The legendary BSA Bantam name is back—this time in a bold new 350 cc package. Unveiled at the Bike Shed Moto Show in London, the BSA Bantam 350 marks a pivotal moment in BSA Motorcycles’ expansion, sliding into the modern classic segment below the Gold Star 650 and Scrambler 650.
🚀 Heritage Reimagined
A Storied Name Returns
Originally produced from 1948 to 1971, the classic BSA Bantam was a compact two-stroke roadster that made motorcycling affordable for a generation. It was built on a German DKW design and sold over 350,000 units globally. With the new Bantam 350, BSA revives the iconic name for the modern era, blending nostalgia with cutting-edge engineering.
Based on Jawa 42 FJ
The Bantam 350 is not entirely brand new—it’s closely modeled on the Jawa 42 FJ, sharing its chassis, suspension and mechanicals. Classic Legends, which owns both Jawa and BSA, has leveraged this synergy to create a distinct identity for the new model.
🧰 Design & Mechanical Highlights
Retro-Modern Styling
The design nods to the original Bantam with heritage-inspired touches—teardrop fuel tank, round LED headlamp, fork gaiters, upright handlebars with bar-end mirrors, single-seat bench, and minimalist tail. Graphics include a BSA logo with a Union Jack fuel tank motif and branding on side panels, giving it subtle yet iconic appeal.
Engine & Performance
Power comes from a 334 cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled Alpha 2 engine, producing roughly 28.8 bhp and 29.6 Nm torque. These are essentially identical figures to those in the Jawa 42 FJ, but with a single exhaust instead of twins, lending a cleaner aesthetic path. The powertrain connects to a 6-speed gearbox with slipper clutch, and a beach-season compliant Euro 5+ spec.
Chassis & Suspension
Carry-over components from the Jawa 42 FJ include telescopic front forks with rubber gaiters and twin rear shock absorbers with adjustable preload. The bike rides on dual-tone alloy wheels—an 18‑inch front and 17‑inch rear—with front and rear disc brakes backed up by dual-channel ABS. Its wet weight is around 184–185 kg, with a seat height near 790–800 mm, making it approachable even for newer riders.
🎯 Positioning & Market Prospects
Intended Market & Pricing
The Bantam 350 is positioned as the entry-level BSA offering in overseas markets. It debuted at an on-road price of around £3,499 in the UK—undercutting rivals like Royal Enfield Hunter 350 and Honda GB350S.
Global vs Indian Launch
While the Bantam 350 is set for rollout in Europe and other markets (including select regions like Turkey and New Zealand), BSA has clarified that it won’t launch in India in the short term, to avoid overlapping with brands like Jawa/Yezdi in the entry-level 350cc space.
However, some sources anticipate a possible October 2025 launch in India at an estimated price of ₹2.35 lakh—though this remains speculative and contingent on brand strategy changes.
🆚 How it Stacks up
Against Royal Enfield Hunter 350 / Classic 350:
The Bantam 350 aims to disrupt RE’s dominance by offering similar retro appeal, modern reliability, and potentially more value for money—especially with its lighter build and compact footprint.
Against Jawa 42 FJ:
A familiar platform forms the basis for both bikes, but Bantam’s design differentiators—single exhaust, unique branding, and paint schemes like Oxford Blue, Firecracker Red, Victor Yellow, Avalon Grey, and Barrel Black—deliver a distinct identity. Expect weight, ergonomics, and performance to align closely.
✍️ Why the Bantam Matters
- Iconic Branding Revived – Tapping into post‑war nostalgia while modernizing the legacy.
- Accessible Rider-Focused Platform – Designed for both novice and urban riders, light and user-friendly.
- Competitive Pricing Strategy – At roughly £3.5K, it undercuts comparable 350 cc retro bikes.
- Brand Expansion Play – Adds depth to BSA’s portfolio under Classic Legends, creating a full-line advantage in global markets.
- Production Efficiency – Utilizes existing Jawa/Yezdi underpinnings to minimize cost and time-to-market.
🔮 Final Word
The unveiling of the BSA Bantam 350 marks a milestone in the revival of a beloved British icon. By blending retro design cues with contemporary engineering—largely adapted from the Jawa 42 FJ—it strikes a balance between heritage charm and modern convenience. Though India may not see it in 2025, BSA’s global strategy of offering a more accessible boutique alternative to big-retro brands could give this neo‑retro roadster a strong fan base across Europe and beyond.
