BSA Gold Star 650 Review

The BSA Gold Star 650 takes you back in time while not leaving you stuck in the past.

15 Oct, 2024

9 min read

It’s quite difficult to develop a taste for retro motorcycles, and selling a modern classic, a neo-retro, or whatever term you choose to call it, is even more so. You see, the riders who like such machines – like me – care little about a long list of features or spec-sheets, and even performance figures matter only to a point. Perhaps, the only thing that truly matters is something so simple yet complex to explain – the riding experience. Consequently, there’s no fancy brochure filled with marketing jargon for a manufacturer to hide behind. Neither is there much to update every year to enhance the perceived value of the machine. You either get the formula of a retro motorcycle right or miss the mark completely – there’s simply no middle ground.

Interestingly, a not-so-new manufacturer, BSA, has entered the highly competitive Indian motorcycle market, aiming to make a impact in the middleweight category. This has put the brand straight up against arguably the most iconic Indian motorcycle brand – Royal Enfield. This comes with immense pressure – not only does BSA have to get retro motorcycling right but it must also compete in a segment that’s known for its fierce brand loyalty. So, the question is – is this a hill too steep for BSA to climb?

Let’s Start at the Beginning

BSA, short for Birmingham Small Arms, is an old company with a history spanning over 150 years. Its motorcycle division was established over a century ago, in 1903, with the first motorcycle rolling out in 1910. At its peak during the 1950s, BSA was the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturer, with one in every four motorcycles sold globally being a BSA. As the name implies, they were originally an arms maker, playing a vital role for Britain during the World Wars. BSA motorcycles were also imported to India when the country was under colonial rule. They truly seemed too big to fail. However, Britain’s financial crisis in the late 1960s caught up with BSA, and by the summer of 1973, after 63 years of continuous production, the company had to shut down. And it remained shut down until the Brit returned with Indian grit.

Despite several unsuccessful revival attempts, BSA made a full return when Mahindra-backed Classic Legends – also responsible for reviving other iconic brands like Jawa and Yezdi – acquired BSA in 2016. BSA’s new journey began with the announcement of the Gold Star 650 in the UK in 2021. Finally, it arrived in India in 2024, bringing us to the present and the motorcycle at hand.

Goodness Gracious!

And oh my word, does the BSA Gold Star 650 look stunning on those contrasting wire-spoke alloy rims! The motorcycle’s stance is spot-on, making it appear as if it has been pulled straight from the brand’s heyday in the 1950s and 60s. I especially love the rear three-quarter view. The sloping rear fender, which seamlessly integrates the stoplight and charming little indicator pods, is my favourite design detail. In some specific colour options, like the one our test unit sports, it even gets pinstripes. I particularly like this, perhaps, more than I should. I also appreciate that all the lighting on the motorcycle is halogen. Before the spec-bros collectively gasp at that statement, remember that it feels right on a motorcycle like this when you see it in person.

In comparison, the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650, which features LED headlamps and alloy wheels, feels like it’s trying too hard as it tries to appeal to a broader range of buyers. The all-halogen Gold Star, on the other hand, unapologetically embraces its retro lineage, fully embodying what this format is meant to be – and I love that.

A particularly nice touch is the mudguard stays, which look fantastic. Other elements, like the teardrop-shaped fuel tank, round headlamp, chrome detailing, faux air-cooling duct, flat bench seat, and low stance make the Gold Star stand out in a crowd. The combination of an 18-inch front wheel and a smaller 17-inch rear wheel enhances its character. The engine and crankcase design feel period-appropriate, and nostalgia kicks in even more when you look at the quirky instrument cluster, complete with an amber backlight. However, the throwback theme goes a bit too far with the tiny digital readout screens inside the instrument pods, which are smaller than the display on a child’s digital watch. It’s amusing that this is where BSA chose to draw the line between modern and retro; they didn’t go fully analogue but also didn’t provide a decent digital readout. The amount of information displayed is minimal, but for what it’s worth, it does provide a fuel gauge readout that is slightly more reliable than its main retro rival from Royal Enfield.

Another area where the Gold Star has room for improvement is the fuel filler cap, which only seals shut at a specific angle. You will eventually get used to it, but it may feel cumbersome during the first few months. In terms of quality and fit-and-finish, there’s a marked improvement over other products from Classic Legends; it clearly feels like a step up in all aspects. The only thing I would want to look out for over the next few months is whether it develops rust anywhere on the bike. Hopefully, it won’t, but given the experience with the also-good-looking Jawa motorcycles, you could say I’m a case of ‘once bitten, twice shy.’

Turn The Key, And Go!

There aren’t many tech features or electronics to talk about. There’s an awkwardly placed holder for a USB Type-A and Type-C port on the left side of the handlebar, but, frankly, I’m willing to accept this trade-off for a bit of practicality. The actual modern elements are in the drivetrain – the bike is powered by a heavily reworked 652cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine sourced from Rotax. This engine was previously seen in India in the BMW F 650 Funduro, although nearly everything inside has been changed to meet new standards.

This engine produces a respectable 45bhp and 55Nm of torque and is paired with a 5-speed gearbox. The low 782mm seat height makes it accessible for riders of almost all heights, and the upright riding position is comfortable. Thankfully, the quality of the seat is good as well, so planning a long trip shouldn’t be a concern. It has a 12-litre fuel tank which means you will be required to keep an eye on the range, though, which should be about 220 – 250km per full tank.

Once you get moving, you’ll appreciate just how tractable the motorcycle is. Below 2,500rpm, it allows for a calm and comfortable cruise. However, past the 3,000rpm mark, you’re rewarded with a healthy dose of torque, which is sure to bring a grin every time you open the throttle. The fuelling is a bit sharp but never feels jerky. While the long wheelbase might suggest that the motorcycle is a lazy handler, it’s surprisingly nimble. It’s equipped with Italy-sourced Pirelli Phantom Sportscomp tyres, which outperform those that came with the RE Interceptor when it was first launched. The chassis and suspension setup are decent at best; the rear unit feels underdamped, which can cause the motorcycle to become wallowy when you least expect it.

What’s impressive is the braking performance from the single 320mm disc brake at the front, paired with a Brembo twin-piston calliper, and the single 255mm disc brake at the back, equipped with a Brembo single-piston calliper. The response is sharp, and the feedback is impressive, instilling confidence to push the bike further. The single exhaust produces a gentle burble and features a removable baffle, but keep in mind that it might make it too loud for the road.

Lastly, the clutch is light and smooth, while the gearbox allows for clean shifts without any false neutrals. While it only has a 5-speed gearbox, during the test, I never felt the need for a sixth gear. And in case you’re wondering, I also did not feel the need for an extra cylinder in the engine either. The Gold Star can cruise comfortably at 100 km/h, though there are noticeable – but not bothersome – vibrations from the motor at higher RPMs, especially when cruising at or above 120km/h.

Verdict

Overall, the BSA Gold Star 650 is an impressive motorcycle that truly embodies the essence of a thoroughbred retro machine. It gets the basics right, leaving you eager for another ride, even if you’re someone who usually only goes out for a weekend cruise. Additionally, it has a striking design, and the engine delivers an enjoyable experience. With a starting price of ₹3 lakh (ex-showroom), it offers good value for money. However, I wish BSA had undercut the twin-cylinder Royal Enfield by a slightly larger margin to make it an even sweeter deal.

At this point, I am very close to wholeheartedly recommending the ‘goldie,’ but I will err on the side of caution and wait to see how the service and support network develops in the coming months. As for the machine itself, it’s definitely one to remember. And did I mention that I love the name of this motorcycle? They should have it written somewhere on the bike...