2022 BSA Gold Star - classic biker gives us her first ride impression

[@hiramabiff885]

I've been riding for 53 years and when I was eight years old a fellow with a Gold Star sat me on it and that did it for me. I want this bike!

[@simonchristie4117]

I think this is the best review of this bike so far, a riders opinion rather than a test riders 👍

[@stevenguajardo6049]

I said it before and I'll say it again, beautiful bikes!

[@leehart1498]

I had a 2005 BMW F650 cs that had the 652cc rotax engine in it. (the BSA engine is a copy of that Rotax). It had 50 HP and made monster torque. Pulling mountains and had major roll on power when passing trucks on the freeway was effortless. Never had to switch out of 5th gear. I could cruise at 95MPH. Don't worry about this engine, it is golden. If you get the pun?

[@I-am-not-a-number]

Bombay Small Arms.

[@suffern63]

Apparently Paakhi means bird in Punjabi but I won't use it with Blinders as I might get into trouble so I'll go for that other Birmingham remake from the subcontinent Punjabi Blinders.

[@bruceparker8033]

Well, that answers my question.

[@mohammedmazin4675]

You okey? Birmingham small arms is not wrong brother, yeah it’s Indian owned brand but still those Indian want to be very British.

[@I-am-not-a-number]

@@mohammedmazin4675 I have ridden thousands of miles on a bullet in India, bro. But buying a name doesn't make it British.

[@joyid]

@@mohammedmazin4675 ha ha ha hum nahin sochte ye sab yaha India mein, logo ko retro style bikes pasand hain log sahte hain yesa bike ke logo ko thoda saste mein mile, companies woh demand pure karna chahti hain, toh Jo brands/companies already hain usse thoda funding de kar revive karte hain. Ye British Angrez ka baad nahin, yesa tana marke kuch fayda nahij aapka. Bole toh tumhare country mein english wannabe jeisa bolti hain.

[@mikecartlidge5355]

In this day and age with speed limits being lowered and petrol prices through the roof a machine like this makes sense. A really great price new and for those younger people around who hanker after the Birmingham born machine but can't afford one as they have gone silly pricewise.........here is the answer.

[@billycaspersghost7528]

How many young people do you know who even know what BSA is let alone a DBD 34 or what RRT2 means?

[@glennoc8585]

@@billycaspersghost7528 I think even people over 40 know the BSA name but very little about the models or history.

[@billycaspersghost7528]

@@glennoc8585 If you are 40 you were not even born when BSA went bust. I suppose it depends on what you define as "younger people " as the original poster called them. This is not the first new born BSA and Yamaha engined versions have come and gone . I would not mind if this thing went the same way

[@mikecartlidge5355]

@@billycaspersghost7528 You maybe surprised, teenagers have been known to pick up copies of Classic Bike magazine and or older members of their family had or still own British bikes.

[@billycaspersghost7528]

@@mikecartlidge5355 And is that a viable market segment? Will the handful of knowledgeable sprogs buy enough to satisfy bsa india. If they are so knowing will they not realise what a marketing excercise this is?

[@jghornsey]

Nice interview, I'm glad the lady is so pleased with her lovely new bike.

[@mcmechanic864]

Good review, everything well said 🙂 You were talking about who would buy them, I'm 65 and believe it or not gold stars are before my time. I think most people who dreamt of owning back in the day would be in their mid to late 70's by now 😲🤔

[@jeremyatkinson4976]

I'm 69. I remember one local was supposed to have one. It was mythical even back in the late 60s. My brother is two years younger and he started on a CB72.

[@imwatchingyou6113]

lm 66 l used to be on my mates BSA lighting happy days.. 👍

[@daveg.4772]

I'm 66 and have owned more than a half-dozen BSA unit singles including a Rickman B50. I'm a little too young to remember Gold Stars in the show rooms, but the 441 Victor was still around (just) when I was in high school and I wanted one. Having said all that, I'm a thumper guy. I love big 4-stroke singles and road my SR500 Yamaha for too many years. But at this age, kicking over a big 4-stroke is not as "fun" as it once was. So I'll buy one of these new Gold Stars as soon as they open a dealership in Texas.

