At a glance:
- BSA Motorcycles, a legendary British brand, shaped the motorcycling world with its engineering excellence and racing heritage.
- The brand played a crucial role in World War II, supplying durable motorcycles like the BSA M20 for military use.
- BSA rallies unite enthusiasts worldwide, celebrating vintage motorcycles through scenic rides, workshops, and community events.
- The 2026 International BSA Rally in New Zealand offers breathtaking landscapes, cultural experiences, and a global gathering of BSA fans.
Not many motorcycle brands stir up the kind of emotion BSA does. Loved by some and debated by others, it’s a name that still gets people talking. Born from British engineering, BSA Motorcycles came to represent an era, the one that’s built on speed, reliability, and craftsmanship. At its peak, BSA was one of the biggest motorcycle manufacturers in the world.
That legacy hasn’t faded. Today, BSA’s spirit rides on through rallies that bring together fans from all corners of the globe. Machines may have changed, but for many, nothing replaces the raw character of a BSA.
Stay with us as we peek into the history of BSA motorbikes and understand everything about the immortal soul of the BSA Rally. It is that one rally that no enthusiastic biker would ever wish to miss.
BSA Motorcycles: An Overview Of The Heritage
The Birmingham Small Arms Company (BSA) began life in the 1860s as an arms-making firm. By the 1880s, the firm had diversified into the production of bicycles, setting the stage for its entry into the motorcycle world. In 1910, BSA built its first motorcycle. BSA then built itself as a force to be reckoned with in the motorcycling world. It was once the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturer, exporting excellent motorcycles to over 50 countries.
BSA’s performance and durability reputation became even clearer during World War II. BSA was critical in providing the British military with reliable motorcycles like the BSA M20. The motorcycle was a favourite during the war, with compliments for its tough construction and durability in extreme battle conditions.
After the war, BSA just went on innovating and leading the motorcycling world. Two of its most iconic bikes, the BSA Gold Star and the BSA Bantam, were stars. These motorcycles cemented BSA’s legacy, and defined motorcycle culture around the world.
Even today, the legacy of BSA motorcycles is mind-boggling. Collectors and vintage motorcycle enthusiasts still value the quality of engineering and inter-generational appeal of the brand. With BSA’s current resurgence under new ownership, the company wishes to marry its past glory with contemporary innovation, propelling classic craftsmanship into the future.
Classic BSA Models: A Throwback Ride
Let’s get to know some of the most classic motorcycles from BSA.
1. BSA Gold Star (1938–1963)
The BSA Gold Star remains one of the most respected British motorcycles of all time. Introduced in the late 1930s, this model was named so because a BSA motorcyclist had been awarded a gold star at the Brooklands circuit for lapping at more than 100 mph. The Gold Star, with its single-cylinder engine, ruled the racing world. It ruled club circuits and road racing, building BSA’s reputation for power and ruggedness.
2. BSA Bantam (1948–1971)
The BSA Bantam was designed as an affordable, lightweight commuter bike, and it became the first motorcycle experience for many new riders. With a small two-stroke engine and simple mechanics, it was low in complexity to ride and maintain. A best-seller with more than 250,000 pieces made, the Bantam brought the motorbike within reach of the commoner in post-war England.
3. BSA A10 Series (1950–1963)
BSA A10 series, the Golden Flash and Super Rocket, featured a 650cc twin-cylinder engine with excellent performance and silky smooth power. The 1950 Golden Flash was the darling of British engineering. The latter, Super Rocket, provided enhanced performance and was popular with riders wanting speed and style.
4. BSA C15 (1958–1967)
The BSA C15 was a 250cc four-stroke motorcycle aimed at the new rider. It was straightforward, uncluttered, and established the standard for future small-capacity motorcycles. The C15 also found favour among off-road and trial motorcyclists, which further entrenched BSA in the off-road competition market.
The Spirit of BSA Rallies
The BSA Rally is not just a regular gathering of bikers; it’s more than that. Riders, enthusiasts, and collectors from around the globe gather together to honour the legacy of BSA. Rallies breathe new life into vintage motorbikes, bringing them out of garages and back onto the road. For riders and fans alike, it’s a chance to relive the past, share stories, and enjoy the thrill of classic machines in motion.
Whether at the local small-club gathering or the highly acclaimed BSA International Rally with participants from bikers all over the globe, they preserve the essence of BSA.
International BSA Rally
One of the world’s most eagerly anticipated BSA enthusiast gatherings, the International BSA Rally traverses numerous countries, bringing together BSA enthusiasts from all around the globe. BSA bikers show off their retro and rare BSA machines, take part in high-octane road journeys, and make ageless friends with other motorbike fanatics.
Every edition of the rally blends adventure and heritage because the riders receive an exclusive opportunity to dive head-on into the heritage of BSA.
Annual All-British Rally in Victoria
Sanctioned by the VIC BSA Club, the Victoria Annual All British Rally is a celebration of British motorcycle engineering. Held on every ANZAC weekend, the rally involves scenic rides through picturesque scenery, live music, and a beautiful display of vintage British motorcycles. Motorcyclists and spectators come together to pay tribute to the classic craftsmanship and tradition of British motorcycling.
Earlier BSA Events
For years, there have been committed enthusiasts hosting rallies and exhibitions in an attempt to keep the BSA’s legacy alive. They have now become icons of motorcycling tradition, where whole generations of bikers converge from all corners with a shared enthusiasm for BSA motorcycles. Whether it’s for tiny club meetings or colossal world rallies, they keep reinforcing that spirit of adventure, artistry, and camaraderie synonymous with the BSA tradition.
Some of the historical BSA events are:
- BSA Owners’ Club Open Day (UK)
- BSA International Rally (Different Locations)
- BSA Owners’ Club Rally (USA)
- BSA Gold Star Anniversary Rally (UK)
2026 International BSA Rally in New Zealand
The 2026 International BSA Rally will be held from February 13th to 20th, 2026, in Silverstream, approximately 30 minutes north of Wellington in New Zealand. It will be a milestone event for BSA enthusiasts, especially for Australian motorcycle enthusiasts, as such grand rallies rarely happen in this part of the world.
If you’re an Aussie rider with a love for classic bikes, this rally is something special. New Zealand’s got the kind of roads you dream about. Twisting coastlines, mountain passes and open stretches through wide valleys and riding them on a BSA just adds to the magic. Mix that with the laid-back festival vibe, local food, and evenings around the fire with fellow riders, and you’ve got the kind of trip that sticks with you forever.
Whether you’ve had a BSA for decades or you’ve just picked one up, you’ll find yourself swapping stories, checking out beautifully restored machines, and learning a thing or two from folks who’ve been around the block. It’s a proper gathering of people who get why these bikes still matter.
Get Routed: Your Motorcycle Shipment Partner
From BSA motorcycles to the rallies that celebrate them, the spirit of motorcycling hasn’t changed. The 2026 International BSA Rally in New Zealand might just be your one chance to be part of it, all set against the backdrop of one of the world’s most breathtaking countries.
Whether you’re chasing the ride of a lifetime or simply soaking up the nostalgia, Get Routed takes care of the logistics so you can focus on what really matters: the adventure ahead.
At Get Routed, we ship your bikes to New Zealand and allow you to delve into captivating sites and gain first-hand experience of the renowned BSA rally in the country’s unique culture.
For more information, get in touch with Get Routed today and start planning your trip of a lifetime!
