BSA Gold Star 650 First Impressions |

[@motorinc]

*Chapters* 00:00 The GS That Might Sell 01:24 How Gold Star Happened 04:30 Riding the Gold Star 650 06:35 Vibration 09:04 Exhaust Note 09:55 Quality 11:37 Economy & Reliability 12:21 Chassis & Handling 15:46 Comfort & Details 17:51 A Hint Of History 19:08 Design & Finish 21:51 Living With It 24:06 Quirky Instruments 27:37 Pricing & Value 31:21 Then vs Now 33:51 RE Classic 650 34:31 Quick Summary 44:11 Service & Warranty 46:22 The Royal Enfield Obsession 48:11 Positive Movement 48:57 Availability & What's Next 50:34 Closing Comments *Explore MotorInc memberships* at youtube.com/@motorinc/join *ICYMI: Jawa 350 View* kzbin.info/www/bejne/qWenqnZqo7inorsfeature=shared

[@BIJESH-ut9lf]

Hi Team, A suggestion on this review. I took a test ride on this motorcycle and I liked it in aspects which Shumi mentioned. But what I came here for and what lacked is, the time spent on discussing about how the motorcycle feels!! Im left wanting for more on how the bike and riding experience is. You know what I mean! Less of company heritage stuff and more of how it felt in every kilometre you drove! 😊

[@heisenberg19989]

Lord splendor

[@vintage_ind]

@@motorinc do suzuki fiero review 2000 model

[@MysuruBani]

@motorinc I have learnt riding bike using my brother 350 hunter... my height is 5 ' 6"... what should be my next bike ?

[@tryambakshandilya]

Guys u forgot one thing... we do have a decent exposure of BSA brand as bicycles ...Hercules BSA i think so many rode 😋😋

[@motorinc]

😆😄

[@Sportsblood11]

I had a BSA rocket back in the days 😋

[@tejvohra6815]

I assume that this is a joke. Otherwise the Murugappa group BSA and the Birmingham Small Arms are two different companies with the same name

[@kabirquddus6442]

@@tejvohra6815 well that just kills the joke innit, the whole point is to link those two and go on with it. its fine, you'll learn with time

[@niharranjanmahunt4102]

@@tryambakshandilya i had BSA champ

[@farzadkarkaria6894]

As a Parsi Bonneville owner whose grandfather rode a BSA, I laughed so hard at the part where he said 'apri bonnie apri bonnie.😂

[@rianp1675]

Parsi Bonneville?!

[@kameshs1392]

😂

[@teebone25]

Parsi o.O

[@TurbonicSpyder]

I rate this Summary 1 Gold Star

[@motorinc]

What's that equal to in a traditional 10-point number system @TurbonicSpyder?🤓

[@TurbonicSpyder]

@@motorinc 6.52 out 10 for the bike 10 for the summary, as always.

[@Vikrum_]

​@@TurbonicSpyderI rather found the bike at least 6.533196 /10 🤔

[@AmitK]

I will choose classic 650 over goldstar who having proven engine , twin cylinder performance, dual exhaust sound and look as classic as 350. but I may choose goldstar over interceptor , interceptor burns legs and very heavy to handle

[@user-wj5lw1rn5p]

​@@AmitKdoesn't exist yet

[@Amog_98]

Summary is on point, I would rate it 10/10. Points I would like to include 1) Warranty should be at least 50k kms 2) Unreadable cluster can be fixed with black windshield. 3) Classic legends please fix the sticker (Because shumi hardly seen complaining about the sticker 😅) 4) and the fuel cap..

[@motorinc]

Thanks for pitching in @Amog_98

[@deltabluesdavidraye]

I bought a 2020 Interceptor.Great bike but those Pirelli tires didn't start out with 3 mm of tread. Good for 2000 miles . That is if you didn't ride any gravel.800 miles and a friend was telling me to change that wore out rear tire before I get a flat.😂😂😂 At that point a sidecar ,Enduro bars and 705 Shinko tires were installed. Couldn't be a better rig for a 650.

