ve only just watched your fascinating vid Freddie and I’ve got say well done.
My wife was a secretary at BSA around 1969/1970. I used to pick her up from work some days and can confirm that home time in Armoury Road was mayhem. Still houses along the road as well in those days. I still ride my two motorbikes at 75, Honda 750 VFR, and recently bought a Triumph Bonneville Bobber. Only ever owned one BSA, which was a 1972 Lightning. The bike was only six years old when I purchased it, and it was awful! These new BSA models aren't to my taste though. Sorry. Seem very bland.
The year was 1959, the place San Diego, California. I was in college and needed a part time job to make ends meet. My Nash Rambler died and I needed transportation. Funds limited, I looked to getting a motorcycle out of necessity, not desire. To keep this comment shorter, I not only purchased a bike but secured a job at the dealership selling the things. Ah, the memories of the Gold Stars, Bonnevilles, R600Rs fresh out of their crates on the showroom floor! Honda came to town the next year and the dealership had the vision to get the franchise for San Diego County. I was loaned a brand new 305 superhawk a bit later and admittedly found some thrill in street racing the "British Boys". It is some 52 motorcycles later now, a lifetime of enjoying the riding, racing and restoring of mostly British motorcycles. This is why videos such as yours - a cut above the many other sincere efforts- mean so much to my generation and hopefully others as they age. Yes, I have had and enjoyed the Hondas , Yamahas, et al but nothing has given me the pleasure of my BSAs, Velocette, Matchlesses, Nortons, Ariel, ...AJS...........Royal Enfield....................hmmmmm, must be nap time.😴
In 1956, I was 19, I bought a BSA 350 from a dealer in Taunton. I had never ridden a motorcycle before and so, like in your story, the dealer talked me through how to kick start, decompression lever, advance retard ignition and TDC. Then how to operate the brakes, the clutch and steering..It was a lot to learn in a few minutes.
I somehow weaved my way through Taunton, scattering some pedestrians on a crossing and arrived safely at my destination. I’m still riding now, at 85 11/12 years. I have the Royal Enfield Classic 350. Quite a different bike to that first BSA B31. So, you asked for stories - that was mine.
hello friend. Theres a Taunton Massachusetts , 30mi south of Boston 🍻
The time frame was likely Vincent & Jerome, East Reach.. when I was of age to Ride. Dad took me down to them, possibility BSA 175 Bantam or 250 Starfire.. wish had taken the 250.. but as with any vehicle time they pass through your hands, always something New/newer...!
Funny thing I've an Oilfield Himalaya now.. suits me my age.
Such sad story of English Motorcycle Industries. I've collected some nice old books about, exciting to read and read again. I am 67, I remember those legendary Motorcycles, the Brand myth was 50% of their value, and they were very expensive. Unfortunately for the UK, Japanese motorcycles arrived at the end of the 70s, beautiful, well finished, reliable and accessible, spare parts available everywhere... That has been the death of all British motorcycles. My 2017 Triumph is now produced in Thailand. Hope this BSA 's reborn will be significant, but may be it will become a little segment for rich collectors. I owned also an old Royal Enfield 500, as beautiful as hard to maintain both for costs and spare parts to find. I sold it (Her) but now I have a lot of nostalgia for that uncomfortable, unreliable but wonderful amazing motorcycle...
Hi Mr Dobbs, I don’t normally comment on vids but I’ve enjoyed your channel for some time now (it’s a refreshing change to the norm) and in particular, this video has really been digested as I happen to have a BSA DBD34 in my living room lol. My dad is originally from the Enfield/Waltham cross area and was one of the ‘Ton-up’ boys, hurtling along the north circular, when it was only 2 lanes and a grass track on the opposite side lol. It was his pride and joy and with his passing last march, I decided it would look great as a talking piece (yes I do live alone lol) in my living room. It’s in clubman’s trim and was used as intended, one of my last memories of him, was of us out on the bikes (him on the BSA, me on a Ducati MHR 900) and it was very very hard to stay with him and he was aged 80 at that time 👍.
Great to have the memories of your Dad and pride of place in your lounge . One of the all time bikes . Take care .
Wonderful story
Thanks for sharing. Sounds awesome.
