Motorcycle specifications BSA350 Bantam 2026 The Birmingham cockerel

BSA is back in business after decades of dormancy. From the heyday when its name was a benchmark alongside Triumph, Norton, Velocette and AJS, and when the Birmingham-based company was the world's largest motorcycle manufacturer, all that remains is a memory that the brand is quietly reviving. The foundation stone was laid with the 650 Gold Star. Now, a more modest machine, the 350 Bantam, is on the way.

A trendy look

With its Classic styling, this bike surfs a trend subtly set in motion by a vow of simplicity. Recently, the market has seen the arrival of Honda GB 350 S, Royal-Enfield 350(HNTR, Bullet, Meteor), Triumph 400 Speed and other Moto-Morini 3 ½ Sport and Kawasaki W230 motorcycles. Small bikes for pleasure and charm. The little BSA is determined to make its mark.

To do so, it relies on the spirit of its ancestor, the 1948 Bantam D1. One of the best-selling small cars of the '50s. Like its predecessor, the idea is to offer a financially accessible bike. In terms of design, however, it's a far cry from the DKW style of the time. The volumes are chubbier, the look confident, and there's a certain resemblance to the rival 400 Speed.

The Bantam will be able to hunt for roads and cities with 29 horsepower under the connecting rod and 3 mkg of power. These provisions are provided by a very up-to-date engine. Namely, a 334 cm3 single-cylinder with double ACT, 4 valves, fuel injection, liquid cooling and 6-speed gearbox. A new block for BSA, but an engine already familiar from other brands. It already equips Jawa and Yezdi models - all brands under the Mahindra umbrella.

While the Bantam's silhouette makes an effort to seduce with its English-style good looks, the technical design is simpler to keep the price affordable. Its skeleton is based on a double-cradle steel frame, two lateral shock absorbers, a 41 mm fork (with a pair of gussets for good looks), Bybre brakes with one disc per wheel (320 mm front, 240 mm rear), and few damping adjustments (only rear preload). Simple and functional... largely taken from the Jawa 42 FJ. The fuel tank holds 13 liters of fuel, and the weight is 185 kg. A bit heavy for a machine of this size. A Kawa Z 650 does almost the same.

The price advantage

Rather cute but facing serious adversity, the BSA 350 Bantam can already count on a bargain price.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos