Go Back to the Future on the BSA Bantam 350.

The BSA Bantam 350, a machine that punches above its weight class, offers the beauty of biking in a back-to-basics package. BSA has resurrected the revered Bantam title, bringing back a once-popular model. Our reviewer, Jeremy Webb, took a nostalgic ride around the back roads of Hampshire and found the experience to be a delightful journey back in time.

Anytime spent on a motorbike is a good time, although I didn’t think like that when I was 17 and drowned as a rat riding back from Eastbourne to my home, or at 12 when I was a pillion on my uncle’s Suzuki, freezing cold on a journey back from the New Forest. Motorcyclists have memories of worst and best rides, and riding the BSA Bantam stirred up many recollections of bygone days. The classic look of the Bantam combines with the simplicity of the machine.

The BSA Bantam is a modern machine set in the heyday of biking and riding. It takes you back to that time of slower riding and allows you to enjoy the journey.

The BSA Bantam is a light machine powered by a 350cc engine, providing confidence-inducing power without surprises. It allows novice riders and those returning to riding a safe bike with direct handling and fabulous agility. The machine is light, agile and easy to manage, so urban riding is less hassle and country lanes become playgrounds.

The BSA Bantam's upright seating position and comfortable saddle provide a great riding experience. With its retro roadster look, BSA aims to capture the hearts and wallets of new motorcyclists. The Bantam is designed with new riders in mind, offering a confidence-boosting ride that won't overwhelm them. At the same time, it promises plenty of enjoyment, smiles, and memories for experienced riders.

The BSA Bantam's classic look is a nod to its heritage. The teardrop-shaped tank, short mudguards, thin seat, and black engine all contribute to its timeless appeal. Apart from the fuel cap, this bike doesn't get chrome, which saves on polishing.

The BSA Bantam has been priced competitively to attract the public's interest. This competitive pricing, combined with its impressive performance, makes it a compelling choice. It is a back-to-basics bike with little technology, but this is no bad thing; nothing gets in the way of fun riding, good handling, and performance.

The £3500 price reflects some basic fixtures and fittings, such as the suspension, but it works. The front setup is non-adjustable, right-way-up telescopic forks with a 135mm stroke, while the twin rear shocks have a five-step preload adjustment and 100mm of wheel travel.

The suspension is not luxurious, but it is firmly sprung and adequately damped. The bike stays stable over rough surfaces, and most potholes are soaked up.

The BSA Bantam is stable and has light steering, providing plenty of agility when riding around roundabouts or twisty B-roads. This stability and control give riders confidence, especially when navigating challenging road conditions. The cast wheels of the BSA Bantam are covered by Madras Rubber Factory tyres with 100/90 18 Front and 150/70 17 Rear. They give little, if any, cause for concern. Braking on a dry road, the tyres provide the feel and grip of a budget tyre.

The front brake lever provides enough stopping power from the single 320mm disc and twin-pot Bybre caliper to bring you to a halt quickly. The lever feel is light but precise, so a novice should not have difficulty gauging their input. You get ABS, which adds an extra layer of safety and confidence. The rear disc is 240mm with a single-piston calliper linked to ABS, and is as easy to get used to as the front brake. Combine both brakes to stop, and it does on the spot.

The BSA Bantam has a seat height of 800mm, so most riders should be able to plant both feet on the ground. The saddle is flat, broad, and well-padded, providing room to change positions and keeping the bum happy for long hours of riding. The wide bars and well-positioned footpegs allow a neutral and upright riding position, perfect for all riding situations.

The BSA Bantam is powered by a Euro 5+ compliant 334cc liquid-cooled cylinder, producing 28.7bhp at 7700 rpm and 21.8ft-lb of torque at 6000 rpm. These figures outperform its main rivals, the GB350 from Honda and the Royal Enfield HNTR. The Bantam's engine provides sharp and responsive throttle feedback, quickly revving up due to its shorter-stroke design. It accelerates vigorously to reach its performance peaks, doing so with an enthusiastic and well-balanced power delivery, complemented by a charmingly playful exhaust sound. Occasionally, it even produces a few popping sounds during the overrun.

The first gear is relatively long, allowing new or inexperienced riders to comfortably settle in after pulling away. For most urban riding, shifting up to third gear is usually sufficient. Its quick-revving nature gives the Bantam a lively feel, making it enjoyable to navigate through traffic while positioning yourself for the next stoplight. The clutch lever has a nice, light action, which is essential for confident slow manoeuvring. Additionally, the positive biting point ensures that there are no surprises when applying power.

Venturing beyond the city sprawl, the BSA Bantam 350 is keen to push on and allow the rider to use the six gears to explore. Changing between gear ratios requires minimal effort, and the gearbox is smooth enough for clutchless upshifts. Although the Bantam can cruise comfortably at a speed of 70 mph without requiring the throttle to be fully engaged, it's important to note that fast dual carriageways are not the most suitable environment for this vehicle. The rougher, faster conditions can challenge its design and performance, making for a less than ideal driving experience.

A single-cylinder engine designed for a spirited ride will resonate pleasantly, creating an enjoyable thrill without any annoying vibrations throughout its rev range. The only moment I detected any noteworthy frequencies was when the view in the rear-view mirror began to morph into a hazy blur, a testament to the bike’s exhilarating speed. Remarkably, neither the footpegs, handlebars, nor the seat conveyed any discomfort from engine vibrations, allowing for a smooth and engaging riding experience.

The Bantam comes equipped with only the essentials, embodying a no-frills approach that emphasizes simplicity and functionality. Aside from its Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), it lacks additional electronic rider aids or selectable riding modes, allowing for a pure riding experience. However, it does feature striking LED lighting throughout, which adds a modern touch. Notably, the rear fender showcases a unique, custom-styled stop/tail light that enhances its distinctive character and visual appeal.

The single LCD instrument pod offers a clear and legible display of speed, prominently featuring essential indicators such as the gear position, tachometer, and fuel gauge. While the information is generally easy to interpret at a glance, reflections on the glass can occasionally obscure visibility, creating a frustrating distraction—particularly when navigating through camera-monitored zones limited to 20 mph. The switchgear is largely functional, though it includes a surplus of keypad buttons on the left side that seem to serve no discernible purpose. Despite these quirks, the overall feel of the controls is slightly elevated above the standard offerings in the category, providing a satisfactory user experience.

Recently, I saw John Craven on TV talking about his time riding his beloved BSA Bantam, and he then got on the same model he had as a teenager and rode it around the Isle of Man. The smile on his face showed his love for his old bike, and you get the same smile when you ride the latest Bantam model. Biking is about enjoying yourself and the ride, whether on a minimalist 350cc or a super bike. It is an easy machine for those moving up from a 125cc or people returning to biking, a growing sector in the 50+ age group.

At The BSA Bantam is priced at £3,499, making it more affordable than nearly all its competitors while also providing top-notch performance. At its launch price, which BSA describes as "introductory," the Bantam is £400 cheaper than the Royal Enfield HNTR and offers a savings of £500 compared to the Honda CB350.