Part of Throttle Times’ live coverage of EICMA 2026.

BSA has officially expanded its modern-classic portfolio into the European A2 lightweight category with the global debut of the Bantam Scrambler 350 and Bantam Bobber 350 at EICMA 2026 in Milan. Reviving one of the most celebrated nameplates in British motorcycling history, the two production-ready machines share an updated 334cc liquid-cooled DOHC single-cylinder thumper producing 28.6 hp (21 kW) and 30 Nm of torque. Designed to flank the recently revealed BSA Thunderbolt 350 dual-sport, the Bantam duo targets urban commuters and weekend backroad riders seeking authentic post-war British styling backed by modern emissions compliance and braking hardware.

The 1966 Bushman Heritage Meets Modern DOHC Architecture

The 2027 BSA Bantam Scrambler 350 channels direct styling inspiration from the 1966 BSA Bushman, pairing classic scrambler proportions with a 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wire-spoked wheel configuration. Unlike air-cooled traditionalists that rely on lazy two-valve geometry, BSA equipped the Bantam platform with a modern 334cc liquid-cooled four-valve single featuring double overhead camshafts and Marelli electronic fuel injection. The engine delivers 28.6 hp at 7,750 rpm and 30 Nm of peak torque at 5,500 rpm through a six-speed gearbox with an assist-and-slipper clutch, providing brisk acceleration away from city traffic lights while maintaining relaxed European motorway cruising speeds.

Chassis hardware on the Scrambler includes a tubular steel cradle frame suspended by a 41mm conventional front fork with rubber gaiters and twin preload-adjustable rear shock absorbers. The rolling chassis provides 165mm of ground clearance and an accessible 812mm seat height, keeping the center of mass manageable for riders of all statures. Stopping duties are handled by a 320mm front disc with a Brembo-derived ByBre floating caliper and a 240mm rear disc, governed by a dual-channel ABS unit calibrated to prevent premature front-wheel lockup on gravel tracks.

“The original two-stroke Bantam mobilized an entire generation of post-war riders across Britain and Europe through unpretentious, accessible mechanical simplicity,” noted a BSA design spokesperson at the Milan unveiling. “With the new Bantam Scrambler 350 and Bobber 350, we have retained that light-footed agility and retro silhouette, but underpinned it with a modern four-valve powertrain that meets Euro 5+ emissions without suffocating throttle response.”

The Rider’s Trade-Off: Authentic Retro Proportions vs Weight & Fuel Range

BSA’s commitment to authentic steel bodywork and classic styling cues brings undeniable showroom appeal, but it demands real-world mechanical compromises. Tipping the scales at 184 kg in ready-to-ride trim with full fluids, the Bantam Scrambler 350 carries roughly 15 kg more steel than modern plastic-clad scramblers in the A2 class. While that mass aids high-speed road-holding on breezy viaducts, riders will feel the heft when maneuvering tight alpine hairpins or paddling backward out of an off-camber gravel driveway.

Furthermore, the sculpted teardrop fuel tank holds just 12.5 litres on the Scrambler and a minimalist 10.5 litres on the Bobber. Even with the single-cylinder engine sipping approximately 3.4 litres per 100 km, the practical touring range drops below 300 km before the reserve light demands a fuel station. For riders considering custom street alternatives like the Benelli Leoncino Bobber 400 or lightweight trail concepts like the Hero Xpulse Scrambler Concept, the BSA emphasizes timeless aesthetics and low-end torque over long-range overland endurance.

Technical Comparison: BSA Bantam Scrambler 350 vs Market Rivals

Specification BSA Bantam Scrambler 350 Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Triumph Scrambler 400 X
Engine Layout 334cc DOHC Liquid Single 349cc SOHC Air/Oil Single 398cc DOHC Liquid Single
Power / Torque 28.6 hp / 30.0 Nm 20.2 hp / 27.0 Nm 39.5 hp / 37.5 Nm
Gearbox 6-Speed with Slipper Clutch 5-Speed Manual 6-Speed with Slipper Clutch
Kerb Weight 184 kg 181 kg 179 kg
Wheel Configuration 19-inch Front / 17-inch Rear 17-inch Front / 17-inch Rear 19-inch Front / 17-inch Rear
Seat Height 812 mm 790 mm 835 mm
European Est. Price ~€5,290 €4,490 €6,495

Bobber 350: Low-Slung Solo Cruising

Standing side-by-side with the Scrambler in Milan, the Bantam Bobber 350 strips the platform down to its bare essentials. It adopts a dropped floating solo saddle set at an ultra-low 740mm, forward-set footpegs, a wider drag-style handlebar with bar-end mirrors, and 16-inch front and rear spoked rims shod with high-profile vintage-tread tires. The rear fender is chopped short with an integrated round LED taillight cluster, creating an accessible urban cruiser for city commutes.

Both BSA Bantam models will enter European dealerships in early 2027, with official pricing expected to start around €5,290 across mainland Europe.

Media citation: Editorial outlets and forums may quote excerpts with attribution and a link to Throttle Times.

Official source: https://www.bsacompany.co.uk/

Reporting via: autocarindia.com, dueruote.it