BSA Just Quietly Rolled Out a Stunning Throwback Scrambler

As Greek mythology and philosophy nerds know, the Ship of Theseus is a classic paradox and thought experiment.

The essential, eternal question: Is an object the same object after having all its original parts replaced over time? 

BSA Motorcycles

One might ask something similar of BSA, the iconic British motorcycle manufacturer that crashed in the 1970s and much later had its name acquired by Classic Legends, a subsidiary of global conglomerate The Mahindra Group.

But whether it’s really the same BSA or not, there’s no question the brand is introducing some interesting bikes, such as the new Gold Star and Bantam 350, that channel the retro flair and approachability that originally made the brand so popular.

Which brings me to the latest release from the zombie label, which just might be the most compelling yet: the stylish and versatile new Scrambler 650.

Old-school bona fides

While the Gold Star tapped into aesthetics of yore, the Bantam 350 departed pretty sharply from its namesake, for good reason.

The Scrambler definitely leans toward the former in terms of channeling vintage bikes, specifically the 1970 B25. 

BSA Motorcycles

The retro scrambler trend has been kicking for a while now, thanks to the likes of Triumph and Royal Enfield, among others — but BSA has as much a right to jump in as anyone thanks to heritage going back even farther than 1970. 

BSA bikes ruled races from the Isle of Man to Daytona Beach in the early 1950s, while BSA rider Jeff Smith won back-to-back  FIM 500cc Motocross World Championships in 1964 and ’65. 

BSA Motorcycles

Drawing on that history, the rugged-looking new bike comes in three classic colorways (yellow, grey and black) complemented by a big round headlight, mirrors and (admittedly digital) gauge.

The number plate, meanwhile, recalls classic desert-racing bikes of yesteryear with the 65 perhaps a subtle reminder of the brand’s trophy-winning pedigree.

New-school specs

As classic as its look is, the new Scrambler is of course intended to be ridden and revered by modern humans. 

Toward that end, it boasts the same scrappy engine as the new Gold Star: a liquid-cooled 652cc single cylinder making 45bhp at 6,500rpm and 40.5 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm.

BSA Motorcycles

This level of power and pick-up, say the good lads at Visordown, make it the most fun in the 25 mph to 55 mph, though it can approach triple digits with a strong tailwind.

While it’s probably best to keep the off-roading “light” on this bike, it does have a number of dirt-ready features, including knobby Pirelli Scorpion STR tires (19-inch front, 17-inch rear), a bash plate, 41mm telescopic forks and dual shocks with a 5-setting preload.

The Scrambler also boasts Brembo brakes with dual channel ABS (that, unfortunately, cannot be turned off when you leave the beaten path). 

Speaking to its approachability, the seat height is roughly 32.3 inches, lower than the Triumph Scrambler 400 XC (32.87) and the Royal Enfield Bear (32.7) and), although at nearly 481 pounds it is much heavier than the former (419) and a bit heavier than the latter (476).

BSA Motorcycles

Of course, both the BSA bike and the Bear are much more powerful than Triumph’s — hence the weight difference — and choosing between the two might ultimately come down to price. 

Right now Scrambler 650 is coming in more than £700 less than the Bear across the pond. If a similar difference holds for a US release, this Ship of Theseus could really sail past the competition.

Availability and pricing

The 2025 BSA Scrambler 650 arrives at UK and Euro dealerships next month starting at £5,999 (roughly $7,973 USD). No word yet on a US release but, as with the Bantam 350, next year is not out of the question.

BSA Motorcycles

2025 BSA Scrambler 650

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