Motorcycle enthusiasts in the UK eagerly anticipate the arrival of the BSA Scrambler 650, as registration for the upcoming launch commences.
BSA Scrambler 650: A More Off-Road Ready Version of the Gold Star 650
The British motorcycle manufacturer, BSA, is set to release a new addition to its lineup – the Scrambler 650. This bike, owned by India's Classic Legends Pvt. Ltd., a Mahindra Group company, appears to be a lighter and more off-road ready version of the Gold Star 650.
The Scrambler 650 boasts a unique design, with a braced handlebar, a beak-style high-mounted chopped front fender, and a chopped tail section with a new taillight unit. It also features side-mounted race plates sporting '65', a nod to the engine displacement. For those seeking an adventurous ride, the Scrambler 650's round headlamp with a protector and an engine bash plate are sure to provide added protection.
Under the hood, the Scrambler 650's engine is tuned differently for a livelier output compared to the Gold Star. It currently produces 44 bhp and 55 Nm of torque, with changes expected to the engine setup, including a bigger rear sprocket for better lower-end performance. The Scrambler 650 is paired with a 6-speed gearbox and comes with disc brakes at either end with switchable dual-channel ABS.
The Scrambler 650's production is not currently in India, unlike the Gold Star 650. However, with BSA now present in India alongside Jawa and Yezdi, the Scrambler 650 is expected to arrive much sooner, either by the end of this year or in early 2026.
The Scrambler 650 has telescopic forks at the front and twin shock absorbers at the rear, offering longer suspension travel and a slightly tighter rake angle, aligning with its scrambler/off-road design. In contrast, the Gold Star has a more touring-oriented setup, with a slightly slacker rake angle and standard suspension travel.
The Scrambler 650 sports a new matte paint scheme and features a round digital LCD instrument cluster, setting it apart from the Gold Star's twin-pod semi-digital analog-digital instruments. The Scrambler also features a larger 19-inch front wheel with Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR dual-sport tyres suited for off-road use, while the Gold Star has an 18-inch front wheel with Pirelli Phantom Sportscomp road-biased tyres. Both bikes have 17-inch wire-spoke rear wheels and tubed tyres.
The Scrambler 650 is heavier at roughly 218 kg (kerb) compared to the Gold Star's 212 kg. It has a longer wheelbase of 1,463 mm (38 mm longer) and a higher seat height of 820 mm, which is 38-40 mm taller than the Gold Star's 780 mm seat height.
In terms of pricing, the Scrambler is expected to carry a premium of about ₹50,000 over the Gold Star, priced around ₹3.5–3.6 lakh compared to Gold Star's ₹3.10–3.45 lakh in India.
With its rugged scrambler cues and off-road capabilities, the Scrambler 650 is set to offer an exciting new option for those seeking adventure on two wheels.
Key Differences between the BSA Scrambler 650 and the Gold Star 650:
| Feature | BSA Scrambler 650 | BSA Gold Star 650 | |------------------------|-----------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------| | Weight (Kerb) | 218 kg | 212 kg | | Wheelbase | 1,463 mm | 1,425 mm | | Seat Height | 820 mm | 780 mm | | Front Wheel Size | 19 inches (dual-sport tyres) | 18 inches (road tyres) | | Tyres | Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR | Pirelli Phantom Sportscomp | | Suspension | Longer travel, tighter rake | Standard travel, slightly slacker rake | | Headlamp | LED | Halogen | | Instrument Cluster | Round digital LCD | Twin-pod semi-digital analog-digital | | Engine | 652cc single-cylinder, ~45 bhp | Same as Scrambler | | Price (India approx.) | ₹3.5–3.6 lakh (expected) | ₹3.10–3.45 lakh |
The BSA Scrambler 650, designed for off-road adventures, showcases a unique set of features such as a larger 19-inch front wheel with dual-sport tires, a beak-style front fender, race plates, and a round digital LCD instrument cluster. In contrast, the BSA Gold Star 650 caters more to touring with a road-biased 18-inch front wheel, a twin-pod semi-digital analog-digital instrument cluster, and standard travel suspension.
Those opting for the Scrambler 650 can expect a slightly heavier weight and higher seat height than the Gold Star, conducive to off-road handling, while the Gold Star's lighter weight and lower seat height support touring comfort. The Scrambler's engine tuning also provides a livelier output compared to the Gold Star, suited for the adventurous off-road experience.
