★ 2024 BSA GOLD STAR REVIEW ★

[@patrici509]

My Dad bought the first year BSA Gold Star 500's. In the 1950's. He and his friends actually rode from New Jersey to Indianapolis, Indiana for the Indy 500. Dad was one tough man.

[@CordrP01]

Agreee with your comments on the BSA 650 Mark. I bought one 2 weeks ago after much deliberation, it was the price drop that clinched it really, about 4K less than the V7 Special I wanted, and I'm happy so far. That mid range grunt is surprising and lifts it above the 'plodder' class. For info, there is a chap in the Classic community who is fabricating Centre Stands for the BSA.

[@markpulling12]

Thanks glad it's going well 😊 Great bike

[@adrianstrand1120]

@@markpulling12 I can’t comment on my own I can only reply to others comments, despite logged in and subscribed, anyway no local dealers in Cumbria 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@johncranwell3783]

Very interesting because I’m pondering on the Moto Guzzi V7 vs the BSA….. I had one of the original BSA 650s years ago…. So it’s special in my heart from a nostalgia point of view…. My latest thinking is I’ll probably spend less so may well end up with the single.

[@DuncanHugall]

@@adrianstrand1120 There is now, Dave Milling Motorcycles in Whitehaven.

[@adrianstrand1120]

@@DuncanHugallCsnt see BSA on his website, just Royal Enfield and other makes.

[@yoroptics]

I am from India and finally got to do a longish test ride yesterday. A few salient points from the perspective of someone who currently rides a Versys 1000: + Very comfortable and natural ergonomics + Had read a lot of reviews of the engine being smooth despite being a single, but the test ride was a revelation in terms of just how smooth! + Paint quality seems quite nice + The 2nd gear is almost like an automatic - it plays comfortably from absolutely crawling speeds and linearly pulls through to 50+ kmph without straining the engine + 100 kmph effortlessly at between 4500-5000 rpm and has more than enough breath left for overtakes. Could not take it up to the top speed range + Adequate and predicable braking + Extremely nimble and flickable - again feels unreal for a 210 kg bike - The rear suspension, switchgear quality, a few weld finishes could be better - but no deal breakers - Worried about the chain sprocket being on the same side as the exhaust - from a maintenance perspective - There's something that looks like an ECU (but was told it is not), that is fitted to the rear of the belly pan. This seems to be poorly positioned as that is the one point that the underbody might take a few hits if one if not careful - Stock seat is a little short for 2-up riding but looks good and provides adequate comfort - There isn't an option available with zero chrome :( - that's just a personal preference as maintaining chrome parts in a tropical, humid, dusty country is painful - Very little storage space for papers and basic tools, and there is no lock for the seat - Stock mirrors are too small for my liking - The indicators, albeit bright, are too small for my liking

[@markpulling12]

Great comment many thanks 👍

[@jerrywines382]

I've got a Shadow Black 2024 model with the upgrades that are currently being retro-fitted to 2023 models, and it runs like a dream. Mine's now approaching 1k miles and the engine is loosening up nicely. None of these like being rushed on the starting procedure or being blipped on downshifts. I rode a 2023 test bike before buying mine and it stalled once approaching some lights when I blipped the throttle to rev match on the downshift. It was like the ECU couldn't work out what was happening and momentarily shut off the fuel. The ECU also cuts the fuel if you use any throttle on start up. So always make sure the throttle is closed and don't rest your hand on it while pushing the starter button. I also wait for the EML to go out and the fuel guage to count up before pressing the starter and it starts first time without fail. If there's any sign of cost-cutting on these bikes it's in the ECU programming. In my opinion having compared it side by side with the RE Interceptor, the bike itself is better made with higher quality running gear. The surge of torque and exhaust noise from around 2.5k rpm is addictive as you say, and it loves sweeping curves and powering up hills and out of bends. I absolutely love mine as you can tell.

[@markpulling12]

Thanks jerry great feedback:) 👍

[@AliasMrHackenbacker]

Great review Mark. That's quite a price drop. I rode a used example at the beginning of the year and really enjoyed it, preferring it over the Interceptor to ride even though the RE is better looking. The used example was a special deal at £5k to clear but now a new one starts at £5k!. Shame I have no room (or money!) otherwise I'd be tempted to get one.

