BSA returns to Australia

Dealer network and three models on sale by the middle of this year

AFTER A five-decade absence, heritage brand BSA is coming back to the Australian market. A 25-strong dealer network will be set up and all three BSAs currently sold globally – the Gold Star 650, the Scrambler 650 and the Bantam 350 – will be available to Australian buyers from mid this year.

The Bantam 350, released late last year, will underpin BSA sales in Oz with a competitive price of $7590 ride away. It exactly matches the rideaway price of Royal Enfield’s Hunter 350 and undercuts Honda’s GB350 ($6999 plus ORC) and Triumph’s Speed 400 ($9300 rideaway).

In the first two months of its UK release, the Bantam 350 topped the modern classic sales chart, knocking the Speed 400 off the top spot.

BSA’s base model, it’s powered by  a 334cc liquid-cooled DOHC single producing 22kW (29hp) at 7750rpm and 29.62Nm at 6000rpm, with a six-speed gearbox. The Honda and Royal Enfield run a five-speed gearbox.

Compared to its rivals, the BSA engine is a quick-revving short-stroke and produces slightly more power.

It runs cast wheels (18in front, 17in rear) and has a conventional non-adjustable front fork and twin rear shocks with five-step adjustment. There is LED lighting front and rear but no electronic rider aids other than ABS and no USB connectivity.

AMCN tested the Bantam 350 last September in Vol 75 No.04 where we praised its performance and price but criticised some missing rider tech.

The Gold Star 650 will cost $12,249 ride away, and the Scrambler 650 $11,799 ride away. BSA’s Australian importer has already hinted at what could come next, including the Thunderbolt adventure prototype revealed last year.

BSA models were last sold in Australia in the early 1970s. BSA sold a huge range of models here, including to police forces. There was even a Bantam model produced for Aussie farmers called the Bushman.

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