The Birmingham Small Arms Company Ltd., known popularly by its acronym BSA, started as a weapons manufacturer in 1861 (Birmingham Small Arms and Metal Co. Ltd.), but went on to become one of the largest motorcycle manufacturers in the world, known colloquially as a "Beeza." BSA's first flirtation with the bicycle industry began in 1881, with the invention of the "Dicycle" which had two large, identically-sized (side-by-side) wheels that were placed on either side of the rider. The Dicycle was also known as the "Otto dicycle," named after its creator E.C.F. Otto. Bicycle and dicycle manufacturing by BSA was short-lived, and by the late 1880s the company discontinued their bicycle production all together. Motorcycle production at BSA began around 1906, at their factory on Armoury Road in Small Heath, Birmingham UK. Early BSA models used engines manufactured by outside suppliers. The first BSA motorcycle built entirely in-house came in 1910, using a 498cc 3 1/2 horsepower single. It was around this time that BSA began its signature forest-green livery with gold pin-striping. The company also produced automobiles beginning in 1907, and in 1910 BSA purchased the British Daimler Company to build its car engines. BSA Motorcycles Ltd. was established as a subsidiary in 1919. BSA began building v-twin engines for their motorcycles in 1921, starting with the 770cc BSA Model A. Best viewed zooooomed.