( once a friendly wee 125 two-stroke and now quite a strapping 350), and the legendary BSA 650 Scrambler- that of the twin right-side straight pipes and Steve McQueen fame. First time around, the Scrambler was quite the most up-to-date all-round rocket going, delivering 54 horses. The new Scrambler has to deal with a deal more technical restrictions, Euro catalytic exhaust specs, etc. Power has dropped to 45hp, and it bothered me. However, it looks great, the spoked alloy rims and( great) Pirelli Scorpion tyres, under gaitered 41mm shocks, give it strong street cred and presence. It is retro cool to a T. I love the flat seat, the gorgeous tank that loves a knee-hug, the perfect single round headlight, complete with BSA graphic over a Union Jack nod to the past. The racing badge painted with 65 tucked under the seated position adds more flair. The finish is a step up too by the looks, and it rides really well. But, the engine note is … a bit disappointing. It just sounds a little strangled, so I’ d be looking at options to sort that.
RIDING Leaping aboard it’ s got terrific, wide bars that feel tremendously good and help to inspire confidence, and it has just enough data, no more, on an offset clock, although I found it quite hard to read. Up front there’ s a sort of double-stepped guard, one that’ s a close mounted arc, and a modern-ish moto style projected guard floating above that. Ok. I spent a few hours in the saddle and it has a comfortable and alert riding position that keeps you engaged. Nimble? Hell yes, and it loves a corner, although I couldn’ t figure out the suspension set up, it seemed quite hard on the bum but a trifle too plush in the front. It’ s adjustable though, so it’ s possibly something that could be sorted. Does it have the fire and the‘ good as it gets’ feel of power delivery that its predecessor delivered? Perhaps not, but it’ s a fine day ride all the same. I had no trouble from the BSA single, although a handful of throttle was needed to keep up with spirited riders. It vibrates, as a single will do at decent revs,
42 KIWI RIDER