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. Though both bikes share the same 12-litre fuel tank, the Scrambler has an all-new yellow paint scheme and updated graphics. 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 and 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 weighs 218kg (kerb); while the India website lists a weight of 208kg, that is down to Classic Legends stating the wet weight without fuel. Once fully fuelled, the Scrambler should weigh as much as the UK-spec model, or perhaps more due to the mandatory 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: 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 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 is priced at Rs 3.46 lakh, a difference of Rs 5,000.
Vishal Venugopal
