After a few years of Australian riders watching from the sidelines as BSA's resurrection unfolded in the UK and Europe, the iconic British brand is finally heading Down Under. And it's being brought here by someone who knows a thing or two about building motorcycle brands: former Australian Motocross champion and KTM Australia architect, Jeff Leisk.
When Jeff sat down with us in late December 2025, there was genuine excitement in his voice. This wasn't just another business deal, it was the culmination of months of careful planning to bring a brand with serious heritage back to Australian soil.
"To be honest, it wasn't something I was looking for," Jeff admits. "When I heard that BSA wanted to enter the Australian market, somebody reached out to me and the more I looked at it and started to understand what they're trying to do and how they resurrected the company and the success story they've been having in the UK and other markets throughout Europe, it really started to get me interested."
Jeff started riding bikes when he was about 7 years old. His father was a speedway rider at Claremont Speedway, and motorcycles were simply part of the family DNA. His journey took him from riding mini bikes and motocross, through to a professional career that saw him compete on the world stage. From motocross he evolved into enduro, then adventure riding. Now, he's in the next phase of his motorcycling journey: where you go for a ride with mates, drink coffee, and just enjoy it. You enjoy the camaraderie and simply enjoy being on two wheels, and here is a little secret, he thinks the new BSA's are absolutely perfect for that.
Building Community. Not Just Selling Bikes
If there's one thing Jeff learned during his time with KTM, it's that creating opportunities for people to ride together is what builds lasting brand loyalty.
"We really developed the KTM adventure rallies and events like that which were very successful. I've never been afraid to get up close to my customers, go riding with them. I really feel like you don't really need to send a survey out if you're actually interacting directly with your customers on a regular basis. I think they tell you what they like and also, most importantly, tell you what they don't like."
This hands-on approach will be central to how Leisk Moto Imports operates. The plan is to build a genuine BSA community in Australia that connects with the brand's rich heritage. ”We want to build a community around the brand," Jeff emphasises. "It's something that we'll be working with the dealers on as well.”
The Right Dealers, Not Just Any Dealers
Jeff's approach to building the dealer network is refreshingly selective. Rather than chasing numbers, he's looking for quality partners who genuinely connect with what BSA represents.
"I'm trying to find some diamonds in the rough," he says. "I'm trying to find people that really do have the passion for the product. They don't have too many other brands in their portfolio so they can have a level of focus and they can kind of connect with the BSA philosophy."
Leisk Moto Imports will have representation in every state, with Jeff already on the road meeting prospective dealers. "We're out on the road in a couple of weeks, already been talking to some prospectives and I think we've already found a couple of really good partners," Jeff says. These will be carefully selected multi-brand dealers who share the brand's values and can provide the level of service BSA customers deserve.
Parts and Service: Doing It Right
Here's where Jeff's experience really shines through. Too many importers treat parts and service as an afterthought, outsourcing to third parties and hoping for the best. Not Leisk Moto Imports.
Spare parts is something they're laser-focused on, ensuring they can deliver exceptional service to both dealers and end customers. They'll be handling parts in-house rather than outsourcing. It's something Jeff feels very strongly about, putting their hands directly on parts supply to make sure they're backing up the product properly. When you're growing a brand, that kind of commitment is critical.
This in-house approach to parts means faster turnaround times, better communication, and accountability when issues arise. It's the kind of attention to detail that separates successful importers from the rest.
And it's not just about parts, they’re thinking about the complete ownership experience. BSA already has a fantastic accessory range in the product line, from jeans and jackets to shirts. It's a cool brand, and the logo looks as good as it ever did.
The Lineup: Something for Everyone
Leisk Moto Imports will be bringing in the full BSA range, and every model is learner-approved, a significant advantage in the Australian market.
The Bantam 350 is selling very strongly in the UK and from reports it stacks up very well against its competitors in terms of its specification and performance. They will be bringing in the full range of Bantams, the full range of Goldstars, as well as the new Scrambler 650.
Perhaps most exciting is the Thunderbolt 350, a low-capacity adventure bike expected to arrive towards the end of 2026. "I think it will be a very strong seller in our part of the world," Jeff predicts. The Thunderbolt is BSA's answer to the growing low-capacity adventure segment. There’s a clear shift happening in the adventure market toward lighter, more manageable bikes, and the Thunderbolt slots perfectly into that trend.
"We feel like we're going to have a good position in the market with our price. We want to offer a great product that has heritage, beautiful styling and at an accessible price point."
Timeline and What's Next
The first bikes are expected to arrive in June 2026, though Jeff's hoping it might be a bit earlier. The ADR compliance process is underway, and the team is confident there won't be any issues.
"We've already looked into it. We're confident that it'll just be a process that we have to follow and it just takes a little bit of time to get that done," Jeff explains.
A few test and evaluation bikes will arrive earlier, hopefully by February, which will be moved around to various dealer points to let customers see the bikes in person. While they can't be ridden on the road yet, they'll give people a proper look at what's coming.
What This Means for Australian Riders
BSA's arrival in Australia brings something special to a highly competitive segment. While the learner-approved middleweight market is crowded with capable machines, BSA offers exceptional heritage that few can match. This is a brand with genuine British motorcycle history dating back over a century, and under new ownership, that heritage is now backed by the resources and scale to deliver modern reliability and global support.
The fact that every model is learner-approved opens the brand up to new riders, returning riders, and anyone who values accessibility and heritage over outright performance.
The emphasis on community, quality dealer support, and in-house parts handling suggests this is a long-term commitment to building something sustainable and meaningful in the Australian market.
Leisk Moto Imports is based in Perth, Western Australia. For more information about becoming a BSA dealer or to register your interest in the bikes, visit leiskmotoimports.com.au
We will be getting our hands on the new BSA range once they arrive in Australia. If there's a particular BSA model you'd like us to review, let us know.