Arijit Bhattacharya

My BSA Bantam D1

There’s a certain magic in old metal and oil, and the BSA Bantam D1 captures it perfectly. Born in the late 1940s, this humble 123cc two-stroke machine rolled out of Birmingham as Britain was rebuilding - and brought affordable motoring to the masses. With its rigid frame, fishtail silencer, and gentle thump, it wasn’t just a motorcycle; it was freedom on two wheels.

Owning a Bantam D1 is like holding a piece of living history. Every ride whispers stories of post-war roads, telegram boys, and Sunday runs through the countryside. It’s not fast, nor loud - but it has soul. And that’s why it’ll always have a place in my garage - and my heart.