BSA’s First Adventure Bike Showcased At EICMA 2025
BSA has unveiled its first-ever adventure motorcycle, the Thunderbolt, at EICMA 2025. Positioned as the brand’s entry into the global ADV segment, the new BSA Thunderbolt is expected to go on sale internationally by mid-2026. It’s also the fourth modern BSA model, following the Gold Star, Scrambler, and Bantam. Interestingly, the Thunderbolt shares its underpinnings with the Yezdi Adventure, which also comes from Classic Legends, a subsidiary of the Mahindra Group. However, the Thunderbolt differentiates itself with a premium design language, upgraded features, and a distinct British identity.
Styling
The BSA Thunderbolt follows a rugged and adventure-ready design philosophy. The front fascia bears a strong resemblance to the Yezdi Adventure, featuring a round LED headlamp, a tall adjustable windscreen, and a rally-style beak. The bike also sports wide handlebars, a rear luggage rack, and crash protection elements integrated into the frame. It gets an upright riding position, split footpegs, and upswept dual-port exhausts, enhancing its off-road stance and water-wading capabilities. The Thunderbolt’s adventure aesthetic is complemented by a large 15.5-litre fuel tank and minimal overhangs, emphasising its long-distance touring intent.
Engine
Powering the BSA Thunderbolt is a 334cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder DOHC engine, the same motor that underpins the Yezdi Adventure. In its current configuration, it produces about 30 BHP and 30 Nm of torque, paired with a 6-speed gearbox featuring a slip-and-assist clutch. The engine is Euro 5+ compliant, tuned for strong low and mid-range torque delivery, making it suitable for both highway cruising and off-road exploration.
Suspension & Hardware
The Thunderbolt features USD front forks and a preload-adjustable monoshock at the rear, ensuring optimal comfort and control across varied terrain. It also comes equipped with three ABS modes (Rain, Road, and Off-Road) and switchable traction control for added safety and confidence. For braking, it gets disc brakes at both ends, while dual-purpose tyres mounted on dual-tone alloy wheels enhance its adventure credentials. A reinforced bash plate and integrated exoskeleton further improve underbody protection and durability for off-road use.
Features
The Thunderbolt is equipped with a fully digital instrument console supporting turn-by-turn navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and USB charging. Other features include an adjustable front windscreen, ergonomic seat design, and all-LED lighting, ensuring modern convenience with a rugged edge.
Outlook
The BSA Thunderbolt is a modern reinterpretation of a historic nameplate, the last motorcycle to roll off BSA’s Birmingham factory line in 1972. Now reimagined as an adventure motorcycle, it combines British heritage with Indian engineering expertise. Given that BSA is positioned as a premium brand under Classic Legends, the Thunderbolt is unlikely to launch in India, where the Yezdi Adventure already occupies the segment. Instead, it will cater primarily to European and UK markets, offering a refined, heritage-inspired alternative to mid-capacity adventure tourers.
