Reimagining a legend: The BSA Thunderbolt concept.
BSA | Brand Boost
BSA and KISKA partnered to create the Thunderbolt – a modern classic adventure motorcycle that balances heritage with progress.
| SERVICES | Product Consulting Engineering & Prototyping Innovation Consulting Product Experience Design Transportation & eMobility Design |
A legacy reimagined.
How do you take a legacy brand known for its classic British character and introduce it to a new generation of riders – without losing its soul?
When BSA approached KISKA to help realise the vision of a new adventure motorcycle, the goal was clear: respect the past, design for today, and build something real.
This wasn’t just about design, it was about collaboration. Working closely with BSA, the KISKA team developed a future-forward design that stayed true to the brand’s DNA, and close to the production platform.
Powered by people
From the start, this wasn’t a “blue-sky” concept. Every line, stance, and surface was grounded in reality – a design for riders, not purely for show.
KISKA combined new tools like VR and AR reviews, 3D visualisation, and digital modelling with practical old-school methods – basic conversation, sketching, and hands-on craftsmanship. This mix of modern precision and traditional collaboration shaped a concept that feels as real as it looks.
The result: the BSA Thunderbolt Adventure Concept – a motorcycle that celebrates the brand’s heritage while looking confidently to its future.
The Thunderbolt name carries deep roots in BSA’s history. The original model, launched in the late 1960s, was a touring bike known for its comfort, long-range ability, and reliability – the kind of machine built to take you anywhere. This concept continues that spirit, reimagined for a new generation of riders.
“Working on such a historic brand required tact and respect. We set out to bring it into the modern era without losing the spirit that made it legendary. It’s been a true challenge, and an honour, to be part of this journey.”
– Pierre Antoine Evrard, Transportation Designer
Beneath its distinct silhouette, the Thunderbolt concept rides on BSA’s 334cc single-cylinder engine. With 200mm of suspension travel up front and 180mm at the rear, it has the confidence to take on rougher terrain. Its 15.5L fuel tank is a standout design feature that also ensures the bike is ready to go the distance.
Collaboration in motion
At its core, the Thunderbolt is a story about people – designers, modellers, and engineers working closely with BSA to bring a shared vision to life.
The process was open, hands-on, and full of creative exchange. From VR mock-ups to quick studio-floor conversations, every interaction shaped more than form, it defined how the bike connects to its rider. The twin front headlights give the Thunderbolt a confident, unmistakable face – a nod to endurance heritage, yet distinctly modern. Its carefully balanced seat height makes adventure more accessible, giving riders a sense of control and connection whether they’re on the tarmac or standing on the pegs.
These details come from collaboration – from designers and engineers who ride, understand, and refine every millimetre until it feels right.
“It wasn’t just about building a bike, it was about trust, energy, and teamwork. When everyone shares the same passion and truly understands bikes, that’s when ideas really come to life.”
— Maxime Lefebvre, Transportation Design Team Lead
The road ahead
The BSA Thunderbolt Adventure Concept made its debut at EICMA 2025 in Milan, before heading to the NEC Show in Birmingham – a return to its home crowd.
For KISKA, this project goes far beyond the product. It’s proof of what happens when collaboration feels purposeful, when new tools meet traditional craft, and when design stays connected to people.
A job well done doesn’t just build a motorcycle, it builds trust, partnership, and the road to future adventures.
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