[@kretonslovechild7999]

I'm also 65 and started on a '68 Yamaha 125 scrambler in 1970 just as Japanese bikes were eclipsing British ones. I do remember a few older guys with BSA singles, but they always seemed to be trying to get them to run rather than riding them. Still, I really lusted after them, especially the 441 Victor. While I agree with Maria that retro classics like the the Gold Star appeal almost exclusively to older guys, they make sense for that demo in more ways that just their looks. Many older riders find the big, powerful, and heavy bikes they once enjoyed too much to handle but they still want something reasonably quick that's also versatile and that's where these bikes can fit the bill.

[@BlueSun2]

Great review, beautiful bike! Anybody that has love of the "old bike" style will want to take a look at this. Personally I would take this over any sport bike, ADV, bagger, et al.

[@fredsanke8710]

I'll wait for a year or two and listen to the first owners' experiences in terms of Reliability and maintenance cost, meanwhile I'll be riding my RE650 still...

[@nadirkaranjia3407]

Great Review. Love her comment about the younger market "its not got enough plastic on it " 😀

[@mldiode]

I’d love to try one. The radiator needs to be streamlined as the current one looks like it came off a Ford model T. The issue with bikes in this price point is the dealers tack on fees that make buying one prohibitive. Here in the U.S. say there’s a bike with a MSRP of 4500. By the time the dealer tacks on fees n such you’re looking at 6000-7000. This leads me to the used private seller market.

[@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff]

To avoid this confusion prices In the UK are usually quoted as “On The Road” which leaves no doubt as to how much the vehicle will cost out the door. If it is to be financed there can be zero ambiguity on the total price paid and how much was the bike price and how much is interest. No need to visit a dealer to get a known price for a bike you might fancy.

[@andrewslagle1974]

destination and prep 500/750 ?added to msrp!

[@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff]

@@andrewslagle1974 in the UK? It doesn't sound right. That would be over pricing it somewhat.

[@jayanthmanutd]

The radiator looked like the same which the the jawa bikes have in India. Both bsa and jawa are owned by Classic legends

[@jeffhopkins8131]

A good start for BSA revival, I’d like to see them produce a 900cc V Twin Touring bike, not an ‘Adventure’ bike but a proper old school tourer for long distance trips, small radiator, larger cylinder head fins.

[@tryarunm]

Did Birmingham SA make v-twins? I think they stuck to parallels: the 650 Rocket Gold Star, Lightning, Golden Flash, and the Spitfire was about as fast as a Vincent Black Shadow.

[@pradipdas204]

My father's had a BSA 350cc gold star with high speed gear box and also with tiger head model.It was nice bike.I want request to BSA company made it again with 165 to 170 kilogram and send it to our country.Again I say it is an unbeatable bike and nice bike.

[@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff]

The guys who were around, and of riding age, when the original Goldie was around have pretty much washed through the system, I'm not sure they are there in numbers to purchase this bike anymore? I do think it will appeal to a lot of buyers though, a right old mixed bag like the current RE650 which seems to attract plenty of riders across various ages.

[@robertodebeers2551]

I bought a new 441 Victor in 1970, rode it for a year, and loved it. I still have one and putt about occasionally and still like it. But this new thing called a "Goldstar," is a Goldie in name only. A radiator? Come on guys, why not buy a W800, a really good retro bike, one that's already proven itself, even though it is a twin and not a big single?

[@davidmoore1477]

Well said!

[@jamespower2984]

Great review and picked up on issues other reviews didn't, Thank you.

[@davidyersz8668]

Ime 63 my brother use to take me on the back of his 650 SUPER ROCKET when I was 10 in 1969 that did it for me a few of his mates had GOLD STAR'S, great review on this stunning looking bike in all these colours it comes in

[@Jon-zj2nj]

I don’t understand the wish to buy a reproduction antique bike from my dad’s era (and he was 88 when he passed away three years ago!). I’m nearly 60 and the Goldstar is only something that I remember from Ogri cartoons and this reproduction, Rotax engined, facsimile is no more convincing that a piece of reproduction “Victorian” furniture from MFI.

