BSA reputedly was working on an all-new, alloy-barrelled replacement in 1971 before the company collapsed. Production continued through the 1960s and the Bantam remained a popular first bike or commuter, although now aging. A larger 150c D3 followed in 1953 with 175cc versions, with improved suspension and comfort soon after. BSA engineers produced a mirror-image of the design to create the traditional British right-hand gearchange and adapted it for Imperial fasteners and the first 125cc Bantam, the D1, went into production in 1948 which, thanks to its bargain £60 price and utilitarian manners proved a big success. So it may be some surprise that, in truth, the Bantam wasn’t a BSA design at all, instead being based on the German DKW RT125 that was received as war reparations (versions were also made in Russia and Poland). The Bantam was the complete polar-opposite to the Gold Star, being a cheap, utility two-stroke, but that very affordability made it an enormous success, again primarily through the 1950s, with well in excess of 250,000 built. Top ten most underrated bikes you can buy today Bantam (1948-1971)
The move to unit construction ended production in 1963 and today the Gold Star is considered one of the most desirable and successful BSAs of all. Post-WW2, bespoke production of 350cc (B32) and 500cc (B34) versions resumed, could be specified in road, trials, enduro, MX (then ‘scrambles’) or road racing trim and proved the most popular production racer of the ‘50s.
Hand-built with an alloy 496cc engine and lightweight frame it was one of the best performing motorcycles of the day. The following year, TT star Wal Handley lapped Brooklands for the first time at over 100mph on the 500cc version and awarded a Brooklands ‘Gold Star’ pin in recognition which prompted BSA to make a commemorative Gold Star version the following year. By the late 1930s BSA had built a deserved reputation for its performance singles, most notably the 1932 Blue Star, designed by celebrated engineer Val Page and available in 250, 350 and 500cc forms, which then morphed into the Silver Star in 1936, so named to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of King George V that year. How better to start than with the Gold Star, but not just because the alloy-barrelled single is arguably the most famous and successful BSA of all, but also because it has one of the longest histories of all, too.
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