BSA unveils British Icons – Scrambler 650 and Bantam 350

In a landmark moment for British motorcycling, BSA Motorcycles has unveiled two all-new models—the ruggedly styled BSA Scrambler 650 and the evocative BSA Bantam 350. This dual launch marks a significant chapter in the brand’s ongoing revival, firmly positioning it at the forefront of the modern classic segment while honouring its storied legacy, which dates back to 1861.

Long celebrated as a symbol of British engineering and post-war resilience, BSA continues to embrace its foundational values of craftsmanship, innovation, and rider-centric design. The original Bantam was instrumental in getting Britain back on the road in the post-World War II era, becoming the nation’s bestselling motorcycle. Today, its spirit lives on in the accessible and stylish Bantam 350, while the Scrambler 650 opens new terrain for the brand with a bold dual-purpose design.

The Scrambler 650 ushers in a new standard for dual-purpose motorcycling. It melds classic British aesthetics with modern mechanical prowess, powered by a 652cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder DOHC engine, delivering 45PS at 6500rpm and 55Nm at 4000rpm. Its five-speed gearbox, slip-and-assist clutch, and 41mm telescopic forks ensure responsive handling across both urban and off-road environments.

The motorcycle’s rugged exterior is complemented by a purposeful riding triangle, wide handlebars, and robust torque delivery, making it equally adept at city commuting and weekend escapades. Distinctive paint schemes—Thunder Grey, Raven Black, and Victor Yellow—accentuate its bold persona. Notable features include Brembo brakes with dual-channel ABS, Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tyres, and wire-spoke alloy rims, all mounted on a chassis with a 12-litre fuel tank, 820mm seat height, 218kg wet weight, and a 1,463mm wheelbase.

Anupam Thareja, Co-founder of Classic Legends, remarked: “The BSA Scrambler 650 embodies the free spirit and sense of adventure that all our riders embrace when out on the road. Its dynamic design and unique aesthetic ensures it is both eye-catching and innovative in its performance; we hope riders will be encouraged to ‘try something different’ with this bespoke bike. Functionality and style go hand in hand at BSA; we create beautifully crafted modern classics and want riders to feel confident and exhilarated every time. The BSA Scrambler 650 is exciting, accessible, and fit for everyday journeys through urban jungles or on wide open roads – it takes on any obstacle in its path with ease.”

Resurrecting one of Britain’s most iconic nameplates, the BSA Bantam 350 pays homage to its legendary predecessor while delivering a wholly modern experience. At its core is a Euro 5+ compliant 334cc liquid-cooled DOHC engine, producing 29PS at 7750rpm and 29.62Nm at 6000rpm, mated to a smooth six-speed gearbox.

This new iteration offers an approachable 800mm seat height, dual-channel ABS, and a combination of telescopic hydraulic forks and twin shock absorbers—making it an ideal companion for new riders and urban explorers alike. Its classic styling cues—round headlamp, teardrop fuel tank, and curved rear fender—are blended seamlessly with modern touches such as optional analogue or digital dashboards. The Bantam 350 is available in a vibrant palette: Avalon Grey, Oxford Blue, Firecracker Red, Barrel Black, and Victor Yellow.

Anupam Thareja reflected on the momentous reintroduction: “Today, with pride, gratitude, and a bit of audacious hope, I present not just a motorcycle, but a movement: the return of the BSA Bantam. What is the new Bantam 350? It’s not a relic, and it’s certainly not an imitation. It’s a vibrant, modern classic – built on the principles that made the original legendary – simplicity and pure riding joy at an attractive price. In a digital, distracted world, the spirit of motorcycling is shrinking and BSA is here to change that. The new BSA Bantam 350 is built to reignite that passion, especially in the next generation. With a price that invites everyone to start their own two-wheeled story, it’s more than a motorcycle – it’s a movement.”

With the launch of the Scrambler 650 and Bantam 350, BSA reaffirms its place at the heart of Britain’s motorcycling legacy, offering a compelling blend of nostalgia and next-generation performance. Whether you’re drawn to the rugged, go-anywhere appeal of the Scrambler or the nostalgic simplicity of the Bantam, BSA’s newest offerings promise to ignite passion and turn heads wherever they go.