Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been spotted riding a BSA Bantam motorcycle built in India, highlighting the growing global footprint of Indian motorcycle manufacturing.
Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has become the latest high-profile figure to draw attention to an India-made motorcycle after a video of him riding a BSA Bantam was shared by Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra on social media.
In the video, Johnson can be seen riding the BSA Bantam across an open field. While speaking about the motorcycle, he refers to it as an example of “Anglo-Indian technological cooperation” and confirms that the motorcycle he owns was built in India.
Anand Mahindra, who heads the Mahindra Group that owns the BSA brand, shared the video on X. He 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 added a humorous reference to Johnson’s initials, joking that he hoped BSA would not be renamed the “Boris Small Arms” company.
BSA: A British Brand Now Built in India
BSA, which originally stood for Birmingham Small Arms, has deep roots in the British motorcycle industry. The historic brand was acquired by the Mahindra Group and is now operated through Classic Legends, the company that also owns motorcycle brands such as Jawa and Yezdi.
The revival of BSA represents an interesting shift in the brand’s history. While its identity remains strongly associated with Britain, its modern motorcycles are manufactured in India and exported to international markets.
Modern BSA Bantam Gets a Retro Design
The new BSA Bantam takes inspiration from the original Bantam nameplate but is significantly more modern than its historic predecessor.
The original BSA Bantam was produced in the UK between 1948 and 1971. It was a lightweight two-stroke motorcycle that was offered with engine capacities ranging from 123cc to 173cc.
The modern Bantam is a roadster powered by a 344cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine producing around 29 hp and 29 Nm of torque. The engine is paired with a six-speed gearbox.
The motorcycle also gets disc brakes at both ends and ABS. Its design combines classic roadster styling with modern equipment, including a round LED headlamp, single-piece seat, compact rear section and circular tail-lamps and indicators.
The motorcycle is also understood to share some platform components with the Jawa 42 FJ, including elements of its chassis and suspension setup.
BSA Bantam Price and India Availability
In the UK, the BSA Bantam starts at around £3,499, which translates to approximately ₹4.5 lakh at a direct currency conversion.
Despite being manufactured in India, the motorcycle is currently not sold in the Indian market. It is instead exported to markets such as the UK and Europe.
In India, BSA currently has a more limited portfolio, including the Gold Star and 650 Scrambler.
The brand has also expanded its international presence across markets including the UK, Turkey, New Zealand, the Philippines, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the US, Australia and Japan.
From British Roads to Indian Manufacturing
Boris Johnson riding a BSA motorcycle manufactured in India offers an interesting example of how global motorcycle manufacturing has evolved. A historic British motorcycle name is now being revived under Indian ownership, with its modern products being manufactured in India and exported back to international markets.
The video shared by Anand Mahindra has therefore attracted attention not only because of Johnson’s involvement, but also because of the unusual journey of the BSA brand—from a historic British manufacturer to a globally marketed motorcycle brand with India at the centre of its modern production.
