BSA Unveils First Adventure Motorcycle Thunderbolt at EICMA 2025

BSA has revealed its first adventure motorcycle, the Thunderbolt, at the EICMA 2025 show in Milan. The launch marks the company’s fourth model under Classic Legends Pvt. Ltd., following the Gold Star 650, Bantam 350, and Scrambler 650.

The new Thunderbolt is powered by a 334cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC engine compliant with Euro 5+ norms. It features a six-speed gearbox, traction control, and three ABS modes – Rain, Road, and Off-Road. The bike is equipped with USD forks, a preload-adjustable mono rear shock, slip-and-assist clutch, and a reinforced bash plate designed for mixed terrain use.

The Thunderbolt also includes an adjustable front windscreen, Bluetooth-enabled instrument console with turn-by-turn navigation, USB charging, and a 15.5-litre fuel tank aimed at long-distance riders. The model’s ergonomics include a low seat height, wide handlebars, and high ground clearance.

Anupam Thareja, Co-founder of Classic Legends Pvt. Ltd., said the new motorcycle forms part of a global adventure platform for Classic Legends brands – BSA, Jawa, and Yezdi. “This is the best 350 ADV in the world. Don’t believe me – just test ride it and prove me wrong,” Thareja said. “The shared ADV platform will allow each brand to retain its distinct identity while achieving greater efficiency across markets.”

Boman Irani, Director and Co-founder of Classic Legends, described the Thunderbolt as “adventure-ready and engineered to go the distance,” adding that it was designed for riders who seek new destinations and reliability over varied terrain.

The Thunderbolt, expected to enter production and reach markets by mid-2026, follows the introduction of the Bantam 350 and Scrambler 650, both of which debuted earlier this year. The Bantam 350 is positioned as a modern interpretation of the post-war commuter motorcycle, while the Scrambler 650 draws from BSA’s off-road racing heritage of the 1950s and 1960s.

Classic Legends, a subsidiary of the Mahindra Group, acquired BSA Company Ltd. in 2016 with the goal of reviving the historic British brand. In 2021, BSA received a £4.6 million grant from the UK government to develop zero-emission motorcycles under its low-carbon automotive initiative.