[@ianhalliwell8604]

I bought my midnight black/chrome on the 1st of March 2023 and paid £6800 for it. Last week i visited my local dealer where i bought it from, now ex dealer because from 1st January 2024 he stopped selling new BSA bikes because they messed him about. I asked him about these sale prices and he told me that BSA had overestimated and imported far to many and are now trying to unload these 2023 bikes before winter. Like you i love the bike but BSAs behaviour has ruined second hand values and has treated its original customers with contempt.

[@hectorshouse7348]

You always lose money on new bikes…don’t be bitter when other people are enjoying better value😀👍

[@LordTarbicus9497]

I had the highland green from new March 23 It lasted about sixth months before the constant cutting out engine and dangerous fuel leaks. It was returned at a loss to me and absolutely no support from BSA at the time. I’d got behind the brand and really hoped for better.

[@jamesprice7470]

Great review mark it's a gorgeous bike now with a great price tag.

[@bigred8438]

Thanks for your review, you always do a good job. The Current crop of Triumph twins are right side drive if I am not mistaken, or at least my 2011 865 T100 Bonneville was.

[@michellewilson8845]

Nice bike and priced as it always should have been. From the comments here it seems reliability and trust in BSA seems to be the problem for many. Personally, i would not buy one until they been out for much longer to solve the glitches and the reports from BSA are more favourable. Great video as always Mark.

[@bradsmith9689]

Absolute bargain. It's probably my favourite bike at the moment.

[@WalkinOSF]

If I recall correctly, the engine is build by Rotax from Austria.

[@Jay_Speed]

Thanks Mark for pointing out that the engine is Rotax, I missed that. Another very good review of you about a nice bike that is not yet very much seen here of the roads in France. In any case I never seen one, nor is there a dealer in a radius of 100km.

[@markpulling12]

Thanks jay 😁

[@peter7624]

Nice bike. It certainly ticks all my boxes and is on my wish list. Great review with everything I needed to know. Thanks Mark.

[@martinehulme8743]

I really like this bike, it's got a honestly about it, although the difference in price of the others seems alot if it's just for the colour xx great review as always Mark ❣️ x

[@markpulling12]

Thanks Martine....this or the interceptor 650 ? Tough choice x

[@lomate1963]

As always Mark 👍🏻 I do feel sorry for the people who bought them a full price I’ll stick with my classic me thinks

[@splodge5714]

Royal Enfield have reduced the price of the Interceptor and Continental 650s to £4,999. Another bargain for those wishing to buy now.

[@ianhalliwell8604]

Agreed BSA are treating these original owners, like me, with absolute contempt

[@1990-t1j]

Rotax engines are superb. Owned by BRP now, the Canadian parent company of can-am. My can-am F3-S has a 1330cc triple Rotax engine. A stunning unit. This Rotax single is my type of single: lazy, low revving. Plenty fast enough, too. I'm looking forward to seeing what the forthcoming Scrambler is like. 16:17 The usual viewing spot. Excellent review, Mark.

[@markpulling12]

@@1990-t1j many thanks....my seadoo jetski has a rotax engine cheers mark

[@1990-t1j]

@@markpulling12 You've got a jetski. Wow!

[@markpulling12]

@@1990-t1j yes treated myself for the summer 🌞 review soon :)

[@1990-t1j]

@@markpulling12 I was going to suggest you reviewed it. Brilliant.

[@jfro5867]

Nice looking bike that, really fancy one.

[@johnharris7353]

I like the green!

[@a.b.__iii]

Beautiful motorcycle 😍 Cant decide between this or the interceptor 650. I like the sound of the twins but BSA wins in every other dept

[@stevenmiller184]

I love the power curve on a long stroke single. So even and forgiving. I owned a 650 Interceptor but sold it because it didn't fit me. I prefer my 350 classic. This would be a contender... if it made it to the U.S. and had some support.

[@stephenbethell7548]

It’s got a front mudguard! Wow

[@henrysmith5604]

I didn’t rate mine I had the legacy version only owned for it 2 months traded it in for a new Triumph speed twin mine kept cutting out when off the throttle

[@MOTORCELTIC]

Après 4 side-cars , et 17 motos ; j’en suis à ma 3ème Royal Enfield ! Et j’avoue que la BSA me plaît beaucoup . Mais le problème c’est de trouver un concessionnaire en France 🤷‍♂️ Pourquoi ? Depuis les années 80’ je vais au Royaume Uni et en Irlande, et j’ai aussi de la famille Britannique !!! Pourquoi l’importateur BSA ne fait rien ???

