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Unveiling in the UK: The BSA Bantam 350, a new motorcycle model, draws inspiration from the Jawa 42 FJ

Classic BSA Bantam 350 model makes a return, merging vintage aesthetic with contemporary technology. Launched in the UK, it flaunts a retro styling, sports a 334 cc engine, and boasts a 6-speed transmission system.

Unveiled in the UK: BSA Bantam 350, a model drawing inspiration from the Jawa 42 FJ
Unveiled in the UK: BSA Bantam 350, a model drawing inspiration from the Jawa 42 FJ

Unveiling in the UK: The BSA Bantam 350, a new motorcycle model, draws inspiration from the Jawa 42 FJ

Bantam 350: A Modern Retro Roadster Arrives in the UK

The Bantam 350, a new entry in the BSA (Classic Legends) lineup, has made its debut in the UK market. With a vintage design and modern features, the Bantam 350 is poised to offer an appealing blend of old-school charm and contemporary technology.

The Bantam 350 features a 334 cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that delivers approximately 22.5 hp and 28 Nm of torque. This engine, known as the Alpha 2, is shared with the Jawa 42 Bobber and other motorcycles in the Jawa-Yezdi range. The engine has been tuned to complement the laid-back, classic roadster personality of the Bantam 350.

The Bantam 350 boasts a retro-inspired design, with a teardrop-shaped fuel tank, wire-spoke wheels, and a round headlamp. It also sports a single-pod instrument cluster with digital and analog readouts, all LED lights, and a single exhaust pipe. The bike's handling characteristics are enhanced by a steep fork rake of about 29 degrees.

The Bantam 350 is priced at £3,499 RRP, making it more affordable than the BSA Gold Star. Registrations for the BSA Scrambler 650, another model in the BSA lineup, are already open in the UK.

However, there are no official plans to launch the Bantam 350 in India as of now. The model was launched in the UK market in mid-2025. Speculation suggests that a variant or a related model priced around Rs. 2.20 lakh may launch in India in July 2026, but this is not yet official.

The Bantam 350 is underpinned by the same platform as the Jawa 42 Bobber, including its chassis and engine. The Jawa 42 Bobber, which shares the same engine and many mechanical aspects with the Bantam 350, is already available in India.

In comparison to the Jawa 42 Bobber, the Bantam 350 features a single exhaust instead of twin pipes. Both motorcycles offer modern features with retro aesthetics, designed as entry-level bikes in their respective lineups. The Bantam 350 is equipped with disc brakes at both ends and dual-channel ABS, ensuring reliable braking performance.

The Bantam 350 is Euro 5 compliant, indicating its readiness for a wider international rollout. The bike is positioned as a street/cruiser bike, offering a strong contender in the mid-capacity retro bike space due to its affordability.

In summary, the Bantam 350 is a modern retro roadster that brings a unique blend of vintage design and modern technology to the table. While it has not yet been confirmed for an India launch, its potential for arrival on Indian roads in the future is promising, given BSA's links with Classic Legends.

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