Boris Johnson Rides India-Made BSA Bantam as Anand Mahindra Hails Anglo-Indian Link

In the video, Johnson speaks about owning a Birmingham Small Arms, or BSA, motorcycle built in India. He describes the BSA Bantam as a strong example of “Anglo-Indian technological cooperation” before riding the motorcycle across an open field.

Sharing the video on X, Anand Mahindra thanked Johnson for the endorsement and said Mahindra was pleased to see him enjoying “the bike we've resurrected & now build in India”. Mahindra also made a humorous reference to Johnson’s initials, saying he hoped BSA would not be rechristened the “Boris Small Arms” company.

BSA was originally a British manufacturer, with its initials standing for Birmingham Small Arms. The Mahindra Group now owns the brand and operates it through Classic Legends, the company behind Jawa and Yezdi motorcycles as well.

The BSA Bantam name has a long history in the UK. The original motorcycle was produced between 1948 and 1971 and was known as a lightweight two-stroke machine, with engines ranging from 123cc to 173cc.

The new Bantam takes inspiration from that name but is a thoroughly modern roadster. It uses a 344cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine producing 29 hp and 29 Nm of torque, paired with a six-speed gearbox. It also comes with disc brakes at both ends and ABS.

Thank you for the plug Mr. Johnson

We’re delighted to see you enjoying the bike we’ve resurrected & now build in India…

As long as you don’t want us to rechristen BSA as the ‘Boris Small Arms’ company…

🙂 pic.twitter.com/5GRLBmyD6K

— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) August 31, 2026

Its design combines classic roadster proportions with contemporary equipment, including a single-piece seat, round LED headlamp, compact rear section and small circular tail-lamps and indicators. The motorcycle is understood to share elements of its platform with the Jawa 42 FJ, including parts of its chassis and suspension hardware.

The BSA Bantam’s price in the UK starts from 3,499 pounds, which is around Rs 4.5 lakh when directly converted.

Although BSA has British roots, the Bantam is manufactured in India and exported to international markets. The model is sold in the UK and European markets but is not currently offered in India.

In India, BSA’s range is more limited, comprising the Gold Star and the 650 Scrambler. BSA also has a presence in markets including the UK, Turkey, New Zealand, the Philippines, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the US, Australia and Japan.

Johnson’s appearance on the India-made motorcycle has brought renewed attention to BSA’s British heritage, its current ownership by the Mahindra Group and India’s role as the manufacturing base for the brand’s modern motorcycles.