BSA reveals ADV bike at EICMA - meet the Thunderbolt 350

BSA MOTORCYCLES IS GOING ADVENTURE RIDING FROM 2026 WITH THE ALL-NEW THUNDERBOLT 350

The reborn BSA Motorcycles has unveiled its fourth production model, with the brand moving away from its focus on the modern classic segment with its first adventure model. Meet the all-new BSA Thunderbolt 350.

Set to join the BSA lineup mid-2026 (with local arrival and pricing yet to be confirmed) the BSA Thunderbolt takes the same engine as found in the new Bantam 350 and tosses it into an adventure focused chassis with some excellent retro adventure styling.

According to BSA - because it was long before my time - the original Thunderbolt delivered touring and off-road capability, and now the legacy of the last ever bike to roll off the Birmingham production line in 1972 is handed over to the first adventure bike from BSA.

Looking at the specs, it appears BSA has kept the 334cc single-cylinder engine very similar to the unit found in the Bantam, with the Thunderbolt engine producing 29.16HP at 8,000rpm and 29.56Nm of torque at 5800rpm while conforming to Euro5+ emissions regulations.

Power is transferred via a 6-speed gearbox and chain drive to the 17-inch rear wheel, while stopping duties are handled by a 320mm front disc and caliper setup at the front with a 240mm disc and single piston caliper at the rear. Interestingly, the Thunderbolt has three ABS modes - which ABS has designated Road, Rain and Off Road ABS respectively

Tech wise the Thunderbolt also receives traction control, Bluetooth connectivity, turn by turn navigation through the TFT screen and multiple USB charging points. Out of the box, it is the most tech heavy offering from BSA to date.

Heavy, is also the word when it comes to the bike's claimed weight, which is a claimed 185kg dry. Add in the full fuel load of 15.5 litres and a bit of oil and its pushing the 200kg mark.

But those complaints about weight might be missing the point of the Thunderbolt, as despite its rally styling it isn't a high performance machine but a stylish tool to get off the pavement and have a bit of an explore in style with. While a bit less weight is always welcome, if you're finding you're needing to pick the Thunderbolt up all the time, you're probably riding it in tougher terrain than it was intended for...

With a 25 degree rake, and a low (for ADV standards) seat height of 815mm, the Thunderbolt comes across as a cool looking entry level machine for riders not fussed with outright performance specs and want a practical machine to get out and explore with.

Here's what the Co-founders of BSA's parent company Classic Legends had to say on the new Thunderbolt:

“This is the best 350 adventure bike in the world. Don’t believe me – just test ride it and prove me wrong, Classic Legends co-founder, Anupam Thareja, said. Today we revealed the new BSA Thunderbolt at EICMA, based on our global adventure motorcycle platform. This innovative approach enables our three unique brands – BSA, Jawa and Yezdi – to benefit from a shared platform for greater efficiency across our targeted sales territories without compromising each brand’s distinctive ‘signature’.

Classic Legends recognises the unique DNA of each brand, and we acknowledge our responsibility to ensure this is always respected and honoured.

The BSA ‘signature’ is hugely influenced by the past: the design silhouette, the competitions won, records set and memories made. It is a true motorcycling legend. Unveiling the new BSA Thunderbolt at EICMA, the biggest international motorcycle show, underscores our intention to bring BSA back to the world stage”.

“The new BSA Thunderbolt is adventure-ready and engineered to go the distance, Boman Irani, Director and Co-founder of Classic Legends Pvt Ltd. Combining dynamic on and off-roading capabilities, unrivalled performance, and effortless usability, our new bike inspires confidence. It’s for riders with a ‘go anywhere and do anything attitude who seek new destinations and want to trust that their motorcycle will not just get them to where they want to go, it will excite every sense along the way.

BSA doesn’t just build motorcycles, it builds legends and the new BSA Thunderbolt proudly carries that legacy forward.”

The new BSA Thunderbolt is scheduled for production in mid-2026, with New Zealand market pricing and availability yet to be determined.