[@paritoshpande2786]

As a buyer who after 1 year of test driving triumph t120 and 100 and not able to justify a price tag of around 13 lakhs. I bought myself a legacy edition and absolutely loved it. Interceptor is mimicking bonneville and they did a horrible job in terms of handling and the center of gravity. Classic legends engineered it really well in terms of ride and handling offering 90 percent of bonneville at 1/4 the price. Absolutely love the bike and its a hoot to ride. 500kms done and looking for 50k.

[@Shemal.JustAnotherShrink]

I agree about the centre of gravity! The Interceptor feels much heavier than the Gold Star.

[@MadM0nkey]

what a great comment... it's always nice to see when a rider knows exactly what he wants, and not what he thinks he wants just because the tube would have him believe that

[@harshalshetty9865]

All because of the 18 inch rims, get a 17 rear from the meteor 350 and that'll rectify the problem

[@YoursNemo]

​@@harshalshetty9865 why can't they offer it as standard ??

[@rohannnsurve]

@@harshalshetty9865 why is everything about an RE a jugaad? Such a good motorcycle but never quite Spot on

[@natarajmsnatashaa]

I bought my BSA bike a few days ago and have already ridden it for about 650 km. I completely agree with the concerns discussed in the video, especially regarding the side lock-it’s definitely a safety issue that should have been addressed. That said, when you rev this bike, all those concerns fade into the background. The performance is absolutely exhilarating! The engine is fantastic, and the bike feels surprisingly light, making maneuvering in the city very easy. Having ridden the Twin Interceptor before, I can confidently say that I’m even more satisfied with my BSA. It beautifully balances classic design with the thrill of speed, making it an ideal choice for anyone who appreciates both style and performance. 😀

[@motorinc]

Glad to hear that @natarajmsnatashaa! Congratulations... Do let us know how the service experience is when you get that done. 😊

[@natarajmsnatashaa]

@@motorinc first service is done and engine is much smoother now and overall experience of service was also cool so far!

[@Shubhonil1999]

​@@natarajmsnatashaaglad to hear your experience. how's the fuel economy after the first service?

[@natarajmsnatashaa]

@@Shubhonil1999I am getting average of 23-25 it depends on the riding style Of constant speed maintained below 80 the range is getting extended till 28-29

[@syedbihaqe]

@natarajmsnatashaa I am planning to buy one soon, but I am a bit skeptical, about whether to go for it or for RE 650 Interceptor

[@swapnil_dl]

Kudos for the summary. No one beats you guys, as usual. But, I'll share my experience with Mahindra owned jawa. I booked the jawa classic at the very opening date of bookings. The bike came 9 months later, which i won't hold against the company as it was expected for a new brand. But the grief started the very next day of delivery. The oil seal on the engine head tore off in 20 km run. Instrument cluster was replaced in 700km. And then, i made the most horrible decision of going from Pune to Ladakh, till then i had gone through the break in period of the engine. But the bike, was awful. It had so many issues that i have literally lost count. The QA was terrible, oil leakages, coolant leakage, rusting of parts when the bike was always parked in a closed garage or with a bike cover. I had to sell the bike in 6 months of usage. Now, my brother, who had booked a jawa 42, still rides the bike. And the bike has been plagued with issues. We have had oil leakages at least 7 times, the instrument cluster has been replaced thrice, fuel pump replaced twice, the rusted suspension was replaced in early 2024 silently after a lots of noise by customers. I'm just giving a summary of issues. If anyone wants a complete record, reach out to me for full service records. Also, Karthik might know this, the classic legends dealership in Nagpur is shutting down, leaving all the customers in limbo. Now, people in Nagpur, will have to take their motorcycles to Amravati or chandrapur for service or face any breakdowns, which are really common. I know the dealer, and i was told the main reason of closure is the wrath of customers even after 4-5 years of launch. Moral of this story- DO NOT BUY CLASSIC LEGENDS bikes due to nostalgic feeling of owning a vintage motorcycle.

[@swapnil_dl]

BTW, my brother still lives in Nagpur and he is facing the dilemma of service issues once the showroom closes for good

[@mustafadudhwala7278]

May god have mercy on his soul then😢

[@motorinc]

That's definitely a difficult situation to be in @swapnil_dl! Thanks for sharing. We hope Classic Legends takes things like this into account and fixes them permanently soon.