[@lauraiss1027]

7k is a lot for a debut, it is 1st rev. and nobody knows anything about this bike in real life, reliability, support, 3rd party involvement etc. Hope brave early adopters and true single fans will help this brand take off. Knowing the price is the same as for Interceptor, for me to whom 7k is still quite a lot, it's no brainer to pick the RE for which bugs and design flaws are sorted or at least acknowledged.

[@mikemcclernon5784]

Support is a tough one... Not for new brands outside of England & s.e. Asia

[@jeremyatkinson4976]

The engine is a Rotax design, so it comes down to quality control

[@bsimpson6204]

The bikes sound better in all those clips which is encouraging.

[@markkumanninen6524]

It's heavy and underpowered, of course to attract starters. I predict that either the OEM or the aftermarket will offer a more powerful option in years to come.

[@twincylinder1]

Why ask how it compares to a 350cc? It'll be interesting to see a head to head ride review between the Interceptor and the Gold Star......any planned?

[@darrylredmill4376]

I have seen very few reviews from this launch that pitch it against the Interceptor which is a pity as regardless of what BSA claim the INT is its natural rival

[@twincylinder1]

Agreed. As they're now starting to appear in the UK, I'm sure there will be a comparison soon.

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Maria hadn't ridden an Interceptor but she had recently ridden the Classic 350 so it was a natural question to ask. Yeah, hard to get both bikes at the same time, but once you've ridden both it's obvious on the pros and cons of each.

[@darrylredmill4376]

@@splodge57 i think its valid, both are retro bikes around the same capacity , power, torque and price , they are bound to be compared

[@twincylinder1]

Whether it's a single or twin doesn't matter, I'm more interested in the performance and comfort as the specs and sizes are quite similar. The ride, however, could be quite different.....

[@WidleyWesident]

Hmmm. Having just sold my RE Classic 500 and bought a MG Griso maybe I should have waited for this new Gold Star. This looks a lovely bike.

[@billycaspersghost7528]

Forget it the Guzzi has a soul and a performance and character that this thing will never approach. Bogus BSA probably more reliable though, Griso has tappet issues and always the touchy electrics with the Italians.

[@jeremykeller211]

The DBD 34 enshrined the Gold Stat name. It's success was due to three factors: 1) strong, tractable motor, 2) low weight--well under 400 pounds, 3) an excellent frame, almost the equal of the featherbed. How does the new one compare? 1) excellent, 2) dismal failure--ca. 100 pounds too heavy, 3) unknown, but obviously compromised by 2). It is difficult to believe that a motorcyclist was part of the design team. It's not a Gold Star. It's a Gold Wing.

[@frederickwoods5943]

Very true. Too close to 500 pounds weight wise, a Speed Twin 1200cc weighs about the same; over twice the horsepower at less than twice the cost.

[@ianrowley2323]

Looks like a good bike. But the real star is Maria. What a beautiful, feminine, thoughtful, intelligent woman.

[@sailormoon2548]

Nice retro style this would be an ideal runaround to the shop's

[@martinisaacalfrancis5086]

I'm from malaysia,hope it will available here in near future,i'm a British Bike enthusiast👍

[@rsn595]

British legend byke owned by Indian company.. Mahindra..... Love from India 🇮🇳

[@mikehurley5052]

One question i would have asked, What do think of that monsterous radiator from a Scania truck screwed to the bike completely ruining the looks.

[@my2cents395]

I like the sound and the chrome on the fuel tank.

[@MadChalet]

It's great to watch another perspective on the bike. Some reviewers (of the sport bike flavor) are sort panning the bike, possibly being too critical. Meanwhile less 'serious' riders can find a lot of pleasure in bikes that, simply, provide pleasure (note here response to the aesthetics of the front). I myself do look for higher performing bikes, but I try keep in mind that different riders have different priorities. 👍

[@stevenleek1254]

Pa Leeeze give it a genuine super swept-back Goldstar exhaust pipe. Get the lead out! Under 400 pounds. Don't tell me you can't do it! Market a hop up kit (for off road use only)

[@waynecameron4911]

Great review, I would serious look at one when they arrive in Australia

[@tpv59]

''When'' ????? - I believe yo mean, 'IF'. (Melb. Vic.)

