Ah, BSA – that legendary British brand that once roamed the roads, but now takes to the dirt with renewed vigor. The new Thunderbolt 350, unveiled at EICMA, is not just a nostalgic homage to the sixties, but a true adventure bike. It has character, confidence and – surprisingly – a healthy price-performance ratio. With 29 horses under the seat and an old-school soul, it takes you from the hustle and bustle of the city straight into the mud without needing mortgage advice. Is this a bike for everyone? No. But it’s very close.
If you thought it was BSA just another brand from history, think again. The Birmingham Small Arms Company may have manufactured weapons in the 19th century, but by the mid-20th century it had become the world's largest motorcycle manufacturer. Original Thunderbolt (1962–1972) had a 654 cc twin-cylinder engine, designed more for leisurely touring than for trudging through the jungle. And then – silence. Now it’s back – BSA Thunderbolt 350.
Now, under Indian Mahindra (more specifically through its subsidiary Classic Legends), BSA is back in the game. The BSA Thunderbolt 350 is the fourth model of their revival – in addition to the Gold Star 650, Scrambler 650 and Bantam 350. If you think this is just another retro piece for the living room – think again. This Thunderbolt is not afraid of sand, mud or rain. It even rivals popular models such as Royal Enfield Himalayan or Honda CRF300LYes, ironic: a brand from the past is aiming for the future – and with muddy boots.
The heart of the machine: enough power for the journey, not for the ego
Under the tank of the BSA Thunderbolt 350 roars a 334 cm³ single-cylinder engine with DOHC technology, four valves and liquid cooling. It produces 21.3 kW (29.16 hp) at 8000 rpm and 29.6 Nm (21.8 lb-ft) of torque at 5800 rpm. It's not a rocket, but realistically - how much speed do you really need when driving through the forest? It reaches an estimated 130 km/h (80 mph), and 0 to 100 km/h takes about 8 seconds. Enough to keep you in the wind, but not blow you away.
Transmission? Six-speed, with chain transmission. Standards? Euro 5+, which means less stink, more conscience. A cynic would say: “29 horses? That’s a good lawnmower!” But beware – once you drive on the dirt road, you’ll be grateful you’re not sitting on a 200-horsepower beast that would mercilessly catapult you into a ditch.
Chassis and dimensions: robust but not rough
The BSA Thunderbolt 350 is high enough to keep you from slipping over every rock, but low enough to keep you from spinning when you stop. The seat is 815 mm (32.1 in), the dry weight is 185 kg (408 lb) and the wheelbase is 1465 mm (57.7 in). This means a balance between stability and agility - just what you need for riding through city potholes and forest trails.
Up front, the USD has a 41mm diameter fork with 200mm of travel, and at the rear, a monoshock with 180mm of travel and adjustable preload. Brakes? 320mm disc up front, 240mm at the rear. The wire-rimmed wheels (21-inch front, 17-inch rear) are ready for any bumps and scrapes.
The 15.5-liter (4.1 gal) fuel tank provides a range of 300-400 km, meaning you'll be changing your socks more often than you'll be filling up.
Electronics: smart enough not to confuse you
Despite its classic looks, the Thunderbolt is no technological dinosaur. It has a color TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity, a USB charger, turn-by-turn navigation, and even three ABS modes (Rain, Road, Off-Road) and traction control. And yet slip-and-assist clutch for smoother shifting. And yes, it even has a “rally-style beak” – because without a beak you’re nobody these days.
That's why we say: BSA has adopted the philosophy of "just enough technology to help - not so much to frustrate." Which is refreshing in a world full of buttons and menus.
Who is it for?
The Thunderbolt 350 isn't for those who count every millisecond to the hundredth. It's for urban adventurers who want to cover it all with one bike: daily commute, weekend getaway, and camping trip. It's ideal for beginners or riders returning to the saddle - the ergonomics are relaxed, the ride is easy, and the maneuverability is effortless.
Conclusion: British charm, Indian stubbornness, global applicability
The 2026 BSA Thunderbolt 350 is more than just a motorcycle – it’s a statement. It combines British heritage, Indian engineering and modern needs without theatrics. It has 334cc, 29hp, 29.6Nm, ABS, TC, TFT display and a cleverly designed chassis. With a weight of 185kg and an accessible seat height, it offers stability even for shorter riders.
The best part? The price is expected to be between 4,200 and 4,500 euros – which means you won't be selling a kidney for a weekend adventure.
Is this a bike for everyone? No. But for many – especially those looking for character, reliability and the chance to get their boots dirty – it will be. Ready for some thunder? Tell us below where you’d take the Thunderbolt first – and if you’re brave enough to take it into the unknown.
