BSA Motorcycles got a fresh lease of life when Classic Legends acquired the iconic British motorcycle in 2020. By late 2021, the Mahindra-owned company unveiled its first motorcycle in the form of the Goldstar 650. Now, BSA has introduced the second model in its lineup called B65.
Essentially a scrambler derivative of the Goldstar, the B65 made its maiden public appearance at the Birmingham Motorcycle Live Show last weekend. This comes only a couple weeks after Royal Enfield introduced its own version of a 650cc scrambler based on the Interceptor at the recently concluded EICMA 2024— the Bear 650.
However, this is still at a concept stage since many of the production parts were missing on the prototype showcased at the exhibition which are necessary for homologation. Images of this motorcycle were also shared by Anand Mahindra, Chairman of Mahindra & Mahindra Group, and Pratap, Chief Design & Creative Officer, Auto & Farm sectors on their receptive social media handles.
BSA B65 scrambler design
On the first glance, the B65 looks like a typical middleweight scrambler with visual highlights such as mudguards which are chopped short, a front beak, a slimmer grab rail, and a flatter bench seat. In addition, it also gets a headlight grille which is most likely to be offered as an accessory. Side panels bear scrambler-style racing number plates. The bike is wrapped in dual-tone colour schemes with the mechanical component given an all-black treatment for sporty aesthetics.
BSA B65 scrambler specs & features
There is also a new upswept exhaust muffler on offer with an aluminium coating. Accentuating its retro appeal are the wire-spoked wheels. Coming to functionality, the B65 gets a taller handlebar with a cross brace. While the main frame is identical to the Goldstar, the B65 gets a new sub-frame. The biggest difference between the Goldstar and the B65 is 19-inch front and 17-inch wire spoke wheels shod with Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR rubber employed in the latter.
Braking duties will be handled by a single 320mm floating disc with Brembo twin-piston floating calliper and a single 255mm disc with Brembo single-piston floating calliper at the rear, complemented by dual-channel ABS. The B65 weighs 218 kg (kerb) whereas it gets a fuel tank with a 12-litre capacity. Seat height remains accessible at 820mm, nearly 40 mm more than Gold Star 650. However, there is no mention of ground clearance.
When it comes to features, the B65 comes equipped with a LED headlight and taillight, and a circular digital instrument cluster. We also expect BSA to offer switchable rear ABS for better off-roading grip.
Powering the BSA B65 is the same 652cc, liquid-cooled, single- cylinder, DOHC, 4-valve engine which kicks out 45 bhp at 6500rpm and a peak torque of 55 Nm at 4000rpm. This motor is paired with a 5-speed gearbox via a slip and assist clutch. The B65 is expected to launch in the UK in early 2025. We can expect BSA to bring this bike to India sometime next year.