[@tonyfrancesco3701]

That is one good looking bike . I hope they get an extensive dealership network in the US of A

[@darrylredmill4376]

3 way head to head (to head?) needed. BSA vs INT vs W800

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Good shout Darryl

[@ruahinesrider]

W800 is in a different price range & has better fit & finish & probably last forever.W800 is T100 price & more pity it doesn't have another 7-8hp.

[@darrylredmill4376]

@@ruahinesrider quite a few heavily discounted on auto trader 7k which puts it up against the BSA

[@ruahinesrider]

@@darrylredmill4376 I wish NZ bike dealerships knock $5000nz off the price here.Dealer in my hometown had a 2020 W800 for 18k for 20months before it sold no discount here NZ dealerships to tight.I nearly choked when I heard dealership in UK knocked £3000 off price just to sell them,perks of a high population I guess.Over here most people buy Triumphs or Harley's with 18k NZ & they're not that well known here.Pity they weren't a 6-8hp more then they'd sell here.Very nice fit & finish & last forever to probably.Our wages are low here too so T100 & 883 or 1200 Sportster & Motoguzzi are better value for money.

[@billycaspersghost7528]

You forgot the Moto Guzzi V7 Stone which shits on all the other boring marketing exercises

[@harwoods11]

I don't get it! There was a Gold Star 500 / 350 and this it not it. Its a plastic modern brand new motorcycle with a Gold Star badge. It probably rides and sounds wonderful... but not like a proper Gold Star 500/350. It rather reminds me of old Triumph vs new Triumph. Each to their own though. Remember... You can't buy "new" old bikes. Obviously this is just my opinion.

[@robc5047]

It's this bike recommended for a new motorcycle rider?

[@aladinfox4098]

Nice straight forward review , always loved big singles in the past I think it's great even though this modern one is water cooled, the only thing that puts me off is the BSA heritage business, I don't think it's necessary , it's an Indian /British collaboration and it would be fine with a tank badge that reflected that , but then I'm a moany old git 😁.

[@tonygreenbank8611]

All I'd say, the last time someone bought an old British brand name (Matchless) and put a Rotax engine in a swinging arm frame with a nice black tank with gold pin stripes. It failed sadly. Not that it was a bad bike (I've a mate who still runs one). It just wasn't a really good bike and didn't sell. It just didn't appeal, much like this modern day imposter for a Gold Star. Unlike the Enfield 650 twin, the bikes that it's based on was a very average British twin (I know I had one back in the day). However the modern bikes made by the Indian company that can trace it's heritage back to the birth of the British motorcycle industries 120 years ago. Have made a dammed good middle weight bike that wins out at a reasonable price.

[@petersmith6508]

A Goldstar can sustain speeds over 100mph. That is what the gold star was awarded for. This might be a nice motorcycle but it is a B650 not a Goldstar. I suggest that BSA go away and build the real thing.

[@jeynes14]

Thanks for sharing

[@anthonywillcox9864]

Review better than Gear downshift. 👍

[@ducatimale]

Should I get a Blade or a Gixxer or a Kwakasaki? I think as soon as you have to start comparing and read up on specs e t c, you're missing the major point of things. Unless you're looking for something to win you a championship of some sort. If you like it, you like it. If you like it well enough, you'll want to have it. If this one tics an extra box by the name on the tank - wooheee.

[@davidskogley3570]

Interesting review! I've watched a ton of vids about the new BSA to try and get an overall picture. It's good that they are finally being ridden, but when are some going to be taken out on some real roads for longer distances? That would lead to more accurate reviews beyond the first impressions.

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

We're hoping to get one of the first ones David and have it for a while so we can form a better option, stay tuned.

[@davidskogley3570]

@@TheClassicMotorcycleChannelGreat! I look forward to it.

