BSA Thunderbolt Makes Adventure Debut at EICMA

Hampshire, United Kingdom- BSA Company Ltd., has unveiled its fourth model, the new Thunderbolt, at EICMA, marking the brand’s entry into the adventure motorcycle segment. Reviving the legacy of the last BSA built in Birmingham in 1972, the Thunderbolt is reimagined as the brand’s first modern adventure bike, blending striking design with contemporary rider technology. Built to tackle city streets, highways, gravel, and off-road terrain, the Thunderbolt is aimed at a new generation of riders and is scheduled to reach global markets by mid-2026.

The Thunderbolt features a rugged, adventure-ready design highlighted by a rally-style beak, rear luggage rack, and a purposeful stance. It comes equipped with traction control and three selectable ABS modes Rain, Road, and Off-Road allowing riders to adapt the motorcycle to varying conditions. Additional hardware includes a preload-adjustable rear mono-shock, slip-and-assist clutch, and an upswept exhaust designed to improve water-wading capability.

Ergonomics have been carefully developed for off-road riding, with an adjustable front windscreen and instrument console that remain usable even when riding standing up on the foot pegs. A low seat height, lightweight construction, and wide handlebars contribute to class-leading manoeuvrability, while high ground clearance, a reinforced bash plate, exoskeleton frame, and knuckle guards offer added protection during demanding rides.

Powering the Thunderbolt is a 334cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC single-cylinder engine, compliant with Euro 5+ emission standards. Tuned for strong torque and efficiency, the engine is paired with a six-speed gearbox and a large fuel tank, making it well suited for extended journeys. The motorcycle also offers ample space for a pillion and luggage, encouraging riders to travel farther with confidence.

Classic Legends, the company behind BSA, Jawa, and Yezdi, continues its mission of reviving iconic motorcycle brands for modern riders. While the Thunderbolt is based on a shared global adventure platform, the company emphasizes that each brand retains its distinct identity and design language.

Commenting on the unveiling at EICMA, Anupam Thareja, Co-founder of Classic Legends Pvt Ltd, described the Thunderbolt as a benchmark in the 350cc adventure segment. He highlighted the importance of maintaining BSA’s heritage while leveraging modern engineering and platform efficiencies to bring the brand back onto the global stage.

Mr. Boman Irani, Director and Co-founder of Classic Legends, said, that the Thunderbolt is engineered to deliver confidence-inspiring performance both on and off the road. Designed for riders with a “go anywhere, do anything” mindset, the motorcycle aims to blend capability, usability, and excitement, while carrying forward BSA’s legendary legacy.

The Thunderbolt’s reveal follows the recent launch of the BSA Bantam 350 and the BSA Scrambler 650, both of which also made their European debut at EICMA. Together, these models underline BSA’s renewed focus on combining classic inspiration with modern motorcycle engineering.

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