Excellent! My dad had a BSA 1940s B29 Silver Sports 350 in our living room. Only took my mum a few years of protesting to get it back in the garage.
The effort you and Monika have put in since you began your YT channel is really showing, fantastic quality documentary on BSA's history. Bravo 👏🏻
Yeah Freddie, you're crushing it. It's immediately evident that you're putting in the work. The volume of videos speaks for itself-along with the quality.
My grandfather, who was a policeman in the 60’s, 70’s and early 80’s in Jacksonville, Florida, had three motorcycles. All of them were BSA’s.
You've outdone yourself this time Freddie. You really are the Richard Attenborough of Motorcycles. Bravo!
It's not just a video, it's therapy. :)
What a great video my dad took my to the local BSA dealer when I was 8 yrs old in 1965, our family bike shop had just become a Honda dealer in 1964 so he joked with his mate who was the chief mechanic there that the row of BSA Gold stars (that I was in awe of!) would be obsolete by the end of the 60's sadly so true.
One of the best you and Monica have ever done, Thanks.
Amazing privilege to get to ride the old BSA.
It really felt like a once in a lifetime opportunity🙂
You really can tell a story.This one on the BSA is a goldmine of information every old and not so old biker has ,got to like it.
I purchased my first BSA at the Bud Ekins Triumph dealership in North Hollywood in 1969. It was a 441 Victor. A thumper they called it. I later also took up motocross on a AJS as Malcolm Davis and Andy Robertson were amongst my idols. That eventually led me to move to England where I was introduced to the Ace and Ton Up Boys. I didn’t have a bike of my own then but I did manage to borrow the odd Norton, Triumph or BSA for a few exciting rides around London.
I love your honesty about your lack of expertise in starting the 1959👍👍 An excellent retelling of the BSA story.
Freddie, you've done it again! You always manage to add so much interesting and colorful back story that I hate to see your videos end. And Monika's filming skills are top notch to boot.
I am a Yank with a life long affection for Brit cars and Bikes and loved seeing the BSA factory and Meriden location that til now I could only just imagine.... I'm sure most all that follow this know what the initials BSA stand for, which is Birmingham Small Arms and it all started right there. It would be great if both BSA and RE were revived there in England but the heritage and the history will always belong to the Brits..... keep up the fantastic work... Frank from Florida 😉
First motorcycle I learnt to ride on was a BSA Bantam, later owned BSA A10, A65, and Victor, also Triumph Bonneville and Trident. Now very tempted with the new Gold Star as a second bike to my 2021 Bonneville Bobber.
Excellent video Freddie and Monica I think one of your very best to date, lovely interaction with the elderly man, I bet you made his day, I live close to Lloyd Cooper and had no idea. Thank You
Wow...that was quite an adventure and we are proud as Indians to pick up the story from here and hope to see BSA going the Royal Enfield way... thankyou for your excellent take on any of the bike videos..
Thoroughly enjoyed your coverage of the history of BSA Freddie! I was lucky enough to ride a number of vintage bikes provided by the National Motorcycle Museum at the Peterborough bike show a few years ago, and one of the five bikes I got to ride was a BSA Gold Star. Although of course for the time, they were cutting edge, but I was shocked at the difference between those classics and my modern bike in terms of handling, braking and cornering, but I still cherished the experience. Seeing some of the old British bike brands returning really does fill my heart with joy. With Triumph now doing extremely well, Royal Enfield with a new UK development location and producing new models, Norton now under new ownership and still manufacturing........it's all just great! LONG LIVE the British Motorcycle manufacturing industry.👍👍❤❤
My personal opinion is that this was your best video to date Freddie loved your interaction with that man you probably made his day and I bet he doesn't stop talking about it with his mates for a long time because of all the memories that would have come flooding back to him well done my friend long may it continue👍
He left out the fact that Harleys XR750s dominated flat track racing and Robert and Decoster crushed all other bikes on the moto circuits, many times lapping the second finisher riding RM Suzukis. Theres your sad story
Well done Freddie and Monika! Thoroughly enjoyed the trip into BSA’s wonderful history. So glad they are back and cannot wait to see these on the roads here in the US!
