- BSA launches two new models – the Scrambler 650 and Bantam 350 – blending retro styling with modern engineering.
- Scrambler 650 targets dual-purpose riders, featuring a 652cc single-cylinder engine, Brembo brakes, and off-road capability.
- Bantam 350 returns as a learner-friendly classic, with a 334cc engine, timeless design, and accessible price point for new riders.
After decades in the shadows, BSA is showing no signs of slowing down. Hot on the heels of its rebirth with the Gold Star 650, the historic British brand has now unveiled two fresh additions to its modern lineup — the rugged Scrambler 650 and the accessible, all-new Bantam 350.
Launched at an international press event at London’s Bike Shed, both bikes blend modern engineering with unmistakable retro charm. With their distinctive characters and a shared commitment to rider-friendly performance, BSA is doubling down on its goal to offer “motorcycles for the masses” while reigniting the spirit of British motorcycling.
Scrambler 650: Retro Looks, Real Capability
Leading the charge is the BSA Scrambler 650, a bold and purposeful machine that brings the scrambler ethos into the modern age. Designed to be just as comfortable weaving through city streets as it is blasting down gravel roads, the Scrambler blends old-school styling with functional upgrades to deliver a bike that’s equally rugged and refined.
At its heart is a 652cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine producing 45hp at 6,500rpm — fully Euro 5+ compliant. It features Brembo brakes, dual-channel ABS, and Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tyres that suggest BSA is serious about the bike’s dual-purpose capability.
A high-riding stance, wide handlebars, and low-end torque make it both approachable for learners and engaging for seasoned riders. The Scrambler’s aesthetic — available in yellow, grey, or black — is a nod to BSA’s dirt-racing roots, including its domination at the Isle of Man’s Junior Clubman race and the 1954 Daytona Beach race. In true form, the 650 retains that raw, go-anywhere attitude — just reimagined for today’s streets and trails.
“The Scrambler 650 embodies the free spirit and sense of adventure that our riders embrace,” said Anupam Thareja, Co-founder of Classic Legends Pvt Ltd, the Mahindra Group-owned company behind BSA’s revival. “It’s exciting, accessible, and fit for everyday journeys through urban jungles or across wide open terrain.”
Expected to land in dealerships this September, the Scrambler 650 will carry a New Zealand RRP of $12,490 and is LAMS-approved, making it a compelling option for new riders and returning veterans alike.
Bantam 350: The People’s Bike, Reborn
While the Scrambler brings attitude and all-terrain versatility, the all-new BSA Bantam 350 is designed to bring more people into motorcycling — just like the original did in post-war Britain.
The 2025 Bantam might carry the name of the UK’s best-selling bike of all time, but this isn’t just a nostalgic tribute. It’s a full rethink of the lightweight urban motorcycle. With a 334cc liquid-cooled DOHC single, dual-channel ABS, twin shocks, and telescopic forks, the Bantam 350 is fully Euro 5+ compliant and engineered to deliver confidence and ease for everyday riding.
Visually, it hits all the right retro notes — round headlight, teardrop tank, curved rear fender, and your choice of analogue or digital dash. But this is no garage ornament. It’s built to move, offering affordable, accessible riding that works for learners, commuters, and anyone craving simplicity with style.
“The new Bantam is not a relic — it’s a movement,” said Thareja. “Built on the same principles that made the original legendary — simplicity and joy. In today’s distracted world, BSA is here to reignite the spirit of motorcycling for the next generation.”
While pricing for New Zealand is yet to be confirmed, the Bantam 350 is expected to land in early September, and like its stablemates, it will be LAMS compliant, appealing to both learners and price-conscious riders looking for an entry into the retro class.
A Legacy Reignited
With these two new models, BSA has made it clear it’s not just borrowing heritage for headlines — it’s building the next chapter of its long and storied history. Originally founded in 1861 as Birmingham Small Arms, BSA was once the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturer before its closure in the 1970s. Its revival, led by Classic Legends under the Mahindra Group, has seen a deliberate and steady rollout of models that balance classic charm with modern practicality.
The Gold Star 650 was the comeback story. Now, with the Scrambler 650 and Bantam 350 on deck, BSA is positioning itself as a serious contender for riders looking for substance, style, and soul — without the premium price tag.
Whether you’re looking for a capable retro-adventure machine or a stylish learner bike to kickstart your riding journey, BSA’s latest offerings prove the brand is not just back — it’s building momentum.
Riders can register their interest in the Scrambler 650 now at:
👉 Scrambler 650 – bsacompany.nz
For further details head to: www.bsacompany.co.uk
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