India Mahindra Acquired UK-Based BSA Motorcycle Company

bsaMahindra, under Mahindra subsidiary Classic Legends Pvt Ltd. acquired 100% of UK motorcycle maker BSA. The move was a much anticipated one although Mahindra was also contemplating the acquisition of Norton.

The principal activity of BSA is licensing of brands related to motorcycles. Incorporated in the UK, the company has also presence in Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, USA, Mexico and Canada.

Mahindra stated that this acquisition will enable Classic Legends to acquire or obtain license of the BSA brand and utilize the same for selling marketing, distributing motorcycles globally. Over the years, Mahindra has been on acquisition spree and has quite a few auto brands under its umbrella. Last year, it acquired a 76.06% controlling stake in Pininfarina, South Korean automaker SYM motorcycle brand and last year 51% of Peugeot Motorcycles

13 Responses to “India Mahindra Acquired UK-Based BSA Motorcycle Company”


  1. 1 Guy Oct 25th, 2016 at 8:21 am

    Oh dear.

  2. 2 Tom Ryan Oct 25th, 2016 at 9:39 am

    If BSA is really back, hopefully Mahindra’s designers will use Triumph as a template for creating some nice bikes in the future.

  3. 3 Woody's Oct 25th, 2016 at 11:43 am

    Sad.

  4. 4 eatmesomecake Oct 25th, 2016 at 2:06 pm

    Would you rather have the company be dissolved, or have them bought out and made in India?

  5. 5 Woody's Oct 25th, 2016 at 5:10 pm

    Dissolved. It’s just a name, and other domestic makers will be glad to build bikes for their home customers.

  6. 6 James just another crazy kiwi Oct 25th, 2016 at 6:51 pm

    I was hoping Triumph might buy Norton,

    A BSA made in India with no BSA parent company still in England is no longer a BSA

    Birmingham Small Arms, a very long legacy. guess this may well be the end.

    My first bike was a Gold flash………………..

  7. 7 hacksaws garage Oct 25th, 2016 at 11:37 pm

    not sure it matter much one way or another.
    RE has done ok. Sym bikes badged BSA could suck. but they do have a classic looking single that sells cheap. i didnt know france made bikes. must be mopeds.

    if they build shit, its sinful. if they actually build a decent bike, or any bike at all, we shall wait and see.

    i own 2 BSA’s no, 3 actually.

  8. 8 baddad Oct 26th, 2016 at 6:07 am

    Indian Tata already owns Jaguar and Rover.
    BSA will stay in England and next month they will present new V4 1200 cc sport bike. Looks very nice and expensive.. Kind of new Ariel.

  9. 9 Guy Oct 26th, 2016 at 12:32 pm

    baddad, I think you mean Norton, they are revealing a new V4 next month. If BSA is built in England I will be interested, a re badged Indian made bike I will not. Saying that Brough Superior is back with a quality bike bit its made in France not England. The way things are going I guess. Apparently only 65% of Harley is made in the US now, anyone know if this is a fact?

  10. 10 Woody's Oct 26th, 2016 at 1:38 pm

    Agree 100% with our resident crazy Kiwi Sold my A65 last year, no interest in an Indian-built replacement.

  11. 11 Highrider Oct 26th, 2016 at 6:58 pm

    It is too bad that the buying public is so narrow in their choices, I personally would have preferred a English Co rebrand and build 2 types of BSA’s 1. A modern Bike, 2. A few retros Lightnings and Rockets
    The 1972 BSA Rocket was a nice bike and a retro, might temp me.
    If an Indian Company can do this, more power to them.

  12. 12 nicker Oct 29th, 2016 at 1:50 pm

    A “modernish” gold star would be cool….. !!!

    -nicker-

  13. 13 Bean're Oct 31st, 2016 at 8:16 am

    Will be interesting to see if they build another single cylinder ( which is the market over in Asia) or something bigger. By the way, Asia has a HUGE motorcycle market but for practical, cheap and small motorcycles ( what we would call mopeds). A company could thrive on sales over there regardless of what we think or buy.

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Cyril Huze