[@kedarpandit7559]

Meanwhile........ BS3 Mojo owners silently clocking miles on their forgotten beauty of a bygone age and enjoying every mile... ❤❤

[@swapnil_dl]

@@motorinc they won't. Trust me, Mahindra has never learnt about improvement in quality. Even after all these years, when they're launching BSA, they're still using the same flatbed, no foam seat, hopeless suspension setup, pathetic finishing and I guess, a single layer of primer, lacker and single layer of paint for sure. The biggest problem is, we Indians tend to become fanboys, instead of being users. Brands take undue advantage of this brainless worship

[@deeptigyaksh6896]

Comments on the loud bike thing from Shumi. I was running a full system exhaust on my gen 3 duke 390…..let’s just say I had a “little stumble” on track and now I’m running the stock system and man im loving the old sound so much.

[@motorinc]

"Why do we fall sir? So that we learn to just keep using the stock exhaust" 😆 @deeptigyaksh6896!

[@-Deepak-M]

@@motorinc this is Shumi, isn't it? 😂

[@vigneshram5237]

​@@-Deepak-Mspot on😂

[@deeptigyaksh6896]

@@motorinc 😂😂

[@AnotherRahul1601]

Hey! which track do you go to and how much does it cost? A rough breakdown will help alot.😊

[@su_deep]

Coincidentatly I took a test ride of this bike past Sunday and now listining to Shumi, things are flashing in my mind.. Awesome!!

[@motorinc]

Hope you had fun doing both @su_deep

[@ninadkhanzode1797]

Back in 2018, while I was living in the UK, I had the chance to use a Vitpilen 701 as my primary motorcycle. It featured a KTM-derived 690cc single-cylinder engine producing around 70-75 bhp, paired with a lightweight frame of about 160 kg. This combination gave it an impressive power-to-weight ratio, especially for a single-cylinder bike. It was remarkably agile, fun to ride, and never felt monotonous. To me, this exemplified how a heritage brand can create modern motorcycles while preserving their distinctive characteristics. I believe BSA can follow a similar path with their platform, focusing on developing a modern, sporty motorcycle that aligns with the spirit of the Gold Star brand. They should prioritize these core characteristics over purely aesthetic design to build a truly authentic and exciting machine.

[@BlingThingStars]

@@ninadkhanzode1797 even if they want to make the bike light weight, they cant do it as they dont have r&d of their own and rely on third parties who gave them chasis and design and old engine being tuned for bs6 norms by university. An ironsmith can still do better if he has better knowledge of physics, maths and metallurgy .

[@sandeshnigam3391]

This podcast was very well presented regarding BSA Gold Star. My Uncle who was a Parsi used to own a BSA Bike when I was in my school. But my Request is to create a one of a Kind - An Exclusive Podcast on Tata Motors, Honoring Sir Ratan Tata contributions, not just a auto journalist but also as an Indian who was part of the growth journey. Both of you are superb and for a change "Shumi Sir should take a lead along with Kartik Sir". I can only suggest or request, but maybe its our emotions in play, our respect for Sir Ratan Tata. Tata Motors - The Origin, The Challenge & Drive to "Make in India", The Future Ahead. Todays Bharat is a Young Bharat, And we don't know what is the "Drive to be a Patriot and Belief in Indian Capabilities". I have really liked the way both of you compliment and present the topic in such a way, I really feel connected just like so many members. Ratan Tata had such a forward thinking approach that today they deserve a special podcast on the history of journey of Tatas. By the way, Tata Cars should also focus on giving proper place for Coffee holder, Especially since they also own Starbucks. (Shumi Sir I really liked your humor very much for CURVV ICE Podcast) =========================== But my deep and huge respect to Tata again and to our Dear Sir Ratan Tata . We love you and India will miss you. =========================== With lots of love for both of you guys. Keep it up.

[@adithyas1091]

Comfortably numb is a great pick, I really like Poles Apart too. My pick is 'Pale Blue Eyes' (The Velvet Underground)!