[@dhhavs]

Good review! How does it compare to the interceptor?? In india if it costs more than the interceptor, don't think it wud sell 👎

[@mikemcclernon5784]

I subscribe, now

[@MauriceTarantulas]

Not convinced re the Goldstar! Looks nice but there's def a few negatives. I want something that can tour I think the 12 litre tank etc this is more a sunday ride which is fine but I want a jack of all trades. (but then you might not get the looks of this..will see)

[@icedidi]

I was looking at the tank thinking, that looks small....

[@MauriceTarantulas]

@@icedidi An extra 4 litres does you prob 80 miles or so more. If you are doing 4hrs or so a day riding this is handy...

[@icedidi]

@@MauriceTarantulas im not arguing, agreeing. It looked small and it is. Mind you, 70 MPG might off set that a little.

[@icedidi]

@@MauriceTarantulas if it gets 70mpg it will do 184 miles on a tank. My Guzzi does about 48mpg on a 17ltr tank is 178 miles.

[@ruahinesrider]

Don't really want to go below a 1/4 of tank fuel pumps are sensitive & sucking up grit will stuff pump. Also run bike below 2.5L fuel sender can get stuck, it's got a piece of thin wire & when fuel low wire can bend only filling tank to 3/4 full & have to be replaced.Or it can stuck & won't register on fuel gauge,when this happens give hold brake in & jump up & down on front shocks this should shake it free.This happened on mates Interceptor when ran it low & only had 2liters left & I told him this & it worked.Same for all bikes,cars.So be filling up after 9L used which will be 220km on R.E650 single should be more economical but 1.7L less per tank so roughly the same.BMW 650 adv Rotax is same engine & will have economy stats.

[@michaelrandle4128]

Thanks for the vid, got me thinking about one now, getting a bit long in the tooth for my gtr1400, and at that price it’s worth a punt,

[@victorboucher675]

Wow the oil cooler is ...

[@sheene71]

is it a twin or a single ??

[@fredfish4316]

Yes

[@billycaspersghost7528]

You cannot in any way "pull away from a junction in top gear" on a DBD 34 ,it`s 4 speed box has a very tall first and you will be slipping that clutch for some considerable time in first. Many rose tinted myths about the Gold Star . In the right place at the right time she was sublime and very successful in competition but any one who buys one as a daily ride is going to be vexed by a GP carb and the close ratio box. This thing is like "Mock Tudor" modern estate house to the genuine half timbered thing. I think it is sad.

[@user-gdxt-7399]

All of the cheap fake retro bikes are sad, because they are cheap bikes, basically. Which makes sense cause the originals were as well made as the technology of the time allowed. Well made not-cheap retro bikes are fine tho. Benelli and Brixton vs Kawasaki and Triumph and Moto Guzzi

[@1941392]

Ok here it is…..we all like this bike and you will go out and buy one as soon as you can. That’s it, you know what to do now….

[@ericlemonnier2187]

Test complet et premiere fois que j'entends le bruit.j'ai acheté en 1999 les premières w650 Et j'ai trouvé que le moteur était un poumon comparé à mon 500 Ducati pantah 1981. Vite revendu . Ensuite 790 Bonneville de 2006 modifié par mecatwin.Pareil peu de sensations moteur :vite revendu.j'ai essayé le 650 Re pas mal mais il faut changer les suspensions... Tout ça pour dire que pour moi ce 650 BSA sera jugé au niveau des sensations moteur ...

[@albion1949]

No mention of the suspect handling.

[@garypeatling7927]

Best looking bike around , except for guzzi

[@user-gdxt-7399]

Why ask how it compares to a 350 cc? Ask how it compares to a Bonneville, a Moto Guzzi or a W800

[@A861967]

It sounds like a postie bike, breathless and I’m a bit disappointed 😔

[@Tal5258]

Does she work for BSA she sounds like a sales rep

[@pavyjohal]

UK has one of the most hideous and humongous number plates I have ever seen, it just messes up the whole look of the bike from the back. Glad Australia doesn't have crazy number plates like these.

[@AJ-qn6gd]

Most bikers will fit a smaller (less legal) number plate 😜🇬🇧

[@MickH60]

@@KevinDaken We'll never get huge plates...

