BSA Scrambler 650 vs BSA Gold Star 650: differences explained

BSA Scrambler 650 vs BSA Gold Star 650: Design

The Gold Star is retro, while the Scrambler leans towards neo-retro

Right off the bat, the two motorcycles look distinct. Each follows a unique design direction— the Gold Star stays true to its classic roots with a retro aesthetic, while the Scrambler takes a more rugged approach. The Scrambler features a high-mounted front fender, fork gaiters, a side plate with ‘65’ graphics, and a different tail-light design. Although both bikes share the same 12-litre fuel tank, the Scrambler has an all-new yellow paint scheme and updated graphics. Staying in line with their respective themes, the Gold Star gets a more fitting halogen headlight, while the Scrambler is equipped with a modern LED headlight and an optional headlight grille.

BSA Scrambler 650 vs BSA Gold Star 650: Tyres, wheels and suspension

The Gold Star features an 18-inch front wheel whereas the Scrambler gets a 19-inch front wheel

Both motorcycles are built with distinct purposes in mind — one is a retro roadster, the other a scrambler. Naturally, their cycle parts differ to cater to their intended usage, with the Gold Star running an 18-inch front wheel and the Scrambler featuring a 19-inch front – both have 17-inch wire-spoke rims at the back. The tyre compounds also reflect their intended use: the Gold Star is equipped with Pirelli Phantom Sportscomp road-biased tyres, while the Scrambler gets Pirelli Scorpion Rally STRs for better off-road capability. It’s worth noting that both bikes feature spoke wheels with tubed tyres.

The suspension setup appears identical on paper, featuring a 41mm telescopic fork at the front and twin shock absorbers at the rear. However, the Scrambler seems to have significantly longer suspension travel, a seat height that’s 38mm higher, and a rake angle that’s tighter by half a degree — all of which suggest under-the-skin tuning.

BSA Scrambler 650 vs BSA Gold Star 650: Weight

The Scrambler 650 is 17kgs heavier

Both motorcycles cross the 200kg mark with the Gold Star being the lighter of the two at 212kg (kerb). The Scrambler 650 is a little heavier at 218kg (kerb), this is likely down to the larger front wheel and added bodywork.

BSA Scrambler 650 vs BSA Gold Star 650: Dash

Both offer dual-channel ABS and slipper clutch

The Scrambler 650 features an off-set digital cluster, while the Gold Star gets a twin-pod analogue display. Both motorcycles keep things minimal in terms of features, with dual-channel ABS and slipper clutch being the only safety aids on offer.

BSA Scrambler 650 vs BSA Gold Star 650: Expected price difference

In India, the Gold Star is priced at Rs 3.10-3.45 lakh

The Scrambler 650 has been launched in the UK at GBP 5,999 (Rs 6.96 lakh), while the Gold Star is listed on the UK website between GBP 5,499–5,999 (Rs 6.38–6.96 lakh). Based on UK pricing, the difference between the two models is approximately Rs 50,000. In India, the Gold Star is priced at Rs 3.10 – 3.45 lakh, and we expect the Scrambler 650 to carry a similar premium when it eventually launches here. It remains to be seen when Classic Legends brings the Scrambler 650 here.

All INR to GBP conversions are based on current rates

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BSA Bantam resurrected as a new 350cc model based on Jawa 42 FJ