Once a lightweight two-stroke motorcycle produced between 1948 and 1971, the Bantam returns in a modern avatar, this time as a Euro 5+ compliant, retro-styled 350cc four-stroke roadster developed for global markets.
Developed under the Classic Legends umbrella, the Mahindra-owned firm that also controls the Jawa and Yezdi brands, the new Bantam 350 is based on the Jawa 42 FJ platform but carries distinctive BSA styling. It will serve as the entry-level model in BSA's international portfolio, with a launch roadmap covering major European markets including the UK, Germany, France, and Italy.
Design
The Bantam 350 sports a neo-retro design that pays homage to its iconic predecessor. Key styling elements include a round headlamp with a protective grille, a teardrop-shaped fuel tank, blacked-out mechanicals, short front and rear fenders, fork gaiters, and a minimalist tail section. Unique design flourishes include the Union Jack badge on the tank and the "Three Gun Salute" emblem on the crankcase, along with a premium-looking silver-finished twin exhaust.
Buyers will also get a choice between analogue or digital instrument clusters, offering a modern interface without losing vintage charm. The Bantam 350 is available in five striking colours: Avalon Grey, Oxford Blue, Firecracker Red, Barrel Black, and Victor Yellow.
Powertrain
The bike draws power from a 334cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, DOHC Alpha 2 engine, the same unit found in the Jawa-Yezdi family. Tuned for everyday usability, it delivers 29PS at 7750rpm and 29.62Nm of torque at 6000rpm, mated to a 6-speed gearbox. The setup ensures a flexible powerband that accommodates both city commuting and spirited weekend rides.
Suspension and braking
Underpinned by the same mechanicals as its Jawa sibling, the Bantam 350 features telescopic hydraulic forks (135mm stroke) at the front and twin shock absorbers at the rear with 5-step adjustable preload and 100mm of travel. It rolls on 18-inch front and 17-inch rear alloy wheels, shod with tubeless tyres.
Braking duties are handled by a 320mm front disc and a 240mm rear disc, both governed by dual-channel ABS, providing strong and reliable stopping power. The bike tips the scales at 185kg (kerb), offers a 13-litre fuel tank, and features a wheelbase of 1440mm. A seat height of 800mm and 29-degree rake ensure comfort and confidence for a wide range of riders.
Anupam Thareja, Co-founder of Classic Legends, framed the Bantam 350 not just as a motorcycle, but as a symbol of rekindled enthusiasm for classic motorcycling.
"Today, with pride, gratitude, and a bit of audacious hope, I present not just a motorcycle, but a movement: the return of the BSA Bantam. What is the new Bantam 350? It's not a relic, and it's certainly not an imitation. It's a vibrant, modern classic - built on the principles that made the original legendary - simplicity and pure riding joy at an attractive price. In a digital, distracted world, the spirit of motorcycling is shrinking and BSA is here to change that. The new BSA Bantam 350 is built to reignite that passion, especially in the next generation. With a price that invites everyone to start their own two-wheeled story, it's more than a motorcycle - it's a movement," he said.
Though the Bantam is currently intended for international markets and an Indian launch hasn't been confirmed.