BSA Bring Back the Thunderbolt as a Bold Adventure Bike
The reborn BSA is bringing back one of its most famous bikes.
The British brand, which is now owned by India’s Classic Legends, unveiled an all-new Thunderbolt at this year’s EICMA show in Milan earlier this month, according to Motorcycle News. But, whereas the original two-wheeler to bear the name was a classic touring motorcycle, the new bike is an agile adventure model designed for on- and off-road fun.
The revived manufacturer’s latest joins the Bantam, Gold Star, and Scrambler—all of which are also based on heritage models—in its 2026 lineup. The original Thunderbolt debuted in 1962 and remained in production for a decade because of its smooth looks and an air-cooled 654cc twin-parallel engine that could push it to speeds of up to 100 mph. It was also the last model the original brand built before going out of business.
2026 BSA Thunderbolt
BSA
The Thunderbolt name is about all the new BSA’s fourth model has in common with its predecessor, though. Instead of a 650cc engine, the new bike is powered by a liquid-cooled 334cc single-cylinder DOHC engine, which is based on the unit found in the reimagined Bantam. Here, the mill makes 29 hp at 8,000 rpm and 19 ft lbs of torque at 5,800 rpm. The motor is mated to a six-speed gearbox and fed by a 15.5-liter fuel tank. Other mechanical features include USD forks, a mono rear shock, and an integrated exoskeleton to help ensure the bike can weather even the rockiest of rides. A slip-and-assist clutch is also present to help make urban riding a little easier.
The rugged two-wheeler also sports a bold style that can almost be described as futuristic. The design was penned by Kiska, a firm also employed by KTM, and features an eye-catching yellow fairing and amber flyscreen pushed so far forward that they almost extend past the rally-style front fender. A high ground clearance, reinforced bash plate, and a knobby set of tires also make it clear that this is a motorcycle that can tackle all terrains. There’s also a rear rack that can be outfitted with saddle bags to hold your gear.
BSA
The all-new Thunderbolt is expected to go on sale in the U.K. by the middle of next year. A U.S. release has yet to be confirmed, but if it does make it across the Atlantic, Gear Patrol expects the bike to be priced around $6,000.
Click here for more photos of the all-new BSA Thunderbolt.
