A lot of fun for the money: We've been riding BSA Bantam 350

Super classic design and flashy colour

I don't know if it's the sound of the engine, the looks or the whole package that makes me smile. Join us for a test drive of BSA Bantam 350!

Text and photo: Borgvald Moen

Classic drop tank makes its way onto a motorcycle like this

The single-cylinder four-stroke starts easily, and revs surprisingly briskly as I turn off the importer Erling Sande in Drammen, heading south on E 18 in beautiful autumn weather. But wait a minute, is this a motorcycle for E18? No, of course that's not what BSA Bantam 350 is built for, but that doesn't mean it can't be used on E18.

Round lantern with heavy vibes of Britain's rich motorcycle history

With 29 horses I follow the traffic well, and already in Sande I turn off and drive over Hanekleiva towards Eidsfoss. It is a winding and nice stretch, which is well suited for the little end-dunker. I drive into a small exit between the bends, stop the yellow motorcycle and look at it from the side.

The single-cylinder four-stroke works well, and is also stylish to look at.

What kind of bike is this? Both the brand and the model name are about as historic as they get. BSA is among the world's oldest motorcycle manufacturers, and the model name Bantam is taken from a series of lightweight two-strokes BSA made from 1948 and a few years onwards. The focus back then was simple and affordable passenger transport. In a way, this legacy continues, even though today we primarily ride motorcycles because we enjoy it.

BSA was originally a weapons factory, which is hinted at by the 3 rifles in the logo.

The new Bantam 350 is built like a retro classic, and I think the result is absolutely successful. Everything from the drop-in tank to the seat, the visual impression of the engine and the other elements fit together, creating a harmonious whole. I drive on the narrow road east of Bergsvannet, to Eidsfoss main farm, where there will be another stop and photo shoot.

I think this design is quite successful.

How is the Bantam to ride? Here too, I am struck by how harmonious it is, in terms of engine, gearbox, brakes and suspension components. Things work well together, and I just sit and smile while I ride. With 334 cc and 29 hp, you can of course not expect any tremendous pressure in the machine, but it revs briskly, and the breadth of the register is surprisingly good. Both Erling Sande and other importers can report increased interest in simple classic retro machines, such as Royal Enfield Classic 350, Honda GB 350S, and not least BSA Gold Star 650. Maybe it is a reaction to all the new things that surround us on all sides? That we want to return to something simple, durable and original?

No reason to hide the historical legacy

It feels a bit like that when the Bantamen rolls effortlessly uphill along Eikern towards Drammen. It's so simple and unpretentious. A lot of fun for the money.
Who is it for? People who don't depend on high power, but want a simple leisure bike. People who don't want to have a passenger and heavy luggage. People who would like to have a new bike, but without spending so much money.
Who is it not for? People who want high power. People who are going on a European tour with luggage, and maybe with a passenger. People well above average height.

Historical surroundings at Eidsfoss main farm

Technical data BSA Bantam 350, 2026 model:

Engine: 1-cylinder 4-stroke, DOHC, liquid-cooled
Displacement: 334 cc
Compression: 11:1
Power: 29 hp at 7750 rpm.
No. of gears: 6
Torque: 29.62 Nm at 6000 rpm.
Front tires: 100/90x17
Rear tires: 150/70x17
Tank volume: 13 liters
Seat height: 800 mm
Weight: 185 kg
Wheelbase: 1439 mm
Brakes: Single 320 mm disc front, 240 mm disc rear, ABS
Driving license class: A2
Suggested price: NOK 59,900,-