[@splodge5714]

Nice review, they're now good value. A shame there are still reports of the engine cutting out, I couldn't live with that. RE 650s are now reduced to £4999!

[@BobfmBali]

Where are RE reduced to that price?

[@sundukibrahim2944]

A big mistake of BSA placing the exhaust pipe from the same side like chain-maintenance may be awkward

[@chrisc9376]

I agree poor design

[@stephenheys6851]

The price point is outstanding, a real choice for those considering the Triumph 400 or the new RE 450.

[@lgwappo]

Beautiful bike. I've owned 2 thumpers, 400 & 650. The Suzuki S40/650 was 89 pounds lighter but horrible ergonomics for a 6'1" rider. This BSA is on my radar. UPDATE: NOT sold in the USA. : (

[@bertayoing]

hi mark,a great review but when i test rode one last april things were different,.i was dissapointed.looks old and feels old.front brakes good and it looks good.thats about it.after 65 it vibrates terrible,there;'s lag in the throttle and surging from injection,suspension is rock hard and a bit wobbly,had to have 2-3 goes at getting third gear.this was the "demo" bike too.put me off.i still have a flicker of interest however,maybe these new models have ironed out those problems? cheers. i may add that i'm 64 and have had 60+bikes in my time.

[@markpulling12]

Hi Bert thanks for your feedback...this model felt more sorted ..maybe they have ironed out a few of the glitches Cheers mark

[@xt225]

Thanks. If possible can you point me towards one of your reviews where you have some negative views/criticisms of a bike. I do want to find reviews that are balanced but am finding it hard to do so.

[@aunoates6617]

You can find other reviews where they state: “The chain is on the wrong side” “The round mirrors will have to go” “The fuel cap could easily be lost” “The number plate is too big.” “The lack of a second silencer gives the bike an unbalanced look” How is this meaningless negativity useful?

[@xt225]

@@aunoates6617 take your point but I didn't mean mindless negativity. However I find it odd when a reviewer can't find anything to constructively criticise. I'm not saying Mark does this as have only seen a few of his reviews. Just looking for constructive balanced reviews. Maybe that's too much to expect.

[@GlynOC]

Marks style is he says what he likes and occasionally what could be better, but not say negative things. It might be useful if he said this bit or that bit wasn't very good but it would kind of spoil his reviews for me which are for enjoyment as much as anything, negativity is such a downer. More negative channels are available 🤪

[@RenatoPinheiro22]

it´s a marvellous Bike, If it was available in here, in brazil, for sure would make company for my T120 .... The only thing that I hate on it is the USB location, above the left bar .. jesus ... it´s horrrible .. it ruins the beatiful double inverted clocks view ..... having a secondary port it has close to the engine, there was no need for that plastic thing hanging over there .. I also have a RE classic 350cc reborn as my daily commuter and It´s USB port is hidden below the break leaver ... why not doing that, BSA ?? Cheers !! nice video

[@saltaireorangebicyclechopp8555]

I actually live 5 mins ride from a BSA dealer & l've still never seen one!

[@Uriel-Septim.]

I like the bike, look nice, I just wish they had up the build quality just a bit, for the price (I am in Denmark and it cost 25% more then the Triumph 400 speed) specially since it was build in India and not the UK as planed, either that or price it close to the speed 400.

[@ingopaul67]

I've inspected close up both the BSA and the RE Interceptor - I think the Interceptor has a superior finish and also looks more classic. The BSA, the engine espcially looks too modern and plastiky. Not ridden the BSA, but have ridden the Interceptor and its lovely smooth twin surely can't be beaten by a big single.

[@ianhalliwell8604]

You can only compare a single with another single, a twin or a 4 is a completely different animal.

[@M15TERx]

Agree. Classic look is spoiled by the radiator. Neither one thing or the other to me. Slow sales was one reason for price drop, but not helped by quality control issues from what I've seen.

[@mitchellnix5274]

Thank you for win great review. Is it just me but do the clocks with the dial sweep from right to left look like they are upside down? I still prefer the R.E super meteor but my Guzzi V9 still beats either for me.

