British Motorcycle Manufacturer Unveils BSA Bantam 350 Model in the UK, Model Draws Inspiration from Jawa 42 FJ Design
The motorcycling world is abuzz with excitement about the upcoming Bantam 350, a new addition to BSA's lineup. This new bike will sit below the BSA Gold Star, offering a more accessible option for those who want a slice of classic motorcycling heritage without stepping into the larger displacement segment.
The Bantam 350 shares many similarities with the Jawa 42 Bobber, a popular bike in the market. Both motorcycles are underpinned by the same platform, featuring a double-cradle frame, telescopic forks up front, and dual rear shocks with preload adjustment. They also share the same 334cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine, which delivers around 29-30 hp and 29-33 Nm of torque. Both bikes are equipped with disc brakes at both ends and dual-channel ABS, and they roll on similar wheel/tire sizes (18-inch front, 17-inch rear).
Despite these shared foundational components, the Bantam 350 and the Jawa 42 Bobber have distinct identities. The Jawa 42 Bobber is styled with modern, colourful design and adjustable seats, geared towards comfort and practicality for longer rides. In contrast, the Bantam 350 boasts a vintage aesthetic with a teardrop-shaped fuel tank, chrome accents, wire-spoke wheels, and a round headlamp.
As of now, there's no confirmation on an India launch for the Bantam 350. However, given BSA's links with Classic Legends, there's potential for the Bantam 350 to arrive on Indian roads in the future. The Bantam 350 is Euro 5 compliant, making it ready for a wider international rollout.
Meanwhile, the BSA Scrambler 650 is expected to be launched in the UK soon, with registrations open. The engine of the Bantam 350 has been tuned to complement its laid-back, classic roadster personality, and it features a single-pod instrument cluster with digital and analog readouts. The Bantam 350 is priced from £3,499 RRP, making it more affordable than the Gold Star.
It's important to note that the Bantam 350 is not part of the list of bikes available from Jawa, Yezdi, Keeway, or other brands mentioned earlier. The Bantam 350 and Jawa 42 Bobber are mechanically very close, but key differences mostly arise from styling and minor dimensions, like slightly different seat heights (Bantam 350 has an 800mm seat, Jawa 42 about 790mm) and exhaust setups (Bantam has a single exhaust, while Jawa 42 has twin pipes).
In conclusion, the Bantam 350 is an exciting new addition to BSA's lineup, sharing many similarities with the Jawa 42 Bobber while offering a unique vintage aesthetic. While it's not currently available in India, potential Indian motorcyclists can look forward to the possibility of this classic roadster joining the local market in the future.
The Bantam 350 can be a fascinating choice for those looking to revamp their home-and-garden with a classic vintage aesthetic, mirroring its unique style. On the other hand, the Jawa 42 Bobber, despite being mechanically similar, might appeal more to individuals aiming for a modern, colorful lifestyle in their motorcycling hobby.
