BSA Scrambler 650 Review: A Local Rider’s First Impressions in Albany WA
BSA is back in Australia, and one of the first places you can see the new range in the flesh is right here at Albany Motorcycles. To mark the occasion, we are sharing a BSA Scrambler 650 review from one of our local, knowledgeable and astute motorcycle enthusiasts, John McKinnon, who took the new bike for a ride around Albany and put his impressions into words. John owned a BSA back in the day, so there are few people better placed to judge whether the born-again brand has captured the spirit of the original.
Here is what he found.
Retro Styling That Turns Heads Around Town
The new BSA Scrambler 650 is aimed squarely at the retro market. Its bright yellow petrol tank harks back to the Victor 441 of the 1960s, a bike that made its name as a very successful off-road racer. John’s experience of the new machine is that it is more of an on-road enjoyment machine, and the styling certainly does its job. That yellow tank, set against the contrasting black frame and exhaust, attracted plenty of looks and positive comments as he rode around Albany.
A Modern 650 Single With Old-School Character
The Scrambler experience begins the moment you turn the key. The combined speedo and tachometer greets you with a friendly “Hi” before settling into the more business-like display of speed, revs and warning lights.
The engine is a refined, water-cooled 650cc big single. It starts easily at the press of a button, a welcome change from the sometimes hazardous kick-start of the old Victor. Mechanically it is quiet, with a pleasant deep-tone exhaust note that suits the bike’s character.
Moving off is effortless. The instant torque of the willing single picks up pace rapidly, the clutch action is light with good feel, and the five-speed gearchange is smooth and quick. The mirrors stay clear of vibration at town speeds. John’s one ergonomic gripe was that the reach to the indicator switch felt quite long.
Handling and Ride: Stable, Planted and True to BSA Tradition
The riding position feels well sorted. A firm, flat seat, a nicely sized petrol tank to grip between the knees and well-placed footpegs all work together. The handlebars are scramble-style in width but not high, giving a slightly forward lean.
The handling feels very stable, with a solid double-cradle frame holding everything firmly. As John notes, this is very much in the tradition of the classic BSA bikes of the 1950s, like the original Gold Star single.
Braking is handled with no fuss by a large Brembo single disc at the front and a smaller disc at the rear. Suspension travel is a little longer than the road version of this bike, without making it a top-heavy machine to ride around town. John did notice that potholes and bumps could be felt through the firmly set suspension, so it is set up on the sportier side.
Out on the Open Road
Since the bike was brand new and not yet run in, John kept his highway ride short. At 110 km/h the engine was turning over at roughly 5,000 rpm, with some vibration noticeable at those speeds. His view is that the Scrambler has been geared for pleasant riding around town rather than long highway stretches. The engine feels eager to rev, but with an unusually good balance of low-down torque, so there are enjoyable characteristics to be found at both lower and higher speeds. For the coastal roads and country runs of the Great Southern, that sounds like a very agreeable combination.
The Verdict: Has the Born-Again BSA Hit the Mark?
John thinks it has. For older riders who owned a BSA back in the day, the Scrambler 650 delivers genuine retro enjoyment without the risk of breaking a leg starting it. And for younger riders with a hankering for some old-fashioned fun, he believes it will prove just as enjoyable.
Better still, all BSA models stocked at Albany Motorcycles are LAMS approved, so learner and restricted licence holders can enjoy that classic BSA character right from the start of their riding journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the BSA Scrambler 650?
The BSA Scrambler 650 is a retro-styled motorcycle from the revived British BSA brand, powered by a water-cooled 650cc single-cylinder engine with electric start and a five-speed gearbox. Its styling pays tribute to classic BSA singles such as the Victor 441 and Gold Star.
Is the BSA Scrambler 650 good for riding around town?
Based on our local rider’s review, yes. The Scrambler 650 offers strong low-down torque, a light clutch, smooth gear changes and stable handling, making it easy and enjoyable to ride around Albany and similar towns.
Where can I see the BSA Scrambler 650 in Western Australia?
Albany Motorcycles is your local dealership for the Great Southern region. Contact the team or call into the showroom to find out about BSA availability, or to talk with Gary and the team about whether the Scrambler 650 is the right fit for your riding.
Is the BSA Scrambler 650 learner approved (LAMS)?
Yes. All BSA models stocked at Albany Motorcycles, including the Scrambler 650, are LAMS approved under the Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme, making them suitable for learner and restricted licence holders in Western Australia.
Is BSA back in Australia?
Yes. BSA has returned to the Australian market in 2026, and Albany Motorcycles is proud to bring the brand to riders across Albany and the Great Southern.
Come and See the New BSA Range at Albany Motorcycles
With around 40 years of experience serving riders across Albany and the Great Southern, Gary and the team at Albany Motorcycles would love to show you the new BSA range in person. Whether you rode a BSA back in the day or you are discovering the brand for the first time, call in and take a look for yourself.
Our thanks to John McKinnon for the ride report and photo.
Please note: this article reflects one rider’s impressions of a new, not yet run-in motorcycle. Specifications, features and availability for Australian-delivered models should be confirmed with Albany Motorcycles before purchase.