[@markpulling12]

Yes they do sweep that way That's how it was 60/70 years ago Cheers mark

[@googlecontrolled]

We call them 'clocks' and thinking about how a clock hand turns it actually seems the correct way to turn.

[@paulfowler7618]

I came close to buying one of these a year ago but a interceptor came up with 500miles on the clock and a thousand pounds of extras for 5 grand so I bought that instead. I think i made the right decision but had the BSA been 5 grand then I probably would have one now

[@manoftheroad55]

Rotax make Aero Engines they are top notch power units BMW 650 Funduro was bulletproof

[@simonwalker7957]

I’ve always noticed how online reviewers feature the same bikes obviously so when new I guess but also when not so new; sort of come in waves. Looks like a sales push from where I’m sitting. Even Stuart Fillingham has bought despite the panning he gave it! Pretty common knowledge that this bike has stalled and many dealers seem to be sitting on high levels of inventory and thus the prices offered have plummeted; commiserations to those early adopters that see their residuals shot. There is to be no 2025 update either as BSA have too many left at present. FTR I have ridden one and it was OK but I didn’t like the fit’n’finsh nor the scavenged from the tip radiator.

[@jimbecker6599]

Is it safe to assume with overhead cams that the engine has shim adjustable valves? Personally, I am a fan of screw adjustable valves from the standpoint of rider maintenance.

[@markpulling12]

Hi yes shims on these engines Cheers mark

[@neilwillis3915]

I bought one 3 weeks ago mark, love the looks and agree with what you say about it, but it has issues, stalling at junctions, traffic lights, and mine has got a oil leak from the cylinder head which according to mechanic is a fault with machineing in factory 🙄 waiting for warranty from bsa for replacement of cylinder head, but still love the bike for £4999.

[@hiyadroogs]

I'm surprised they still have that stalling issue, Neil. It has to do with Euro 5 & the ultra lean burn combustion necessary to comply. It's probably to do with the ecu not being sensitive enough to increase fuelling on shut off, & the engine flaming out through lack of fuel. Possibly a free flow exhaust or an ecu retune would correct it. BSA claimed that this engine is capable of 70 bhp. Which suggests that it is mightily reigned back on the fuelling to get it under the 45 bhp limit, - & why it was necessary to fit twin spark plugs with an 11.5 :1 compression ratio.

[@neilwillis3915]

@@hiyadroogs heard its the same rotax engine as the bmw 650 and aprilia pegaso 650 from 25 Yr ago so should be a reliable unit. Mines the gen 1 model so hopefully next yrs model will be sorted 👍

[@hiyadroogs]

@neilwillis3915 Yes, it should be pretty bulletproof. It's only a software glitch. Any chip tuning company should be able to rectify it quickly, as well as enhancing response.

[@wolfpackpete6408]

I like the idea of it. Shame it's a little bit on the heavy side, being a single cylinder. It's about the same weight as the Royal Enfield Interceptor (also 650cc), which is a twin. Fair enough the Triumph Bonneville Speed 900 is more expensive, so not a direct competitor in the market overall, but I think the Bonneville is a tad less weight...

[@simonchilli2088]

I've recently discovered that at 5'7" I only have a 29" inseam. This means most bixe are a bit tall or too tall for me. Even the Classic 350 that I bought this month. I've put a lowered seat on it so it's ok now. I like everything about this bike except for the chrome on the tank. I don't like chrome at all really. Lately I've just realised why. When you buy a bike you buy it in a particular colour. The chrome reflects everything around it which is why I don't like it. Taken ages to realise this.

[@michaelhayward7572]

Sidepanels and mudguards - plastic or metal, thanks ?

[@PatrickWhitaker-ls2cs]

Hinckley Bonnevilles have chain drive on the right.

[@Multheman02]

Are they ever going to sell them in Canada?

[@clkbateman]

Wish BSA would bring out the Scrambler

[@bigred8438]

I still feel, looking at it one more time, that the radiator could have been made narrower but slightly longer/taller, than the one it actually has.

[@davidprescott8469]

Great review Mark, how many miles had the BSA done?

[@markpulling12]

Hi David it was brand new:)

[@davidprescott8469]

@@markpulling12 Cheers Mark, it did look new!