Thank you for a little bit of the BSA story. To me they are/were the best bikes in the world. I had a BSA A65 Thunderbolt which was first registered on February 14th 1971(oil in frame model). It was eventually stollen about 20 years ago, so now I can think about another bike to replace her.
Great work Freddie and Monika! Your best episode yet - thoroughly enjoyed it.....thanks for all the efforts....(PS Could have stayed at ours!!)
An amazing video and a great story Freddie, well done! Back home I've got a 1972 BSA street scrambler that my father used to ride delivering telegrams and mail while working for the Italian company Marconi when they were established in Portugal...yes, quite a few years ago. The BSA still works fine, he does all the bike service himself and he still ride it at the ripe age of 78! 👍👍
Bought my first BSA at the age of 15. A C15 . My learner bike.
A year later a A7 shooting star .
My mate Alan had a Starfire with a C15 engine (those that know, know why)and as members of the BSA owners we went to the annual rally. ( I still have the plaque) Held in Great Yarmouth .
No M25 in those days and we avoided motorways as we expected to breakdown often on the journey.
Basingstoke to Gt Yarmouth. Setting off at 02.00am the 200 mile journey took us 11 hours!
A long gap then a '71 OIF A65 lightening, then another.
Sadly emigrating ended my relationship with BSA but they will always have a place in my heart..
A joy as always
Another cool story guys. Monika is making you a star!! You are a brilliant team. Ride and travel safe and love from NZ as always. Bit of a shitstorm here at the moment so pleased to have power and internet to watch this. Anyone out there who understands what we are going through and are not in NZ, feel free to donate. Just asking. It's a nightmare.
Absolutely amazing video! Firstly, well done Minika, awesome editing. Loved it. This is what set's you guy's apart. Thank you. The nostalgia and romance ( as well as your RUclips channel!) of riding a beautiful motorcycle is what got me into motorcycles and convinced me to take my DAS. Thank you to you both.
I have a BSA bicycle in my garage. My dad bought it new in 1936 and it was his only mode of transport, ridden daily until his death in 1977. BSA. Built like a gun. Built to last.
What a lovely story! Freddie, thank you for teaching us about the history of BSA.
Can't thank you enough for these videos Freddie, We really love and appreciate these fantastic and detailed reviews, So once again, Thank you my buddy.
That’s very kind of you to say so, thank you Omar🙂🙌🏻
Awesome! My Dad always had BSA's my happiest memories are of being on the pillion.
Thank you Freddie and Monika this has to be your best video so far . You could tell you’ve really taken the time to research BSA well done i fully enjoyed this .
Very well done ,Freddie, that´s a good explanation of the story about BSA. I ´m a great follower of all your vlogs you´re giving to us. Improving my knowledge of English ,travelling around,that´s great. Big effort from both of you. I don´t forget Monica with the camera at your side.
Amazing video, history lesson and adventure Freddie. I found your channel a couple of days ago and have been catching up with as much as I can. My Father had a Gold Star back in the day and loved it, unfortunately he's no longer with us but I'm sure he would have loved this. I'm new to motorcycling myself so your videos are a great insight and inspiration for me. Thank you 👍
The first bike I went on when I was only 8 was my brothers BSA Star Fire 250 & then the first bike I rode was a BSA Bantum 125 when I was 13 offroad. When I was 17 I decided to get my own motorcycle & that was a Honda CB250N Super Dream. I always have had a good memory of those first days of motorcycling & now at 62 Im riding a VFR800fi which is 26 years old. I bet anyone starting off with motorcycles & those like me would love this bike.
Great content Freddie, as an American brands such as BSA are not relatively well known here and you have a great, calming way of getting everything out there, very relaxing and keep adding your British humor, appreciate your genuine self as it feels your not talking at me but to me. Enjoy your time abroad and I'd also recommend to do some research on local customs/traditions/culture awareness.
Thank you so much, really glad you enjoyed the video🙂
And I will do (re cultural differences in Dubai)
You do a great job with all the bikes. History is done very well. Thank you.
Came across your content completely by accident. Love it!
Nice programme Freddie. I live in Sudbury, (work at The Adventure Bike Shop as it happens) But im from Brum. My brother works at BSA making Air Rifles. 17 million years ago i was a motorcycle instructor and one of my routes was a journey from Small heath, Meridan,Into Selly Oak (Ariel) and onto Reddich for a stop at Royal Enfield. awesome video and i always love the soundtrack.
