The BSA Gold Star is a motorcycle made by BSA from 1938 to 1963. They were
350 cc and 500 cc single-cylinder four-stroke production motorcycles known
for being among the fastest bikes of the 1950s. Being hand built and with
many optional performance modifications available, each motorcycle came from
the factory with documented dynamometer test results, allowing the new owner
to see the horsepower produced.
The BSA Fury prototype motorcycle built in 1970. Designed by
Edward Turner but substantially redesigned by Bert Hopwood and Doug Hele, the
Fury never went into commercial production due to the collapse of the BSA Group.
Launched in 1971, the 349 cc (21.3 cu in) double overhead cam twin BSA E35 was
branded the BSA Fury. It was essentially the same motorcycle as the Triumph
Bandit and represented the BSA factory's last attempt to compete against
Japanese imports. The frame used for the Fury designed by Rob North was the same
as that used on the racing BSA triples and a 'Street Scrambler' E35SS and road
version the E35R were developed during 1971. Featuring upswept twin silencers,
the SS had an optional electric starter and indicators and 26 mm Amal concentric
carburettors. The Fury delivered 34 bhp (25 kW) and could reach 110 mph (180
km/h). BSA invested their scarce resources on publicity for the Fury under the
slogan "A new kind of Power". Multi-page brochure inserts were put in all of the
major US motorcycle publications and BSA and Triumph were counting on the Fury
and Bandit to bring them back into profitability. Promotional photographs for
the new bike (featuring BSA/Triumph Chief Stylist Stephen Mettam and British
actress-model Karen Young posing in the grounds of Umberslade Hall) were
produced, the Fury also having been included in the 1971 BSA customer brochure.
Financial problems
BSA invested heavily in modernising and reorganising their Small Heath factory
in Birmingham and the research and design facility at Umberslade Hall, with the
aim of improving efficiency and becoming more competitive. The Directors asked
for full cooperation from the workforce and agreed a 10% cut in their own
salaries. By the summer of 1972 BSA had an £8,000,000 trading loss and work was
delayed by staff disputes. By November 1972 BSA Group debts exceeded £20
million. Design work continued on 4 and 5 cylinder versions of the Fury but by
November 1972 BSA had to give in to creditors and the BSA Group was forced into
a partnership with Norton as its debts exceeded £20 million. The Fury, which was
to have saved the company, never went into commercial production and only eight
prototypes survived.
Any corrections or more information on these motorcycles will be kindly appreciated.