New BSA B65 Scrambler debuts against Royal Enfield Bear

The new BSA B65 Scrambler will use the same 652cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine, but it may have unique features

In view of the huge success achieved by Royal Enfield with its 650cc product portfolio, BSA Motorcycles, a division of Classic Legends, has re-launched the iconic Gold Star 650. The motorcycle has also been launched in India with a starting price of Rs 3 lakh (excluding taxes). Now, BSA has launched the Scrambler variant of the Gold Star 650 at Motorcycle Live 2024 in Birmingham, UK.

If the words BSA Gold Star 650, Scrambler and Birmingham stand out to you, then your memory is sharp. The company showcased the Scrambler version of the Gold Star 650 at the Motorcycle Live 2022 show in Birmingham, UK. However, this is more of a concept and demo, as it lacks quite a few production parts.

New BSA B65 scrambler debuts

Revealed at the recent Motorcycle Live 2024 show in Birmingham, the B65 Scrambler looks more like a production-spec product, complete with all the necessary homologation equipment. It is unclear whether BSA has any intention to launch this motorcycle.

You don’t have to be a genius to realize that the Gold Star 650 Scrambler is a direct imitation of the recently launched Royal Enfield Interceptor Bear 650. Both motorcycles share impeccable brand heritage and nostalgia. They have similar engine displacements and comparable performance figures.

As seen in Mindful Motorcyclist’s video, BSA uses a two-tone color combination on the fuel tank. The engine is liquid-cooled, but the handsome fins around the water jacket have a two-tone finish for a retro feel. Beyond that, there’s a new exhaust that slopes slightly upward.

Other notable elements include new handlebars with cross braces, a new subframe and a new sporty rear end. There’s a new fully digital instrument cluster controlled by improved switchgear, replacing the analogue two-foot unit on the current bike. The bodyside panels with racing numbers are also new.

There is now a small front beak, as well as exposed RSU telescopic forks with fork guards. Suspension travel increases as ground clearance increases. The 19-inch front and 17-inch rear spoked wheels are shod with Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tires, giving it a typical Scrambler look. The radiator now features a new grille, and BSA also showed off the grilles for the LED headlights.

Same engine as before?

The BSA Gold Star 650 Scrambler will be powered by the same 652cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC engine delivering 45 bhp of peak power and 55 Nm of peak torque, mated to a 5-speed gearbox and slipper clutch. The powertrain may get some tweaks to suit the Scrambler role. Considering the popularity of the Interceptor Bear 650, BSA may consider launching it soon.