BSA unveils all-new Bantam

Following BSA’s resurrection in 2016 that led to the release of an all-new Gold Star 650 in 2022, the reborn marque that’s majority owned by Mahindra has brought back another historic model name in the Bantam.

Making its global debut in the UK in late July, the all-new ‘Bantam 350’ is now being rolled out to a list of selected markets in Europe, the Americas and Asia. New Zealand is on that list, but not Australia, as BSA has yet to secure a local distributor.

The original Bantam was produced from 1948 to 1971 and offered in three key small-capacity engine sizes, as well as many model variants. Bantams were the first bike for tens of thousands of riders worldwide, proving to be particularly popular in Australia and other Empire/Commonwealth countries.

The new Bantam 350 borrows elements from existing bikes in the Classic Legends group, most notably the engine - a 334cc four-stroke DOHC single, producing 21.6kW (29bhp) at 7750rpm and 29.62Nm at 6000rpm. This torquey, liquid-cooled single is matched to a six-speed transmission and chain final drive.

Suspension consists of a non-adjustable 41mm telescopic fork with 135mm travel, and twin shocks at the rear with five-step preload adjustment and 100mm travel. Wheels are alloys - 18-inch front and 17-inch rear.

Braking combines a single 320mm disc with a two-piston ByBre caliper on the front, and a 240mm disc with a single-piston caliper at the rear, backed by dual channel ABS.

Being an entry-level model, there’s no rider-assistance tech beyond ABS, although all lighting is LED and the instrument pod uses an LCD screen that prioritises speed, mileage, gear position and fuel level. A clock, tripmeter and other info is secondary.

Riding position is neutral, with easy handlebar reach and an 800mm seat height. Other key dimensions include a 1440mm wheelbase, 13-litre fuel capacity and 185kg weight.

Five available colour options include two-tones and designs incorporating the Union Jack to tap into BSA’s British heritage.

New Zealand introductory pricing for the Bantam 350 is NZ$6,990 (AU$6,200 approx.). As mentioned, the BSA range is not currently available in Australia.