The legendary British marque BSA is back in the spotlight, and this time it’s gunning for the modern-retro scrambler segment with the upcoming BSA Scrambler 650. Recently revealed at the 2023 EICMA, this motorcycle blends vintage aesthetics with current-day engineering—aimed squarely at enthusiasts who want both soul and substance in their ride.
Let’s break down what makes the Scrambler 650 a compelling entry in a crowded field—and whether it stands tall among rivals like the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650, Triumph Scrambler 400X, and Yezdi Scrambler.
Quick Specs Overview
| Spec | BSA Scrambler 650 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 652cc, single-cylinder, 4-stroke |
| Power | ~45 bhp (expected) |
| Torque | ~55 Nm (expected) |
| Transmission | 5-speed |
| Cooling System | Oil-cooled |
| Suspension (Front) | Long-travel telescopic fork |
| Suspension (Rear) | Twin shock absorbers |
| Tyres | Dual-purpose (block tread) |
| Brakes | Disc front and rear, dual-channel ABS |
| Expected Price (India) | ₹3.3 – ₹3.6 lakh (ex-showroom) |
| Launch Timeline | Late 2024 (India) |
What Stands Out?
Pro: Authentic Retro Design
The Scrambler 650 stays true to BSA’s old-school DNA with a minimalist, upright profile, round headlamp, sculpted tank, and twin shocks. Unlike some modern scramblers that lean more towards street bikes with off-road flair, the BSA feels honestly vintage. It screams heritage—without being a museum piece.
Pro: Purpose-Built for Scrambling
This isn’t just a street bike with knobby tires. With a high-mounted exhaust, spoked wheels, upright ergonomics, and long-travel suspension, the Scrambler 650 promises legit dual-sport capability. It’s built to handle rough terrain and twisty tarmac with equal grace.
Pro: Torquey Engine Performance
The same 652cc single-cylinder engine from the BSA Gold Star finds a home here, retuned for off-road character. Expect a generous torque curve, perfect for city cruising and light trail work. While not the quickest in the segment, the linear power delivery should win over new and experienced riders alike.
Where It Lags
Con: Weight Concerns
If the Gold Star’s 213 kg curb weight is anything to go by, the Scrambler 650 could feel heavy for a scrambler. For comparison, the Yezdi Scrambler is a lighter 192 kg, and the Triumph Scrambler 400X sits around 179 kg. Weight could limit agility off-road, especially for beginners.
Con: 5-Speed Gearbox
A 6-speed transmission is becoming standard in this segment. Both the Interceptor 650 and Scrambler 400X offer smoother highway cruising with their sixth gear. A 5-speed box could feel dated, especially at higher speeds.
How It Compares
| Feature | BSA Scrambler 650 | RE Interceptor 650 | Triumph Scrambler 400X | Yezdi Scrambler |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 652cc, single | 648cc, parallel twin | 398cc, single | 334cc, single |
| Power | ~45 bhp | 47 bhp | 40 bhp | 29 bhp |
| Weight (approx) | 210+ kg | 218 kg | 179 kg | 192 kg |
| Price (Expected) | ₹3.3–3.6 lakh | ₹3.03 lakh | ₹2.62 lakh | ₹2.13 lakh |
| ABS | Dual-channel | Dual-channel | Dual-channel | Dual-channel |
| Terrain Capability | Strong | Street-biased | Mixed-use | Light off-road |
Who Should Buy the BSA Scrambler 650?
If you’re a rider who:
- Craves authentic retro looks
- Wants a versatile machine for both city and trail
- Values low-end torque and rugged simplicity
- Seeks a middleweight alternative to Triumph without breaking the bank
…the BSA Scrambler 650 is shaping up to be an excellent buy.
But if you prioritize lightweight handling, long-distance touring, or tech-laden features, bikes like the Scrambler 400X or Interceptor 650 might serve you better.
Verdict: A Retro Weapon for the Road Less Taken
The BSA Scrambler 650 is not trying to reinvent the segment—it’s here to inject classic British attitude into a modern scrambler. With a torque-rich engine, trail-ready design, and authentic styling, it’s poised to turn heads and handle rough stuff.
While it may not beat its rivals on paper specs alone, its charm lies in character and capability—a soulful alternative in a sea of performance-first machines.
Buyer Tip: If BSA prices this competitively around ₹3.3 lakh, it could be a game-changer in the modern-retro segment. Keep an eye on the official launch later this year.
