BSA Goldstar-based Scrambler 650 Unveiled: Coming To India Soon [Video]
Mahindra-owned Classic Legends has showcased the production-spec BSA Goldstar-based scrambler- dubbed the B65- two years after the concept was first showcased. In a recent video by Mindful Motorcyclist, the host gives us a quick tour of the B65 scrambler. The debut comes at a critical time, when Royal Enfield has rolled out the Bear 650, that’s currently getting much attention. We’ll come to that after diving deeper into the B65 …
BSA B65 Scrambler: Quick Look At It
This is the second motorcycle from BSA after the Goldstar 650. It borrows several key components from the Goldstar and is indeed a valuable addition to the lineup. Several key changes have been made to the Goldstar to make a scrambler out of it. The B 65 gets a bigger front wheel. It rides on 19-inch (F) and 17-inch (R). The Goldstar, if you remember, had an 18-inch front wheel. It further had retro Pirelli Phantom Sportcomp tyres while the B65 gets better Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR dual-purpose rubber. The width of the front tyre seems to have increased too.
The B65 being a scrambler, calls for longer suspension travel. But we are not sure if the B65 has a longer travel for its shocks. The company has been tight-lipped about the same. Seems like the motorcycle uses 41 mm telescopic forks at the front and twin rear shocks with preload adjustability.
The B65 gets 320 mm front disc brakes with Brembo twin-piston floating callipers and 255 mm single disc at the rear. A dual-channel ABS is also offered. The overall weight has increased to 218 kilograms now, marking a hike of 5 odd kilos. The motorcycle has a seat height of 820 mm. This is in fact, 40 mm more than the Gold Star.
The scrambler doesn’t see much deviation in terms of the engine and its specifications. It is powered by the same big bore 652cc, single-cylinder engine as the Goldstar. This powertrain churns out 45hp and 55Nm (at 4,000 rpm) – quite a good number for a scrambler. The transmission is a 5-speed unit.
So how do you differentiate the scrambler visually? Well, it gets a new high-rise front fender (that looks like a beak!), retro side panel with a number board, sleek tail section and small round LED headlamp. The engine gets a nThe feature list includes a new single-pod digital cluster. This seems to have come from Yezdi and Jawa models. Just in case you did not know, Classic Legends owns both BSA, and Jawa/Yezdi. Unlike the Gold Star, the B65 comes with a shorter seat that slightly rises towards the rear. The switch gear gets a nicer feel and finish.
The Goldstar has an ex-showroom price of Rs 3.00 lakh and Rs 3.35 lakh in India. The manufacturer hasn’t officially confirmed if the B65 will make it to India.
B65 vs Royal Enfield Bear 650: Specifications Comparison
Now, let’s do a specifications comparison between the BSA scrambler and the recently launched Royal Enfield Bear 650. We’ll leave the styling part to you and opinions on the same can be subjective. However, we love the high-rise front fender of the B65. It gives the motorcycle a proper character. Spec it with a headlamp guard and you’ll have a motorcycle that looks absolutely gorgeous.
Going straight to the specifications, the Bear 650 is powered by a 648 cc air-oil cooled engine that makes 47 hp and 57 Nm. The BSA on the other hand, has 45 hp and 55 Nm, courtesy of its larger 652 cc liquid-cooled engine. The gearbox here is a 5-speed unit, unlike the 6-speed unit on the Big Bear.
Both bikes are based on double cradle frames. The B65 comes with 41 mm traditional front forks and rear shock absorbers. Bear 650, on the other hand, 43mm Showa USDs at the front and a dual-coil setup at the rear. Both bikes ride on 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels. The Bear is lighter than the BSA by two odd kilos. You also sit higher on the Royal Enfield (830mm) and the ground clearance is 174 mm. The B65’s ground clearance remains undisclosed at the moment.