BSA Bantam 350 And Scrambler 650 Showcased: To Challenge Royal Enfield Bear 650 And Classic 350
The iconic British motorcycle brand BSA is actively working on expanding its portfolio. With time still left for the Scrambler 650 to officially go on sale our market, BSA has now resurrected its 'Bantam' nameplate. The all-new Bantam 350 has made its global debut at the Bike Shed Moto Show in London. The BSA pavilion also had the Scrambler 650 on display. As you might have guessed by now, the Scrambler 650 will have Royal Enfield Bear 650 as its prime rival while the Bantam 350 will face competition from the Classic 350 (and the Hunter 350).
While the Scrambler 65 will launch in India in the coming years, it is unlikely that the Bantam would make it to our shores in the near future. Read ahead for more details...
The BSA Bantam's Legacy
For the uninitiated, BSA used to make motorcycles for the soldiers during wartime. The Bantam is in fact, a historic nameplate. The company used to sell Bantams in the 1948-71 era. It was a lightweight and rugged motorcycle known for its simple structure and reliability. It even served the military.
2025 BSA Bantam 350: Key Details
The Bantam 350 that's now been revealed isn't really a brand-new product. It is, in fact, BSA's version of the Jawa 42 FJ. Both Jawa and BSA are owned by Mahindra-backed Classic Legends. BSA has, however, given the 42 FJ a thorough makeover and a unique visual identity.
The Bantam 350 show-bike wears Black paint. It has several Silver accents in places like the exhaust and fuel filler cap. The fuel tank is tear-drop-shaped and has a Union Jack on it- a sweet nod to the brand's British pedigree. The side panels have been completely redesigned. The tail lamp is new. The engine casing further features a “Three Gun Salute” badge. The exhaust muffler is short as well.
The Bantam 350 has borrowed its chassis, suspension, and wheels (18/17-inch alloys) from the 42 FJ. Powering the Bantam is the same 334cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine that produces 29hp and 29 Nm. It is mated to a six-speed transmission. This is, in fact, the same setup that does duty on various Jawa and Yezdi models sold in India.
When launched, the Bantam 350 will become the most affordable model in BSA's global lineup. It will be the brand's entry-level motorcycle for the European markets.
BSA Scrambler 650
BSA has based the Scrambler 650 on the Goldstar 650 that's currently on sale. It, however, gets a bigger front wheel and rides on 19-inch (F) and 17-inch (R) units, shod with Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR dual-purpose rubber. Being a scrambler, it offers longer suspension travel, even though the company has been tight-lipped about the exact numbers.
Braking duties are carried out by 320 mm discs at the front (with twin-piston Brembo floating callipers) and 255mm single disc at the rear. The motorcycle also has a dual-channel ABS on offer. The Scrambler 650 weighs 218 kilograms and has a seat height of 820 mm.
It is powered by the same 652cc, single-cylinder engine as the Goldstar, capable of producing 45 hp and 55 Nm. It is mated to a five-speed gearbox.
India Launch Plans
BSA Motorcycles seems to have strong plans for the Indian market. The Goldstar 650 has a starting price of Rs 3.0 Lakh, ex-showroom. The upper ceiling stands at Rs 3.5 lakh, ex-showroom. The company will likely launch the Scrambler 650 in the coming years. It will likely be priced above the Goldstar, when launched.
However, the British brand is unlikely to bring the Bantam 350 to our shores, anytime soon. This is because Classic Legends intends to keep BSA a premium and aspirational brand here. Thus, it is unlikely for them to get mass-market plans greenlit soon.
When (and if) BSA finally brings the Bantam 350 to India, it will face competition from the likes of Jawa 42, Royal Enfield Classic 350, and the Hunter 350.