Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is in the news these days for riding a special motorcycle. to johnson BSA Bantam Has been seen riding a bike. The special thing is that the bikes of this motorcycle brand with British heritage are now manufactured in India.
Its video has been shared by Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra on social media. After the video surfaced, once again the discussion about the BSA brand and its association between India and Britain has started.
Boris Johnson himself told the special thing about the bike
In the video, Boris Johnson tells that he has Birmingham Small Arms i.e. B.S.A. Is a motorcycle, which is made in India. He described BSA Bantam as an example of technical cooperation between India and Britain.
After this, Johnson is seen riding the same bike in an open area. Anand Mahindra shared the video of him riding the bike on his social media account and thanked Johnson for liking the bike.
Anand Mahindra also joked in a light-hearted manner in his post. He wrote that hopefully now the name of BSA will be changed. “Boris Small Arms” There will be no need to do it.
Was once a famous bike brand of Britain
Full name of BSA Birmingham Small Arms Is. It is an old British motorcycle brand with a long history. BSA is now owned by the Indian Mahindra Group and the brand is operated through Classic Legends.
Classic Legends' portfolio also includes motorcycle brands like Jawa and Yezdi.
What is the difference between the old Bantam and the new bike?
The history of the name BSA Bantam goes back almost eight decades. Original Bantam motorcycles produced in Britain 1948 to 1971 It happened between. At that time, it was a light 2-stroke bike and engines ranging from 123cc to 173cc were used in it.
The new Bantam is inspired by the name and retro design of the old model, but uses modern engines and technology.
New BSA in Bantam 344cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine Get it. this close Power of 29 PS and torque of 29 Nm produces. The engine is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. For safety, the bike is also provided with ABS along with front and rear disc brakes.
Modern features with retro look
In terms of design, the new Bantam has been given a retro look like the motorcycles of the old era. It gets round LED headlamps, single-piece seat, small rear section and round tail-lamps and indicators.
According to reports, some of the platform and suspension components of the bike are shared with the Jawa 42 FJ.
Made in India, yet not sold here
The most interesting thing about this story is that BSA Bantam is manufactured in India, but currently it has not been made available for sale in the Indian market. This is mainly It is produced for the markets of Britain and Europe and exported from India.
BSA's current range in India includes models like the Gold Star and 650 Scrambler.
Boris Johnson driving the Indian made BSA Bantam is also special because it is the story of an old British brand, whose bike is now being manufactured in India and reaching foreign markets. This is what makes this technical and business association between India and Britain special.