Ahhhh fascinating- so air rifles are one of the things BSA Guns makes. Thank you🙂🙌🏻
@@FreddieDobbs yes the cheaper ones are made abroad but the higher end ones are still...assembled.. in Small Heath.
They also restore/service old,proper firearms there.
Thanks you too both of you for creating this video, it's an essential part of motorcycle history and it's story needs to be told. Take care
I was so engrossed in your presentation I nearly forgot to pick up my daughter. The old BSA factory is a beauty. It’s so sad it’s not British anymore. We have such genius here but we always seem to screw it up. Lack of funds and bad management seem to be the issues.
Well done you guys. Somebody’s gonna snap you up at some point Freddie, I’m sure of it 💵💵💵
Thanks for posting. I had a 1969 650 Lightning that I bought from a friend. I replaced a lot of worn out parts with new from a dealer here in Michigan. I foolishly sold the bike in the late 70's. A few years ago I bought a 1971 650 Bitsa. It's a Thunderbolt lower with a Lightning head on it. Not a lot of stock panels on it. I have only seen 1other BSA in my area in the last several years. Again thanks for posting a very informative video.
Hi Freddie,congratulations on your history of the BSA, very well presented, and planned.Also Monica has great camera skills in shooting the different focal points. I have been riding bikes since 1965 so I had a BSA 650 1954 plunger model Golden Flash a great engine I rebuilt it and that’s how I took up motor mechanics. I paid 59 pounds Ten shillings for it from Pride and Clark stockwell road of London, although I lived in Essex. I live in Sweden now still riding have a 22 1250 gs as I’m 72 years old. I used to live in Woodbridge so I love watching your channel as I recognize all the areas you ride down. I predict this will be your biggest success this blog, very well executed, 🇸🇪🏍🥂👍
Pride and Clark in Stockwell was where I often went for parts, or to view the latest motorbikes in the showrooms opposite (happy days 😄)
Thank you so much Philip, I’m delighted you enjoyed the video!🙂
It was eye opening for me how difficult it is/was to start these older bikes- it’s so much more in-depth, intense and demanding.
So glad to hear you’re still riding, and in Sweden!🙂🇸🇪 I have a lot of family out there and must do a biking trip over soon
This could possibly be my all time favorite video from you guys. Truly wonderful. A great history lesson. The only thing I wish I could have seen is you Freddie doing a running bump start on that old Gold Star. I’m a till death Harley man. But I got my start on a 1971 BSA Lightning, 37 years ago in the Bronx. I never rode a bike before. Shifting on the wrong side, tickling the carbs till the gas ran down the side cases. Kicking my brains out till it started. Sometimes burning my pants when it shot fire out of the carbs. Learning about the wonders of the Lucas electrical system. Ya that’s how it started for me. It blew a piston on the interstate one day. And that was it. It was great to see where it was made. And here’s a little Harley, BSA, Triumph info for ya. Harley flathead riders love pre-unit English bikes. You pull out the 3 speed Harley tranny and put the English one in, and with a little American ingenuity you get 4 speeds which gives your WLA the ability to hit the ton. Glad to see you ride an old bike Freddie. And if you can get that Goldie for $20k. You better buy it.
Splendid production Freddie and Monica.
Hi Freddie, you looked ill at ease on the original Gold Star and so you should, it's more than twice your age. Kudos for trying it, I bet your lower sphincter muscle was puckering 😚, I no stranger to right hand upside down gear shifts myself. I learned to ride a bike straight from a dealer's showroom and I'm still here, it was a Fizzy. Well done on the presentation. Another winter glove tip, when riding on motorways and A roads stop at service stations and warm your hands and the inside of your gloves with the hot air dryers!
Haha you must’ve been the classic type of customer for Lloyd Cooper’s in the 70s. I was told they couldn’t make Fizzys fast enough- they flew out of the showroom!
Brilliant Freddie; that original Goldie is a thing of beauty, thank you for the effort you put into this video. Ride safe and take care.
