First new BSA bike could enter production this summer – Report [Update]

A report from the Banbury Guardian in January talked about the production schedule of the upcoming BSA bike, which would be followed by a BSA electric bike in 2022. The British report said that manufacturing of the internal combustion engine model could start this summer (June-September). The new BSA bike factory, located in Banbury, UK, will create 100 jobs. The BSA Company will construct an R&D centre there, before beginning series production of its new-age bikes.

Production schedules discussed are from before the full impact of the semiconductor chips were felt by the auto industry. We await updates on the production launch from the company.

Jawa electric bike rendering front three quarters
EVW’s idea of a Jawa electric bike pictured for reference. Render by Sreejith Krishnan K.

Since late last year, media hype is forming around the revival of the Mahindra-owned iconic BSA brand, which is working towards the launch of a BSA Electric bike. Anupam Thareja, Head of Classic Legends, talked about the BSA relaunch to businessinsider.com in December 2020.

Classic Legends, a Mahindra Group company, enjoys a controlling stake in BSA since 2016. Thareja said that it would be impossible to see BSA bikes carrying a design from anywhere other than its home, the UK. This indicates that the company has finalized a truly British design for the upcoming bikes, including the BSA electric bike. Further, Thareja said that the brand’s comeback is “design-led,” hinting that its form would be a talking point for customers, not necessarily the electronic gadgets or features.

Design

A report from Autocar says that BSA is likely to plan multiple styles of motorcycles, from a traditional upright retro, a cafe racer and a scrambler, on a single platform. The first BSA electric bike may offer an upright commanding riding position with a retro design. A traditional cafe racer that offers a more engaging ride in a tucked-in riding position and is more agile could follow.

BSA’s comeback

Classic English motorcycle brand BSA is all set to make a comeback, thanks to an investment from Anand Mahindra, Chairman, Mahindra Group, as well as a government grant. A news article on UK’s theguardian.com, had suggested in November 2020 that the BSA electric bike is a major part of the iconic British brand’s revival.

The report said that BSA Company will start the construction of an R&D facility in Banbury, UK very soon. It plans to develop electric bike technology there but launch an internal combustion engine bike first, in 2021. The first BSA electric bike would arrive in the market right after the ICE model’s launch this year, though, as per the report. On the other hand, FT.com had reported that the BSA electric motorcycle would launch by the end of this year, which looks unrealistic at this time.

Anand Mahindra has chosen to invest in the UK for BSA’s resurrection to retain the brand’s production history. The UK government has given BSA Company a GBP 4.6 million grant for developing electric bikes. Anupam Thareja, Founder, Classic Legends, had told the British website that he hoped to construct a new BSA bike plant near the original Small Heath site. The first new petrol BSA bikes would cost between GBP 5,000 and GBP 10,000, it was reported.

The new BSA bikes, including the BSA electric bike, seem to eye customers mainly in the UK and European countries. Would every style that follows spawn an electric version? Guess we’ll just have to wait and find out.

BSA electric bike FAQs

What is the BSA electric bike release date?

The BSA electric bike could be introduced in the UK in 2022.

What are the BSA electric bike competitors?

Provisional competitors include the 2023 Royal Enfield electric bike and products from Harley-Davidson’s Livewire brand.

What is the price of the upcoming BSA electric bike?

The electric motorcycle could be priced around GBP 10,000.

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