EICMA 2025: BSA Unveils First Adventure Bike Called Thunderbolt, India Launch On Cards?

Classic Legends has positioned BSA as its flagship brand, and kickstarted it with the debut of the Goldstar 650 in 2022. At the ongoing EICMA 2025 show, BSA has unveiled its fourth model called Thunderbolt. The first adventure tourer under the BSA brand, this new bike shares its name with the original Thunderbolt, which went out of production way back in 1972.

The reincarnated BSA Thunderbolt is slated to go into production by mid-2026. This unveil comes on the heels of two new BSA models which also debuted in 2025, the Scrambler 650 at the start of this year and the Bantam 350 in July. 

BSA Thunderbolt: Looks, Features & Specs

From the outset, the BSA Thunderbolt looks like a typical rugged adventure bike with its exposed frame. The side fairing may feel a bit out of place but the rest of the bike feels largely proportionate. Visual highlights include an asymmetrical twin-pod headlamp, a large windscreen, a sculpted fuel tank, a beak up front, wire-spoke wheels shod with knobby tyres, a metallic bash plate, and an upswept exhaust that improves water wading capabilities.

A 15.5-litre tank helps extend the distance between two fuel stops. The ergonomics are designed to be inclusive, featuring a low seat at 815mm, and wide handlebars. Classic Legends claims that riders can also comfortably stand on the foot pegs without excessive wind resistance, aided by an adjustable windscreen and console. 

In terms of features, the Thunderbolt offers an adjustable digital instrument console that can display turn-by-turn navigation, and packs Bluetooth connectivity along with a USB charging port. When it comes to hardware, suspension duties are managed by an upside-down (USD) front fork offering 200mm of travel, paired with a rear monoshock providing 180mm of travel. 

The Thunderbolt rolls on wire-spoke wheels, featuring a 90/90-21 tyre at the front and a 130/80-17 tyre at the rear. Its dry weight is 185kg.

Powering the Thunderbolt is the same 334cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that propels the BSA Bantam 350 and other Jawa and Yezdi models. This unit pushes out 28.8 bhp at 8,000rpm and 29.6 Nm of peak torque at 5,800rpm. This unit is paired with a 6-speed gearbox via a slip-and-assist clutch. The electronic package includes traction control and three ABS modes (Rain, Road, Off-Road).

Although not confirmed yet, there’s a good chance that Classic Legends will launch the BSA Thunderbolt in India sometime in the future, since it will be built at the company’s Pithampur, Madhya Pradesh factory.

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