BSA adds Bobber and Scrambler to Bantam range

BSA has expanded its Bantam family with a solo-seat Bobber 350 and a Bushman-inspired Scrambler 350, unveiled at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan. 

Both are scheduled to enter international markets in 2027, alongside the Thunderbolt 350 adventure bike. New Zealand’s distributor is awaiting factory advice on when all three will arrive locally, with pricing to be announced closer to their introduction. 

Grouped under BSA’s ‘Dual Rebellion’ banner, the new Bantams take different approaches to the small-capacity retro formula. The Bobber goes for low-slung custom styling, while the Scrambler draws on the brand’s history of stripped-back bikes built for rougher terrain. 

The Bantam Bobber 350 keeps things deliberately simple: one cylinder, one seat and no provision for a pillion. Its 334cc liquid-cooled, double-overhead-cam engine is paired with conventional telescopic front forks, a rear monoshock and dual-channel ABS. 

A cantilever-style seat and low stance give it the factory-custom look, without requiring buyers to start modifying a standard roadster. 

For those wanting something more distinctive, BSA has also revealed a Bobber 350 SP, short for Special Parts. Finished in dark chrome, it swaps the conventional forks for gold upside-down units and adds spoked wheels with a chunky front tyre. A full-colour TFT instrument display is another upgrade.  

The Bantam Scrambler 350 takes its inspiration from the original 1966 BSA Bushman, a high-clearance machine developed for rough conditions. 

Despite sharing its 334cc capacity with the Bobber, the Scrambler features what BSA describes as a new engine designed to reduce weight and increase power. The company also points to revised gearing and an emphasis on usable low- and mid-range torque. 

Its chassis follows a familiar scrambler recipe, with hydraulic telescopic forks, twin rear shock absorbers and spoked wheels wearing semi-knobbly tyres. Dual-channel ABS is included, with black, green and grey colour options. 

The Thunderbolt 350 also appeared at EICMA in three new finishes: black and yellow, grey, and green and ivory. First shown at last year’s event, it is the revived brand’s first adventure model, combining rally-inspired styling with traction control and three ABS modes. 

There are colour updates further up the range too. The Gold Star 650 gains Birmingham Blue and Brooklands Black, while the Scrambler 650 adds Deep Green, Black Chrome and Gloss Black alongside Victor Yellow. 

The existing Bantam 350 receives Mist Green, a nod to the first Bantam introduced in 1948. 

BSA was revived in 2016 by Classic Legends, part of the Mahindra Group and also responsible for Jawa and Yezdi. Co-founder Anupam Thareja says the company intends to keep expanding its range. 

“Our team is constantly evolving existing models and developing new motorcycles, and we’re committed to growing BSA’s global footprint until we have a bike in every segment.”