Royal Enfield's success in the affordable, retro-inspired motorcycle market is undeniable. Their simple yet stylish machines have become a popular canvas for custom builds, carving a significant niche for themselves, particularly within the 650cc segment. This success, however, hasn't gone unnoticed. BSA Motorcycles, now under the ownership of Indian automotive giant Mahindra via Classic Legends, has emerged as a direct competitor, aiming to capture a slice of Royal Enfield's market share.
BSA's Gold Star 650, a direct rival to the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650, offers comparable specifications and pricing, placing it firmly in the competitive arena. While both motorcycles target a similar aesthetic, a key difference lies in their powerplants. The Enfield boasts a punchy parallel-twin engine, whereas the Gold Star utilises a single-cylinder thumper. This fundamental difference will likely sway buyers based on individual preferences and riding styles.
However, BSA's ambitions extend beyond its Gold Star offering. Following Royal Enfield's launch of the Bear 650 scrambler, BSA has unveiled a preview of its own contender: the B65 Scrambler. This new model, clearly drawing inspiration from the Gold Star, presents a rugged, retro-styled scrambler designed to compete directly with Royal Enfield's popular offering.
The B65 Scrambler embodies the scrambler aesthetic with a high front mudguard, raised suspension, and knobby tyres fitted to 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels. Sporting details such as a side-mounted number plate, blacked-out exhaust headers, and minimal bodywork contribute to its clean, athletic lines. Visually, the B65 Scrambler projects a sleeker and more dynamic profile than the Bear 650. Whether its single-cylinder engine offers a more engaging off-road experience remains to be seen, although it's worth noting that BSA's 652cc single produces similar power figures to Royal Enfield's 648cc twin â approximately 45 horsepower and 40 lb-ft of torque.
The ultimate success of the B65 Scrambler will hinge significantly on its pricing strategy. BSA has demonstrated a tendency to undercut Royal Enfield on base models while sometimes exceeding their prices on higher-spec variants. A similar pricing approach is anticipated for the B65 Scrambler.
Ultimately, increased competition within the motorcycle market is beneficial for both consumers and manufacturers. The neo-retro segment, currently experiencing significant growth, thrives on innovation spurred by competition. The arrival of the B65 Scrambler presents a compelling alternative and further invigorates this exciting market sector. Whether the single-cylinder engine of the B65 Scrambler proves a preferable alternative to the parallel-twin of the Royal Enfield Bear 650 remains a question for individual riders to answer, highlighting the diverse choices now available within this popular motorcycle class. The coming months will reveal whether BSA can successfully challenge Royal Enfieldâs dominance in this increasingly crowded marketplace.