Born-Again Beezers

BORN-AGAIN BEEZERS

YOU THINK THE DEAD don't rise from their graves? Consider the strange case of BSA, and its Bantam and Gold Star models. Bantam first: Originally designed as a DKW, the Bantam became a BSA, as well as a Harley Hummer, through World War II reparations ("To the victors go the spoils," right?) and was built in England through 1971 as a 175cc econo-runabout. Then, BSA died.

So now along comes Petr-Karel Korous and his reborn MZ facto ry, based at the old DKW plant in Zschopau, Germany. Korous struck a deal to build small-bore Beezers with British-based BSA Regal (owners of the BSA name).

Drawn by noted London de sign firm Seymour Powell, this new Bantam doesn't exactly exist yet. Sure, there are two prototypes, one powered by a Brazilian-built Honda 125 Sin gle, the other by a Taiwanese copy of the same engine. And sure, Korous is working toward a 1998 production date. But where the bike will be built de pends on the desires of MZ's new business partner, Hong A Leong, which manufacturers Yamaha-powered motorcycles in Malaysia and is planning to build a factory in China.

Regardless, the prototypes are functional, and given Korous' track record in developing new models, it would be unwise to bet against their being produced.

Meanwhile, a new Gold Star has already reached production in Eng land. Built by BSA-Regal itself, the so-called Gold SR 400 is pow ered by a 399cc Yamaha Single, and looks like a cross between an original 1 960s BSA Gold Star and a Yamaha SR500. Obviously de signed to appeal to classic enthusi asts, the bike's only concession to modern engineering is electronic ignition; starting is by right-side kick only, the narrow, wire-spoked wheels measure 18 inches in diam eter, and drum brakes are fitted at both ends. Production is expected to be in the range of 300 units per year, with a suggested retail price of $8250. The high price is not ex pected to hinder demand one bit, however; in fact, the Japanese Daytona International Trading Corp. has

already ordered 200 units.

These two born-again Beezers tell the world that BSA is back: Britain's "other" most famous marque, alongside Triumph, has taken its first steps on the long and winding road to revival.

Alan Cathcart