Awesome video and awesome content Thank’s Freddie and Monika
Thank you so much Jason!🙂
Freddie that was a masterpiece .It will be watched and enjoyed for years to come . My dad who was born in 1918 in Smallheath worked at B S A before world war 2 . Before he passed away in 2003 he asked me to take him back to Small heath but everytime i offered he didnt feel up to it ,he was 84 . I have rode all my life now 74 at the end of this month . had a new 650 B S A Thunderbolt in 1969 ,£299 on the road as it was part of a cancelled export order . Ibought it from Elite Motors of Tooting south London. I have a pair of Lloyd Cooper leather bike gloves and didnt know their story as a dealership so thanks for that . My wife Linda has a 1951 B S A bantam in our living room ,its the same age as her. we still ride today on motor scooters locally . our favourite coffee shop is The Triumph Visitor Centre which is only a few miles from us through the lanes .I know you and Monica have been there as i watched the video you did . regards to you both .
I grew up on Armoury Road during the 70s and 80s. All my older family members worked at the factory and were made redundant when it closed. Just as a side note. A 10 minutes in the very spot where you were standing is the exact site of the first factory. The four story building was used to make sidecars, I believe. The main "new building " was built in 1915 for the war effort. It was demolished in the 70s. This was the main assembly track. When the factory was closed, I was shown around d by the security guard one summer evening. Half built bikes were still there on the track, complete with overalls just hung up on the track as if they had just left. So many stories .
my dad worked there at the same time.
I was one of the security guards that worked at BSA after closure. All machines had gone. But so nostalgic to walk round. Just an amazing place.
@@paulshenton6527 it was a Mr Gillet if I remember correctly
@@tonywhite5033 Thanks for the info. I worked for Securicor at the time. It was a hell of a job, keeping the copper and metal thieves away from the back of the building. There were a few internal rooms, that were locked down that contained mortorcycles. We were told by owner of site never to open or go in these storage rooms. Amazing on how many new engine parts were left lying around. Cam shafts for Rocket 3's etc etc. One other thing was we all had the impression of how run down the place was. Warped floors, etc.. Looked like management had spent nothing in maint for years and years. Just a great sadness that those in power let a great company go to the wall. They always gave impression that they had not got a clue. Ohh well. At least BSA and Royal Enfield are back.
My 1st big bike was a 1972 BSA A65L which I bought s/h as a 19 year old in 1976 from a work colleague in Acton. Working at that time in a hospital and used to head to the coast or the Lake District with tent and sleeping bag strapped to the back.
Got chased by a police Rover V8 but caught cos silly me ran out of ⛽ petrol after some 10 - 15mins of hot riding through West London (only a 2gallon tank!).
After 5 years of ownership she got sold to my friend but, bought her back in 2004 and did some restoration work. Tears rolled down my eyes as she started on the 1st kick.
Needs finishing as this Export Lightning’s been off the road for some 15 years.
We‘re still in contact but my beeza‘s buried deep in the garage.
I wanted to sell that Lightning but my wife stopped me, which is why I‘m lucky to have 2 other bikes to ride.
Good wife.
This is amazing- what a story!!!!!!😃🏍️🚓
I saved this for morning coffee. What a great way to wake up and such an enjoyable watch. I’m looking forward to them showing up in the USA.
My neighbor who is in his late 70s has a poster in his garage of his old BSA Goldstar. Every time I stop by on my bike he talks about his Goldie. I need to buy one just to bring it by and let him see it. Hopefully they show up in dealers here in the USA soon.
Nice mini documentary on BSA. I see why culture and history to you in Europe is so in love with the brand. TAYM, giggled the entire time when he rode his. I didn't really understand. I live in America and don't have that connection to Indian or Harley Davidson. In today's world, most don't care about culture and progress, but I do understand the importance of the fountain pen and how to start a fire. It's the foundation that created what we have today and the trouble we have experienced. Love the video. Reminds me of all my experiences that made me who I am today. Go BSA!
That is beautifully well said🙂
@FortNine finally has some competition if you keep on going like this. You're telling the story of why biking is dear to many peoples hearts.
Great video Freddie! It's really interesting to hear the story of BSA, and how it is now emerging back into the forefront of motorcycling.
