BSA Scrambler 650 vs BSA Gold Star 650: Design
The Gold Star is retro, while the Scrambler leans towards neo-retro
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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
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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 wheel – 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 CEAT Crossrad 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 5 kg heavier
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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) although the India website reveals a weight of 208kg but that’s down to Classic Legends only revealing the wet weight, without fuel. Once fully fuelled up, the Scrambler should weigh as much as the UK spec model, perhaps more because of the mandated saree guard.
BSA Scrambler 650 vs BSA Gold Star 650: Dash
Both offer dual-channel ABS and slipper clutch
The Scrambler 650 features an offset 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
The Gold Star is priced at Rs 3.22 lakh – 3.46 lakh, whereas the Scrambler 650 starts at Rs 3.25 lakh
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The Scrambler 650 has been launched in India at a starting price of Rs 3.25 lakh, whereas the Gold Star starts at a price of Rs 3.22 lakh. As you move up the pricing ladder, both the Scrambler and Gold Star command a premium based on their paint-shade and the base mechanical package remains unchanged. However, the Gold Star tops out at a slightly higher price than the Scrambler 650. For reference, the Scrambler’s most expensive paint option costs Rs 3.41 lakh whereas the top-end Gold Star most expensive shade is priced at Rs 3.46 lakh, marking a difference of Rs 5,000.