[@motorinc]

Wonderful choices @adithyas1091!😄

[@veer6574]

We really are the champions . I have been enjoying motorinc on loop whenever I get chance . On work break, before going to sleep or walking . It's a top notch content my dudes . Carry on .

[@motorinc]

Thank you for joining us @veer6574

[@arijitghosh2497]

Thanks for the video, my experience having owned this motorcycle for about 3 weeks is almost exactly like what you mentioned. I hate the suspension would likely swap it out at some point, didn't find the seat that uncomfortable as you mentioned though. I found the overall paint quality not that great either it scapes off quite easily already have a bunch of marks on the tank. But it rides well, has plenty of torque sufficient for indian roads, I think it looks more classic than the interceptor, also the weight distribution is quite good too in comparison to the REs. I think this motorcycle will appeal to guys going through their midlife crisis who wants a retro in their garage thats different from the mass produced REs.

[@motorinc]

Thank you for sharing your experience @arijitghosh2497! Do share what you thought of the service quality if you have completed the first service.

[@arijitghosh2497]

@@motorinc I will be taking it in for servicing next week. To be honest I have kept my expectations quite low, having seen the setup they have here in Kolkata . I really think they have a lot to catchup with regards to after sales service. Well will definitely post about it once I get the service done

[@prithvigoswami1982]

@@arijitghosh2497 hey arijit! can i ask you from which showroom in kolkata did you buy your goldstar from? i want to take a test drive and honestly i have no idea about which showroom to visit because all of them are quite far from my place. ☺️

[@arijitghosh2497]

@@prithvigoswami1982 when I booked it it was only available in Jawa Yezdi tamluk, East Medinipur dealership. I drove there one weekend to take the test ride, but had them home deliver the motorcycle. Now the baguihati showroom has also become a BSA dealer which is much closer however I checked out their service centre which is right behind the showroom it was a little underwhelming to be honest.

[@prithvigoswami1982]

@@arijitghosh2497 okay…thanks for the information. shubho ashtami!😊

[@sovan_404]

Bullet 650 and interceptor bear 650 also incoming. Also a spyshot of a Himalayan 650 with dual discs is doing the rounds.

[@rajb5595]

I am a happy owner of a midnight Black GS 650. It brings out smile each time I ride it . I also have a BSA B31 350 from 1952 to accompany her in my garage ..❤❤❤

[@ekagrakapoor8869]

@@rajb5595 even i have the same bike, in the same colour and i would like to add im in love with the bike❤️

[@motorinc]

Awesome @rajb5595

[@rajb5595]

@@motorinc thanks 😊

[@rajb5595]

A tiny bit of eyesore - the bSA logo should have been etched instead of being paster as an sticker . I say this won't have had affected the manufacturing cost 😬😬😬😬

[@Mankiratsinghsehra]

The first thing I am doing with my first paycheck is becoming a member so I can get this content asap. Lovely summary, great episode!

[@motorinc]

Thank you so much @Mankiratsinghsehra but we're sure there are other things that should be first...😊

[@shivakumarsaminathan2847]

I burst out laughing on auto museum "What would you put in there" 😂😂😂

[@rohannnsurve]

Mojo! Thats where it should’ve gone directly from the factory surpassing the customer

[@vikramwadhwani6174]

But seriously.....if India ever had a "National Motorcycle Museum", what bikes/scooters/mopeds should be put in this museum? I'll go first - Bikes - RD350, Yezdi Roadking, RX100/135, 1st gen Pulsar 150/180. Scooters - Bajaj Chetak, Lambretta, Kinetic Honda. Mopeds - Kinetic Luna, TVS 50, Enfield Mofa.

[@neerajkumarphookan5979]

Splendor would be there

[@atsonaga5520]

Hero honda splendor n pulsar 😅

[@shivakumarsaminathan2847]

@@atsonaga5520 splendor from honds dna and pulsar from kawasaki dna

[@kruzerblade4740]

The other nameplates trademarked by BSA are the Bantam (a two-stroke bike), the Thunderbolt and Lightning (360 degree parallel twins, being relaxed and high performance versions respectively). While the new Bantam's origins would most certainly come from the Jawa 42 platform, I'd wager the Thunderbolt and Lightning (very very frightening, me) would prolly have their origins in another of Rotax's mills, specifically the 800cc 360-degree parallel twin that they developed for the BMW F800GS, which also had two states of tune. A 360-degree parallel twin which makes around 65-80 horsepower would be a fantastic proposition for BSA to enter into the lower-middleweight power class, and also finally have a proper USP which needn't be an eye-for-an-eye with an Enfield. Then again, that's just me speculating, so let's see how CL's BSA adventure goes. :)

[@MandeepSingh-nm2qj]

A 360-degree parallel twin bike would be fantastic.