My memory of BSA motorcycles: I grew up in Southern California, and a young couple moved on to the 1st house on the North side of our little cul-de-sac, Virginia Court. I was motorcycle crazy, in my early teens, and this young married man, I don't even recall his name, had an old BSA 'chopper', this was 50 or so years ago. He asked if I'd like to go for a ride on this bike, with extended front telescopic forks and a long, stepped seat with a padded 'sissy bar' style rear, reclined bolster. I of course jumped at the chance, and the ride was not long, but a thrill nevertheless. I was securely sandwiched behind the owner against the upholstered sissy bar, which was good, because he tore through our neighborhood at high speed, a ride I've never forgotten to this day! Great channel, I just found you and subscribed! Thanks, and great work!
Nice to see you yesterday Allen and Owen, Awesome sound pon The Bsa keep up the Good Work.
Thanks Freddie / Monika to another brilliant video
Thanks bothnof you, for another brilliant video! Lovely piece of history. My dad Rode a military BSA 500 during his National Service in Norway (1959-1961) and has told me they were excellent for the time😊
Great piece of motorcycle history! Well done, you two 👍✌
Love history, love motorbikes & love watching you guys. My perfect video 👍
You’re driving the real thing lucky guy, enjoy it !!
greetings from Italy
I like how you two make videos, such a happy chappy!! It is very important to protect that former headquarters for BSA bikes!!!
In 68 bought my first bike from Coburn and Hugh's , aka slow burning fuse , Harringay , London . A BSA Starfire 250. After my test bought a Norton Commando. Later I went Japanese and was surprised how trouble free and easy to service. In my dotage recently I bought a Starfire , a lot of trouble. I now ride a starship , Honda PCX . I'm 80 years.
My 1st road bike was a (60 or 70's) Bonneville with a left foot shifter. I was racing bicycles at the time so I had the bicycle set up with the shifter on the left side. Bought a new Bonnie when they started production again but have been riding BMW's for probably 40 years. Last year sold my last BMW and bought a new Bud Eakins T120 and I am in 7th heaven. Love the bike. Kudos on your video, I will be watching it over and over. Keep yup the great work.
Arne from New Mexico
once again, a fantastic programme
Wow!!! Fantastic storytelling, Thanks from Seattle.
Always enjoy the history you give us but by far the best yet.
Excellent.
Safe, happy travels 👍
Thanks!🙌🏻
What a brilliant video, Freddie. Enjoying your content.
Freddie the true story is even more complex than the one you actually told. Norton Villiers did buy Triumph - just not the Meriden factory producing the Bonneville. The new company became known as NVT or Norton Villiers Triumph and they mostly built the Norton Commando 850 and T160V Trident - the Triumph Trident being built at Small Heath. Unfortunately without the Bonnie they only staggered on for a couple of years.
I was searching for BSA history and saw this video. Thanks a lot for this informative video and I look forward to more such videos on legendary motorcycles.
I’ve been waiting for that video! Thank you, Freddie!
Freddie, I was the proud owner of a 1966 BSA A65 [650CC twin] Clubman in South Australia in 1968/9. Great Motorcycle. The New Gold Star looks a lot like that bike, except it had more chrome, bigger tank, crash bars front and rear, and white pinstripes on the top edge the seat. SA Police at the time had the A65 Lightning, but the Clubman looked much better.
Another great video guys, I am running a couple of weeks behind at the moment but wanted to say what a great episode this was. You can really tell that a lot of research went into making this one, you guys are getting more professional by the minute.
This is not Freddie it is a scam! They do it on multiple popular channels.
Well done Freddie and Monica!
I’ve been looking forward to this video and thoroughly enjoyed it. What an amazing privilege you had to ride that iconic original Goldie Freddie. I began riding in 1976 and have owned so many nice bikes, all Japanese. But the older I get, the more I fancy owning a genuine early British bike, they just have something about them. Great job of telling the BSA story, very interesting, also good to see the old factory site. Just a little surprised you didn’t give a little more on your further impressions of this new model. (Perhaps your silence on the matter is indicative!) Well done, looking forward to the next vid.
My Granfather lived in Meriden. I remember going past the Triumph factory as a kid..Im really sad that they demolished it. It should have been kept for heritage. I also was taken to visit my grandfather in a side car fixed to a BSA A10. Riden by my Auntie. Great memories.
