Resurgent BSA’s range will expand to four motorcycles in 2026 with the addition of the Thunderbolt, a 350cc adventure bike bearing the name of the last model to roll off the original company’s production line back in 1972.
Powered by the same 334cc single cylinder engine found in the Bantam 350 we reviewed recently, the Thunderbolt sees the Indian-owned company move away from the retro roadster style machines they’ve focused on up to now – producing a machine to take on Royal Enfield’s hugely popular Himalayan.
Set to arrive next summer, the Thunderbolt appears to have real off-road credentials thanks to its 21” front wheel and long travel suspension. With its bash plates, hand guards and an exoskeleton frame, it looks plenty rugged, while switchable traction control and a specific off-road settings for the ABS suggests BSA are serious about taking on the super tough Himalayan. Indeed BSA bosses were talking tough themselves when launching the new machine at Milan’s EICMA motorcycle show, with BSA boss Anupam Thareja saying: “This is the best 350 adventure bike in the world. Don’t believe me – just test ride it and prove me wrong!”
Ok, so we can’t think of too many other 350cc adventure bikes (the Himalayan is a 450 these days) but we get the sentiment. We were pretty impressed with the Bantam when we rode it earlier this month, and with the same 29bhp engine at its heart there’s no reason why the Thunderbolt can’t be a winner. It’s fairly light at 185kg and the 815mm seat height should make it fairly accessible (although the spec sheets suggest the Himalayan is a touch lighter, with a lower seat height and 10bhp more power). With a 15.5 litre fuel tank and provision for luggage, the Thunderbolt is certainly aiming at the same audience as the Himalayan, which has appealed to everyone from everyday commuters to hardcore around-the-world adventurers.
We think it looks distinctive (in a good way) and although we don’t know the price yet, it will undoubtedly be at the budget end of the market. The spec looks decent enough too, with its adjustable front windscreen and TFT instrument console, multi-setting electronics, Bluetooth connectivity and a USB charging point.
The launch bikes were presented in a vivid yellow livery and with its high level front mudguard and asymmetric headlight design, it’s undoubtedly one of the most striking new motorcycles to hit showrooms in 2026.
