The championship began in 1988 under 750cc TT Formula I regulations, which remained in place through 1993 before the series transitioned to the Superbike technical rules that now govern it. Through the 1990s, Scottish rider Niall Mackenzie was the standout figure, winning three titles and setting a then-record of 13 race wins in a single season in 1997. Other prominent champions of that era included Neil Hodgson, Troy Bayliss — who used BSB as a springboard before winning the Superbike World Championship — and Steve Hislop.
The 2006 season is remembered as one of the championship's most dramatic conclusions. Ryuichi Kiyonari claimed the title at the final round at Brands Hatch in front of a crowd reportedly exceeding 1.5 million television viewers, defeating Leon Haslam and Gregorio Lavilla in circumstances that went to the last races.
In 2009, Leon Camier delivered the most dominant season in BSB history on the Yamaha, winning 14 races — a new record that bettered Mackenzie's 1997 mark by one — and clinching the title with four rounds still to run. It was precisely this runaway outcome that prompted the championship's most significant structural change.
From 2010, BSB adopted a playoff format inspired by American series such as NASCAR. The season is divided into a Main Season of nine rounds (producing 19 races) and a concluding Showdown of three rounds (seven races). At the end of the Main Season, the top six riders — later expanded to eight for 2021 — are reset to a common base of 500 points, augmented by Podium Credits earned during the main season (three for a win, two for a second, one for a third). Normal FIM points scoring then continues through the Showdown races to determine the champion.
The format has been credited with keeping title fights alive to the final rounds and generating sustained television interest, though it has also attracted criticism from traditionalists who argue it can produce a champion with fewer race wins than a rival.
BSB races at permanent circuits throughout the United Kingdom, with occasional European venues historically included. The current regular venues include Brands Hatch, Oulton Park, Snetterton, Knockhill, Thruxton, Cadwell Park, Donington Park, and Silverstone. The championship also visits TT Circuit Assen in the Netherlands. MotorSport Vision owns a number of these venues as well as administering the series. Stuart Higgs has served as Series and Race Director. Pirelli has been the sole control tyre supplier since 2008.
BSB machines are superbike-specification derivatives of production road motorcycles. Manufacturers historically active in the series include BMW (S1000RR and M1000RR), Ducati (from the 916 through the Panigale V4), Honda (RC30, RC45, RC51, CBR1000RR), Kawasaki (ZXR750, ZX-7RR, ZX-10R, ZX-10RR), Suzuki (GSX-R750, GSX-R1000), and Yamaha (FZR750, YZF750, YZF-R7, YZF-R1).
BSB has moved between broadcasters several times. ITV coverage in 2006 and 2007 produced strong audience figures, with an average UK adult audience of 962,000 per round and a cumulative season audience exceeding 11 million. A move to British Eurosport and Channel 4 highlights from 2008 reduced those numbers to approximately 7 million total viewers across the season. The series has subsequently appeared on Eurosport, ITV, and other platforms.
The BSB is supported by several development and national series running at the same events, including the British Supersport Championship, the National Superstock 1000 Championship, the National Superstock 600 Championship, and the British Motostar Championship.