What a great walk back through a truly British product and so much history we need to make sure doesn't disappear just because it relates to motorbikes. So sad that we have lost all this industry abroad, lets see if BSA can make it this time around. Great video.
Well! A very handsome lad telling the story of a very handsome motorcycle. Very nicely produced. This is truly professional broadcast quality. Subbed of course
Freddie, Great content, editing and writing. Thanks so much for the entertainment and information.
I bought my first proper motorcycle , BSA SS80 ( C15 ) in 1964 . ( reg FNO 918 B ) , It cost me £250 , £1 for every cc . I earned 3 Guineas a week ! One to my mum , one to spend and one to save for the Bike ! .
Now I have a Triumph T100 Black 2015 at age 76 ! . Brilliant ! .
Joined the 59 club in ‘64 and went shopping one day in Harrod’s with Rev’ Bill Shergold and got told off for taking the day off work ! .
I believe he was riding a Norton Dominator at the time if I remember correctly .
Great video Fred I played on the BSA site in the 70s all a ruin then of course.we played also on the wooden hill towards the canel that's where they tested the bikes I believe it's still there.
Excellent job Freddie!Well researched and thoroughly enjoyed! Thanks!
Fantastic documentary on BSA
That's my kind of bike. I could see your eyes when you pulled out on that 1959 . I would have the same that is a lot of pressure . Another great video
Thanks Frederick🙌🏻 I was very, very scared!
Just finished “Hell’s Angeles” book and asked myself a question where the hell are all of the BSA motorcycles if they were so popular back in the day. Thanks for the video
Thanks Freddie I really enjoyed watching this 👍
Been looking to this video all day dude...
Since yesterday when you announced this release...bring it on.
So tempted by the new BSA, HMMMM
Thanks Colin, I hope you enjoy it!🙂
INCREDIBLE video!! Thank you so much! I loved every second of it. I admire your passion for the subject. Added a few of these places to my list for when I visit England!
Congrats, great project and as you say, thoroughly uplifting story coming into 2023
Thanks ..awesome BSA history..i enjoyed every minute!!
Great video on the history of BSA Freddie, in 1968 when I was 16 my dad bought me a new bantam & after a short while the forks where rubbing on the mudguard, my dad rang the dealer but he wasn’t interested so he rang BSA & they said bring it down & they will sort it ( I live in Cheshire).
I went with a mate on the back & when we arrived at the factory the took us to the canteen & fed us, then shown us around the floor, I remember seeing lots of bantam bushman models & the highlight was they were testing the new to be Rocket 3, I remember them doing wheelies on them.
They completed the job & off we went back home.
I seem to remember there was a bridge across the road between the factories with a BSA logo on it.
I can relate to what you said about riders picking there bikes up & crashing before they got down the road as that was how it was done back in the day, no training just get on & ride hehe, I learned riding round a field with my mates then on my 16 birthday out on the road, no experience at all.
I hope the bike is a success for them.
These days I’m a Triumph Tiger owner & am due to go to the factory tour soon so I will have been to both factories albeit 55 years apart.
I was born and grew up a couple of miles from the BSA factory in Golden Hillock road Birmingham. Some of my pals worked there, I could tell stories about that. I had a Rocket Goldstar in the sixties, sold it and bought a 750 Interceptor. Great times.
Fantastic- I’m sure the Rocket was Lazenby’s (James Bond) bike of choice in the ‘60s. Stunning machine!!
Ohh Freddie & Monika, you’ve completely entertained me with this history & story of one the best British motorcycle companies ever known. All credit to both of you! Your energy, hard-work & adventures are unmatched. Very much appreciated 👍. Would you buy one Freddie? I can see it in the tea leaves 👌 A super cool machine for an absolute superstar ⭐️ Forget the Defender 😉 This or the Royal Enfield 🙏
Thank you Freddie and Monica, fantastic and interesting content
Love the clocks on the original !
Fantastic Freddy. Very educational
In the early 60s I had a AJS 500 twin it was a nice bike,but always remember washing my bike down outside my house in Edmonton.Then I heard the special whistle that you only got from the exhaust of a goldie and my mate had just bought a brand new one( Price then £350) all the lads came out in the street and we still talk about today,great days.