I have to say, the news about the new BSA Bantam 350 has me pretty excited. It’s not the tiny, two-stroke bike our granddads rode after the war, but it’s something equally interesting for today’s world. This new Bantam is all about bringing that classic, easy-to-ride spirit back, but with all the modern stuff we expect in a new bike.
The biggest thing to know is that this isn’t a direct copy of the old Bantam. This new bike is being built by the same folks in India who brought back Jawa and Yezdi. It’s actually sharing its heart and bones with the Jawa 42 FJ, which is a great little bike in its own right. The Bantam will be powered by a 334cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine, putting out about 29 horsepower. That’s a huge step up from the original Bantam’s little motor and it puts it right in the same ring as bikes like the Royal Enfield Classic 350.
Even though it has a modern engine, BSA has done a great job of giving the new Bantam its own look. It’s got that “neo-retro” style down pat—think round headlight, a teardrop tank, and a simple seat, all of which scream classic. But then you look closer and see the modern touches, like the sleek black alloy wheels and a modern digital dash. It’s a nice mix of old and new. Plus, it’s got all the safety features we need, like disc brakes on both wheels and dual-channel ABS.
What I find really smart about this is BSA’s plan. They’re not just aiming this bike at India, where it’s being made. The main market is going to be places like the UK and Europe, where the Bantam name still means something to a lot of people. It’s a clever way to offer a more affordable and approachable option alongside their bigger Gold Star 650. I think it’s going to be a fantastic entry point for new riders or anyone who just wants a simple, fun bike without a huge price tag.