[@BulletBeena]

That USB socket is an abomination! How they couldn't hide it away like on the Royal Enfield Classic 350 is beyond me.

[@wesleyjames.]

Agreed!!

[@ianhalliwell8604]

The first thing i did before taking delivery was to ask my dealer to remove it, it really doesn't suit the bike.

[@BulletBeena]

@@ianhalliwell8604 I don’t blame you. Beautiful bike otherwise.

[@wesleyjames.]

@@ianhalliwell8604 wise move

[@sudeepmore1525]

While the Royal Enfield 650cc parallel twin engine is a buttery smooth unit, not sure what to expect from the single cylinder 650cc Goldstar. The BSA Goldstar seems 20 to 25 thousand rupees overpriced in India!

[@a.b.__iii]

If you love high torque single cylinders..this wont disappoint

[@googlecontrolled]

Just bought the exact same colour this morning for my wife to pillion with me as its low enough for her and comfortable. Medical issues make my other bike not suitable. Cannot wait to get back out riding again with her. We have toured europe for the last 30 yrs on hols. RE 350 classic was too underpowered and the interceptor is an ugly beast next to these imho. 😊

[@paulmewett528]

Nice, Cheers.

[@karlfonner7589]

Another great review. Thank you, Mark.

[@ratulgogoi9380]

Vibration issue??

[@MONTY-YTNOM]

mmm Triumph have had right side chain for years

[@johnjenkins-bb4fz]

Can u do a review of the roge 125r please

[@markpulling12]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/bIubamqBmb2Eipo

[@mloclam6917]

Bmw used that motor for years well established

[@BarnettSpeedSuzukiThou]

Looks like they forgot it needs a rad, licence plate and horn until post production. But hey at the price ...

[@deanblanton-fh3gq]

Ahhh the old thumper,one lunger. The. British vibrator. Hasn’t change much since the 50-60s era. Great off road bike back in the day or hill climbing. Road bike, not so much….

[@collyernicholasjohn]

Front guard is real

[@WilliamAndrewPhilipBodie]

Look up SWM Stormbreaker V1200 😛

[@WilliamAndrewPhilipBodie]

Ps: is the BSA Euro 5 ??? maybe even Euro 5 plus ???

[@AndrewSinclair-bk9ho]

Should have kept the engine a twin piper ,produces less power than the original Rotax engine as fitted to BMW and Aprillia !

[@SRanade]

Good to know indian companies own two classic British brands.

[@dayvidmathews1182]

The jump jet technology, the BMW Mini. The "Royal Enfield". Early nuclear development. The Internet. Railways. Democracy. Civility. Etc etc. Just who gave this away ??. Anyone ... no ... ok.

[@RATLEEA10]

14,000 miles and you need to change the valve.... what valve?

[@markpulling12]

@@RATLEEA10 check valve clearance at 14000 ...that's what I said Best wishes

[@RATLEEA10]

What valve needs changing? at 14.000 miles?

[@RATLEEA10]

@@markpulling12, thanks!

[@markpulling12]

@@RATLEEA10 hi no valve needs changing the inlet and exhaust valves need checking...for their clearance:)

[@josephe3697]

Unfortunately it's not a BSA its just made to look like one and the engineering had to be made differently in order to comply with current UK regulations.

[@volt8684]

My instinct tells me NO and comments confirm

[@henrydigby2616]

Still not as nice as a interceptor 650 .

[@gazzertrn]

i dont know, its just not for me .

[@xjr13john]

Shame the clocks look like they have been fitted upside down!!

[@davidmacgregor5193]

The Smith's clocks on the original Gold Star's were orientated like those on the new Gold Star.

[@jlrutube1312]

@@davidmacgregor5193 In other words, after all these years they didn't learn anything, they hired yet another drunk to install the clocks.

[@heydavemyers1]

I actually like that. It's different.

[@hectorshouse7348]

Nothing is upside down…they simply start in a different place on the dial

[@fontana6394]

It’s an embarrassment to the original awful tacky looking thing !

[@imahunter1174]

Bro which is better... It's launched in india today at 3200 pound ..and RE interceptor available at 4000 pound with tubeless tyres.. and dual cylinder... Whats your opinion

[@markpulling12]

Hi I prefer the interceptor slightly with it's parallel twin engine Best wishes mark

[@imahunter1174]

@@markpulling12 thank you ❤️❤️