The BSA Bantam is Back! NZ Arrival Confirmed

BSA has surprised us with the reveal of an all-new BSA Bantam - and it is officially coming to New Zealand!

BSA Motorcycles has been quietly riding under the radar since the relaunch of the brand with the Gold Star 650. Now, not only do we finally have the BSA Scrambler confirmed to arrive in New Zealand in the Spring of 2025, but it will be joined by the welcome return of the Bantam.

The original BSA Bantam was credited with getting post-war Britain moving again during the 1940s, and being the UK’s bestselling bike of all time with three iterations of engine: the 125cc, 148cc, and 175cc. Much like the original, the new BSA Bantam 350 is aimed at getting all manner of riders moving and is ridable by any level of licence.

At the official unveiling of the new Bantam 350 at London's Bike Shed, Anupam Thareja, Co-founder of Classic Legends Pvt Ltd, which owns BSA, described the new Bantam as a turning point.

“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, he said. 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.

“Our promise to you: every BSA will honour the craftsmanship, character and ‘built-to-last’ beauty that made this brand famous from Birmingham to every corner of the world. Look closely at what we’ve built, ride it, feel its heartbeat. We’re not here to borrow heritage for a quick headline – we are here to build the next chapter of a living story with all of you. Let’s ride into the future – with the heart of the past, and the eyes wide open to new horizons. The Bantam is back.”

While Bantam's of old were 2-stroke machines, modern emissions standards mean that BSA bringing back a 2-stroke Bantam was an impossibility. As such, the new Bantam 350 is powered by a proven Euro 5+ compliant single 334cc liquid-cooled DOHC engine from sister brand Jawa. Power is a claimed 29hp at 7750rpm with 29.62Nm of torque at 6,000rpm which places the Bantam smack bang in the middle of the Royal Enfield 350cc range and Triumph's 400cc models - both of which will be the Bantam's biggest competitors.

The new Bantam boasts the now mandatory dual-channel ABS for its braking system, telescopic forks, and twin shock absorbers. Aesthetically, it takes a nod from the past with a classic round headlight, teardrop fuel tank, curved rear fender and a choice of an analogue or digital dashboard. 

BSA has announced five colours for the new Bantam: Avalon Grey, Oxford Blue, Firecracker Red, Barrel Black, and Victor Yellow. Barrel Black features a rather stylish Union Jack emblazoned on the tank as a nod to the brand's British heritage.

The new BSA Bantam 350 is scheduled to be available in New Zealand this September, with pricing to be announced closer to the bike’s arrival in BSA dealerships.

BSA Bantam 350 specs

ENGINE

Engine Type – 4 stroke, single cylinder, liquid cooled, spark ignition, DOHC

Engine Capacity – 334cc

Compression Ratio – 11:1

Max Torque – 29.62Nm@6000rpm

Max Power – 29hp@7750rpm

Transmission – 6-speed gearbox, Chain Drive

Cooling System – Liquid

BRAKES

Front – Disc brake 320mm Dia, Floating type caliper, ABS

Back – Disc Brake 240mm Dia, Floating type caliper, ABS

SUSPENSION

Front – Telescopic hydraulic fork, 135mm Stroke

Rear – Twin shock absorber, 5 step adjustable, 100mm wheel travel

MASS

WetWeight – 185kg

FUEL TANK

Total Capacity – 13 litres

WHEELS & TYRES

Front Tyre – 100/90-18M/C 56 H, Tubeless tyre/Tube type tyre

Rear Tyre – 150/70/ZR 17 M/C 69W, Tubeless tyre/Tube type tyre

DIMENSIONS

Wheelbase – 1,440mm Seat Height – 800mm Rake – 29 degrees