1956 BSA M21 with pillion seat and double adult Watsonian sidecar

BSA stands for Birmingham Small Arms, and at one time was the world’s largest producer of motorcycles. Formed in 1861 by fourteen gunsmiths from the Birmingham Small Arms Trade Association, the company flourished at times of war and struggled at others. Small Arms relates to the size of weapon – i.e. hand guns and rifles - with BSA’s logo representing 3 interlocking rifles.

They took to making bicycles in the early 1880s, and made cycle hubs and parts until 1955. The first motorcycle was produced in 1905, and their first car in 1907. After a difficult early few years of the 20^th century, WW1 provided a full order book for both rifles and motorcycles.

Val Page designed the M20/21 – 500 and 600cc side valves – in 1937, and their rugged construction meant they were popular with the Military, with over 120,000 being produced during WW2.

M21s were especially popular with those wanting to pull a sidecar, either with passengers, or for work – over 2000 M21s with a toolbox as the sidecar were used by the AA for many years as breakdown vehicles. When specified for sidecar use, the slow-revving torquey engine was fitted with lower gearing, heavier flywheels and a wider back tyre.