It’s been a long time coming – but Anglo-Indian bike brand BSA, owned by the giant Mahindra company, has finally released its second 650 single-cylinder machine, the BSA Scrambler. It’s the ‘follow-up’ model to the smash hit Gold Star 650 retro roadster, which first appeared back in 2022 – though mainstream production bikes didn’t arrive till a bit later.
Now though, a couple of years after the Gold Star, we have the BSA Scrambler 650. It obviously shares a fair bit of tech with the modern Goldie, including the liquid-cooled DOHC 652cc single-cylinder engine which puts out an A2-friendly 45bhp and is Euro 5+ compliant. The five-speed transmission is also familiar, as are the Brembo front brakes, and conventional forks with twin-shock rear suspension; preload-adjustment on those is the only adjustment available.
The main chassis differences are in the wheels and tyres – the Scrambler has a 19” front wheel instead of an 18-incher, with the same sized 4.25×17” rear rim. The Scrambler comes with Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR dirt-style road rubber rather than the classic Pirelli Phantom road rubber on the Gold Star, with a 110/80 19 front and 150/70 17 rear.
The Scrambler also has a taller stance, with a 40mm higher seat height, up to 820mm from 780mm, and a 38mm longer wheelbase, 1,463mm instead of 1,425mm. But it’s the styling which is definitely the most striking difference over the roadster.
The Scrambler has much more modern, sharper looks, thanks to a black finished engine and black-painted exhaust system, plus rubber fork gaiters in place of metal shrouds, and plastic mudguards instead of chromed parts. Black-finished airbox cover, a handsome teardrop fuel tank design and slicker seat design all add to the much more stylish feel on the Scrambler.
It looks much closer to the likes of Triumph’s 900 retro twins – though it’s a good bit down on power and tech compared with the pricier Hinckley machinery of course. Speaking of tech, the Scrambler has dual-channel ABS, LED headlight and a neat premium round LCD single speedo/tacho display, complete with fuel gauge and warning lights.
Anupam Thareja, co-founder of Classic Legends Pvt Ltd, which owns BSA, said: “The BSA Scrambler embodies the free spirit and sense of adventure that all our riders embrace when out on the road. Its dynamic design and unique aesthetic ensure it is both eye-catching and innovative in its performance; we hope riders will be encouraged to ‘try something different’ with this bespoke bike.
“Functionality and style go hand in hand at BSA; we create beautifully crafted modern classics and want riders to feel confident and exhilarated every time. The BSA Scrambler is exciting, accessible, and fit for everyday journeys through urban jungles or on wide open roads – it takes on any obstacle in its path with ease.”
We’re riding the new BSA Scrambler as you read this, and will have a full first ride review asap. In the meantime, the new 2026 BSA Scrambler will be on sale soon for £5,999 plus OTR charges and you can see more information at www.bsamotorcycles.co.uk