BSA CONFIRMED FOR AUSTRALIAN RETURN

Following its rebirth in 2016 under the ownership of India’s Mahindra Group, BSA is set to make its return to Australia – more than 50 years after the last model was built under British ownership.

One of the most iconic names in the history of motorcycling, BSA is coming back to Australia with three all-new models – Gold Star 650, Scrambler 650, and Bantam 350.

Leisk Moto Imports, headed by respected industry veteran, Jeff Leisk, has been appointed as the Australian distributor, with the new BSA range to reach local enthusiasts this year.

Birth, Death. . .

With heritage as a motorcycle manufacturer dating back to 1910, and an even longer history in the armaments industry, BSA (Birmingham Small Arms) became the world’s largest producer of motorcycles in the 1950s, exporting to all corners of the globe. However, by the late 1960s, a series of poor management decisions, combined with the growing popularity of Japanese motorcycles, put not only BSA, but the entire British motorcycle industry in jeopardy. In 1971, the BSA Group was in the red, followed by bankruptcy, with the final bikes to bear the famous badge produced in 1973.

. . . and Renewal

After a series of failed or short-lived BSA revivals under various owners, India’s Mahindra group announced in 2016 that they had purchased trademarks and the rights to the BSA name. Best known for the 4x4 utes, SUVs and tractors they export to the Australian market, Mahindra stated they would put BSA back into production via their Classic Legends subsidiary that has also revived Jawa.

Using a model similar to that of Royal Enfield, the new BSA features management and manufacturing in India, with design and engineering work split between the UK and India.

The first all-new BSA – the Gold Star 650 – was unveiled in 2021 and hit the UK market the following year. Powered by a 652cc liquid-cooled single that’s Euro5+ compliant, the new Gold Star’s styling is heavily influenced by the original Rocket Gold Star from the 1960s, including chromed tank panels and mudguards, wire spoke wheels, a twin shock rear and analogue gauges. Braking and safety equipment is to modern standards, though, with Brembo calipers on ventilated discs and ABS as standard.

Following the Gold Star 650, a Scrambler 650 was unveiled in 2024 and went to market in 2025, with the Bantam 350 debuting last year. Most recently, BSA revealed the Thunderbolt 650. Expected to go into production this year, the Thunderbolt also borrows a name from BSA’s past, applying it to an adventure bike on the 650 platform.

Aussie Imports

While BSA has been available in several European markets, the UK, Japan and New Zealand for several years, it hasn’t found a satisfactory Australian importer. That’s now changed, with Leisk Moto Imports (LMI) officially appointed as the official importer and distributor of BSA for the Australian market.

Headed up by Jeff Leisk, who’s best known for his long association with KTM, including serving as KTM Australia’s Managing Director for more than 20 years, LMI will bring experience in distribution, dealer development, marketing, racing and customer engagement.

“We are honoured to represent such an iconic heritage brand,” Leisk said. “BSA has a proud history and an exciting future.

“Our focus is to build a professional national dealer network and connect meaningfully with the dedicated BSA community across Australia. We look forward to supporting our dealer partners and delivering an exceptional ownership experience for Australian riders.”

LAMS Approved, Coming Soon

To get the new BSA in front of as many enthusiasts as possible, LMI are in the process of establishing a nationwide dealer network, with the first bikes expected to reach Australian shores by mid-2026.

All bikes for the local market will be LAMS approved, which is sure to appeal to older enthusiasts who remember the original BSA and want to return to riding, as well as youngsters who appreciate the range’s retro styling.

Watch this space for further updates on BSA’s local arrival, including pricing and more details, as the Australian launch draws nearer.