Key Highlights
- BSA unveils its first adventure motorcycle, the Thunderbolt, at EICMA 2025
- Powered by a 334cc liquid-cooled engine with traction control and three ABS modes
- Designed for real-world riding with high ground clearance, bash plate, and exoskeleton frame
At EICMA 2025 in Milan, the iconic British marque BSA, now revived under Classic Legends, pulled the wraps off its first-ever ADV, the Thunderbolt. And no, this isn’t a nostalgic nod to its past. It’s a fresh, modern machine built for riders who crave a bit of everything: highways, broken backroads, and the odd mountain trail thrown in for good measure.
At first glance, the Thunderbolt looks ready to pack up and disappear into the hills. The rally-style beak, rear luggage rack, reinforced bash plate, and that burly exoskeleton frame all scream intent. It’s the kind of bike that makes you want to skip work on a Monday morning just because the trail looks too good to ignore.
Engine and Performance
Powering the Thunderbolt is a 334cc single-cylinder DOHC engine, liquid-cooled and Euro 5+ compliant. It’s paired with a six-speed gearbox and a slip-and-assist clutch, ensuring slick shifts and a meaty torque spread at lower revs. With a 15.5-litre fuel tank, the Thunderbolt promises respectable touring range, while the upswept exhaust ensures you don’t have to think twice before crossing that shallow stream.
Suspension, Brakes, and Tech
Underneath, you’ve got USD forks at the front and a preload-adjustable monoshock at the rear, a combo aimed at keeping you comfortable whether you’re attacking corners or crawling through slush. The bike also gets three ABS modes i.e. Rain, Road, and Off-Road along with traction control for those unpredictable surfaces.
Tech hasn’t been ignored either. There’s turn-by-turn navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, USB charging, and an adjustable instrument console that tilts for better visibility. Add in an adjustable windscreen, wide handlebars, and a low seat height, and you’ve got a motorcycle that welcomes riders of all shapes and experience levels.
Design and Ergonomics
This is where BSA has really flexed its design muscle. The integrated exoskeleton, knuckle guards, and ample ground clearance aren’t just for show — they make the Thunderbolt ready for real-world punishment. It’s lightweight, nimble, and designed with enough space for a pillion and luggage, making it equally at home on a commute or a cross-country escape.
The Thunderbolt joins BSA’s expanding lineup alongside the Gold Star 650, Bantam 350, and Scrambler 650. Launch is expected by mid-2026, and if Classic Legends positions it right, it’ll go head-to-head with the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 and Hero XPulse 400.
Also read: Kawasaki ZX-10R updated with a new engine and winglets – Details