[@jeremyatkinson4976]

If they claim 70mpg then it's likely nearer 60. My 535 gets close to 90 without me even trying.

[@spiritofe629]

It's not got enough plastic on it 😂

[@stevelawrie9115]

Nah, the hipsters will love it :) I'm an old guy so it at least raises an eyebrow

[@nadeemchimaokar3046]

Yes younger audience do like less pastic more muscles

[@650Max]

Sorry BSA, this is completely the wrong bike. You _might_ have got away with this 40 years ago when the original was still in living memory, a 2nd hand engine in a 3rd rate pastiche? No thanks.

[@stevenwatling3160]

What she said!👍

[@imwatchingyou6113]

70 mph is the speed limit..£6000 plus is well over my limit so Royal Enfield here l come with cash left in the bank...my opinion only...

[@seanstrehle6312]

Are still built in England?

[@andrewslagle1974]

no designed in england built in india!

[@nickmarshall9192]

Sadly no not built in Britain Same as triumph and royal Enfield

[@seanstrehle6312]

@@nickmarshall9192 sadly it the same here Australia we don't build cars here anymore but still have pay import tax on new cars imported But still is a butifull looking bike

[@carlbuzz9087]

@@seanstrehle6312 RE, Norton, BSA, Jawa, Yezdi, KTM.. owned by Indian bike manufacturer companies. I notice it.. Japanese and Indian bike manufacturers monopoly in two vehicles segment.

[@gerrypowell2748]

Did she say🤔Sore Buns🤓

[@NikhilJaroli]

Born and dead again :- Jawa, Yezdi, and here come BSA to follow them.

[@timotheecroizer9718]

and heavy and underpowered

[@karlburgess9189]

Not sure about buying fake nostalgia. Hideous radiator.

[@小沼浩一]

英国でトライアンフのボンネビルが「ボニー」と称われてるようにBSAのゴールドスターは「ゴルディー」と称われている。 勿論､ボニー以上に高額な希少品とされている｡ 原型のモデルは350㏄単気筒と500㏄空冷単気筒だが､650㏄のこれも悪くなさそう。

[@frankstocker5475]

Too expensive, it's competing against the RE is cheaper. Very limited agencies, none in Europe.

[@tryarunm]

Enfield, Norton, Jawa-Yezdi, now BSA. All now owned by Hindustani companies. When will they pick up Indian?

[@jackienelson5804]

I wonder one in the 600 it's not the same thing I never had a problem with mine and my bikes was heavily modified Lemay Nelson

[@OldBiker]

Let me have one for a week and I'd give an honest review.

[@suzukin-jiji2206]

Single!!! Twin is too much.

[@rsn595]

RE, BSA, JAWA, YEZDI ALL OWNED BY INDIAN COMPANIES... LOVE FROM INDIA🇮🇳

[@vintagentleman391]

Single cylinder? 5 gears? Nope

[@billysolhurok5542]

Thumper

[@timotheecroizer9718]

horrific radiator

[@kabeemer]

A single Thumper never sounds like a twin..

[@davidmoore1477]

Ok! Class time! It's not a BSA! You want a BSA? Go old, go classic! Still British? Although the Norton, owned by an Indian conglomerate, it's still English! The Triumph? Double yes! British? No! No Scottish motorcycle brands, we would know. No Welsh! Just English bikes! Get real. England rocks!

[@awesomeappleby5923]

Sorry, Nortons not one bit English, owned by India, but just built in England, so will the BSA soon . Also when did ohlins and brembo become English on a Norton?

[@mtkoslowski]

…it’s looks? .

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Are looks not important to you as a motorcyclist?

[@ชญาภาเเจ็คสัน]

Ugliest Rad and gap between the engine and stop pretending it's a Gold Star it's NOT !

[@davidyersz8668]

Why is the Indian version of this bike getting 90bhp and UK only getting 45bhp

[@awesomeappleby5923]

Think it's to make it UK a2 license compatible, this way, they can sell it to almost anyone. It's restricted to 7000 revs, but goes up to 10,000 red line, so maybe more to come , or might even be a restricter you could remove?