Boris Johnson rides India-made BSA Bantam, Anand Mahindra calls it ‘Anglo-Indian’ moment
Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has taken the BSA Bantam for a ride in a social media video shared by Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra.
The motorcycle, which carries a historic British badge, is now manufactured in India under Mahindra Group ownership.
Johnson rides India-built BSA Bantam
In the video, Johnson speaks about owning a Birmingham Small Arms, or BSA, motorcycle made in India.
He describes the motorcycle as an example of “Anglo-Indian technological cooperation” before riding the Bantam across an open field.
Mahindra shared the clip on X and thanked Johnson for the endorsement, saying the group was pleased to see him enjoying the motorcycle it had “resurrected” and now builds in India.
Thank you for the plug Mr. Johnson
— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) August 31, 2026
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
Mahindra also added a playful reference to Johnson’s initials, joking that he hoped BSA would not be renamed the “Boris Small Arms” company.
From British icon to Indian manufacturing
BSA was originally a British motorcycle manufacturer, with its name standing for Birmingham Small Arms.
The brand is now owned by the Mahindra Group and operates under Classic Legends, which also manages motorcycle brands such as Jawa and Yezdi.
The modern BSA range retains the brand’s British heritage while being developed and manufactured with a strong Indian production base.
New BSA Bantam gets modern makeover
The original BSA Bantam was produced in the UK between 1948 and 1971 and became known as a lightweight two-stroke motorcycle. It was offered with engines ranging from 123cc to 173cc.
The modern Bantam draws inspiration from that legacy but is a completely contemporary roadster.
It is powered by a 344cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine producing 29 hp and 29 Nm of torque, paired with a six-speed gearbox.
The motorcycle also gets disc brakes at both ends and ABS, along with a retro-inspired design featuring a single-piece seat, round LED headlamp, compact rear section and circular tail-lamps and indicators.
The Bantam is also understood to share certain platform components with the Jawa 42 FJ, including elements of its chassis and suspension.
BSA Bantam made in India, sold overseas
Despite its British heritage, the new BSA Bantam is manufactured in India and exported to international markets.
The motorcycle is sold in the UK and European markets, with its UK price starting at £3,499, equivalent to roughly Rs 4.5 lakh at a direct currency conversion.
The Bantam, however, is not currently available in India.
In the Indian market, BSA’s range is currently more limited, comprising the Gold Star and 650 Scrambler.
The brand also has a presence across markets including the UK, Turkey, New Zealand, the Philippines, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the US, Australia and Japan.
Johnson’s ride has brought fresh attention to the unusual journey of a historic British motorcycle marque that has found a new home — and a major manufacturing base — in India.
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