First manufactured in 1948, the unique BSA Bantam was maybe one of the crucial iconic two-wheelers that ushered in a brand new period of motorbike tradition. It was a fairly easy two-stroke single, coming in 125cc, 148cc, and 175cc capacities.
It’s not like a handful have been made again then – BSA produced greater than 500,000 after the Second World Warfare. And it occurred on the peak of BSA’s fame – proper earlier than it acquired Triumph to turn into the most important bike producer on this planet.
Now, some 75 years later, the tables have turned. BSA isn’t precisely on the high of the pile. However what it’s doing at the moment is reemerging from the shadows to launch new bikes after what looks as if an eternity. Backed by Indian auto big Mahindra, the corporate has revealed its newest providing – the revived Bantam.
BSA
There’s not a lot similarity between the 2 iterations. The brand new mannequin is predicated on a sure Jawa (one other Mahindra-owned firm) bike, dubbed the 42 FJ, and it’s possible you’ll not have heard of both Jawa or its bikes, contemplating the model largely serves India, Nepal, the Czech Republic, and different elements of Jap Europe.
The BSA Bantam 350 comes with a liquid-cooled, 4-valve, four-stroke, 334cc single-cylinder engine, with double overhead camshafts. It’s mated to a 6-speed transmission, producing 29 horsepower peak at 7,750 RPM.
This places the Bantam virtually 10 hp and one gear forward of air-cooled singles from Royal Enfield and Honda, which, just like the Bantam, are additionally produced in India. That is substantial contemplating the BSA single will tackle Royal Enfield’s well-liked 350cc household, comprising the retro-styled Basic, the peppy Hunter, the enduring Bullet, and the cruiser-styled Meteor. You might additionally add Honda’s GB350S to that checklist, however it hasn’t precisely been a runaway success just like the Enfields.
BSA
One of many first conditions for nailing a motorcycle within the entry-level retro class is to get the styling proper. Whereas Bantam isn’t any correct cruiser, neither is it precisely a reborn traditional, I like how the bike is styled. Standout throwback touches embody the discreet radiator sliding between the entrance beams of the body, an uncovered single entrance lamp, and the right-way-up forks clad in gaiter on the entrance. Even the clock on the instrument cluster could be set to analog.
It sits on a tubular metal body, telescopic forks, and two pre-tensionable shock absorbers on the rear. You get 5.3 in (135 mm) of journey from the entrance finish and three.9 in (100 mm) of journey on the again. Brakes are supplied by Bybre, an Indian Brembo sub-brand, within the type of discs at back and front.
Like its rivals, the Bantam needs to be a pleasure round city and on nation roads, however it could wrestle on the freeway. Though its 3.4-gallon (13-liter) gas tank ought to supply loads of miles between fill-ups. A 399 lb (185 kg) moist weight and a 31.4-in (800 mm) seat top ought to assist make newbie riders snug.
BSA
Aside from ABS and LED lighting, you don’t get a lot fancy gear on board. BSA has saved issues principally practical, however that’s roughly the norm on this class.
Talking of which, I’ve to confess, the retro 350cc class is thrilling, however it’s a powerful nut to crack. Not solely do you need to provide higher efficiency (which the Bantam does), you additionally must be cautious of pricing your bike proper, which once more, looks as if BSA has gotten proper.
The Bantam is priced at £3,499 within the UK (which converts to round US$4,630). In the identical market, the likes of the Royal Enfield Basic 350 (at £4,639) and the Honda GB350S (£3,999) aren’t solely dearer, however arguably a bit aged. There are additionally better-equipped choices in the marketplace – Triumph’s 400s provide much better efficiency, however then once more, they’re priced upwards of £5,000 within the UK.
BSA
BSA is at the moment energetic in 12 markets worldwide, particularly India, the UK, Turkey, New Zealand, the Philippines, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the US, Australia, and Japan. The Bantam 350 is scheduled to make its gross sales debut within the UK from September 2025 earlier than making its option to different international locations. There isn’t any phrase on a US launch but.
Supply: BSA
