BSA Bantam 350... return to biking

[Roboticarm]

I've not ridden regularly for about a decade, I'd rate my riding skills as pretty basic.
I'm considering getting back into it, still have a 1979 BMW r45 but its not exactly comfortable or reliable so considering something new.
I'm relatively short and relatively in experienced, I do have a full license though from back before all the complexity we have today so I can ride anything.

Looking for something relatively new, reliable but importantly light and easy to use for someone who isn't very tall and isn't the next Valentino Rossi


Does anyone have any thoughts on the Bantam please ?

[MrWideFit]

Possibly consider the triumph 400s also,

Would love to hear some thoughts on these and the bantam also

[LuS1fer]

Worth pitching some bikes into an insurance comparator and checking VEL rates.

My insurance for an MSX125 was more than a Suzuki SV650S but VEL was £60 more ( nearly as much as the insurance).

[Ghs]

I agree with ins aspect , my z900 is a lot less to ins than the previous zx4 rr

[Wacky Racer]

Plenty of reviews of both the Bantam and the new Honda 350 on Youtube, both seem to be rated very highly, although the Bantam wins on price.

The Triumph is in the next price bracket and is nearly £2000 dearer.

All would be ideal for your needs.

The Royal Enfield classic 350 might be worth a look too.

[jr6yam]

Wacky Racer said:

Plenty of reviews of both the Bantam and the new Honda 350 on Youtube, both seem to be rated very highly, although the Bantam wins on price.

I suspect in time the Honda will win in terms of quality and reliability

[PT1984]

The new Honda GB350s would be where my money goes. Had an hour on a friends and it’s a lovely thing.

[Biker9090]

Bear in mind that the Honda is VERY slow for a "big" (i.e. not a 125....) bike.

You will get 125s that give it a serious run for it's money.

The BSA is something like 50% more powerful. It's not a quick bike it it's definitley quicker than the Honda from what I've seen.

[Roboticarm]

Thank you.
I did look at the Honda and noted the lower power output.

It looks like the BSA might be the best balance of cost to power.

I've also seen some used Kawasaki Ninja 300s which look to meet my criteria however not sure if I'd get on with the rising position

[Bridgington]

Bantam 350, my dad's got one and likes it. It seems quite well built and designed. He's comparing it to his 1986 XT350 which is lighter and he loves it but now needs electric start and lower seat height.
The Bantam is quite heavy for a small bike especially compared to the XT but they are different bikes for a different era.
He wants a rack for it which I don't think they do yet but they will release one soon.
He's had a Himalayan, also heavy but a great bike.
Have a test ride, see what you think.