[@zainalizaidi5852]

Well my Pulsar 150 (2004) model motorcycle has a class leading 18 L fuel tank , it also has twin pod analog dials instrument cluster and lockable side panels!💪💪It's proudly Made In India by an Indian brand!🇮🇳👌

[@motorinc]

🤜🏽🤛🏽

[@abhinav_7476]

18 Ltrs 😮😮 ...even today's tourer bikes don't have such large tanks...wonder why manufacturers are moving towards smaller tank

[@arunavachanda2834]

Yo 🤘.... That is something true classic about it...

[@HimalayRD]

Rode a goldstar a few weeks ago and what you said was more or less coherent to what I felt. The feeling that it was a “650” 650 was dully missing. Almost felt like I was riding an Indian commuter with a fantastic paint job on the tank. Although the sear height is relatively low as the design was referenced to the people of Indian build, it felt like a warm marshmallow going stale - soft but hardening as gravity pulls you further down. Having a hair of spotting bulging and bulky crank case covers and sump covers on Indian roads, what BSA had put up was inadequate and slim. If I was to look for a single cylinder 650cc engine, I would look for something bulky and round/oval to make sense of the size and proportion (as 650ccs are almost too big for our roads where most people barely ride over 125ccs and 50kmph). The rear fender seemed like it wanted to fly off but was held back by the seat, meaning, it’s too high and far for a classic retro motorcycle. Handling felt a tad stiffer than it should have and the motorcycle threw itself ahead when the throttle was pulled, sometimes too hard due to the lack of those 17 kilograms of an extra cylinder, piston and valves. Overall, it felt like I was riding a prototype of a motorcycle that was going to hit the Indian markets next summer. The star in the gold star would be an overstatement, I think. Also, I have been waiting, like thousands of other people, for YOUR review of the goldstar. The review is honest, accurate and concise. Classic Legends should be taking notes.

[@GovindYadav-ny5ei]

You wrote everything I wanted to express ❤

[@kunalghubale5480]

I take a test ride, I really like, at a single cylinder bike with 650cc engine mind-blowing, really great because its a legendary bike.... And the era of BSA is back.. it's really good design, the colors, the finishing, the power when you ride this bike... Damn yrr... Thank you for such a great bike launch in india.

[@110mano]

Just did a test ride an hour ago. What an easy and maneuverable bike. Center of gravity is on point. Brakes are incredible. And the cherry on top is the punch it packs. Seals the deal for me instantly.

[@motorinc]

Glad to hear that @110mano!

[@hemachandran01]

Please be wary of Classic Legend's Great customer service which files a defamation case on you if you post your dissatisfactionon social media.

[@110mano]

@@hemachandran01 Is that really true? Were there no other attempts of reconciliation before reaching to that level?

[@SurajSinghTomarArya]

Please compare X440 mid variant with this. I test rode X440 and loved everything about it. 10yr extended warranty with Harley is also tempting.

[@motorinc]

Request noted!

[@KevinSam33]

Classic legends, and more specifically BSA, seems to be making the same mistake that Harley did a few years ago: trying to capitalize on the nostalgia of a generation that is slowly disappearing, while forcing the 'old-world charm' onto the current generation that has wants nothing more than the 'aesthetic' of that era. Great review as always!

[@HarishBabuM]

What do you mean "nothing more than aesthetic"?

[@ParanoidDharmas]

Correct, they should focus on delivering better products than selling "nostalgia" product of 50s 😅 which shows they don't know that people of that era are either too old to drive the motorcycle or long gone

[@PR_6891]

Finally, the most awaited video for me!!

[@motorinc]

Thank you for waiting @paavanrupapara1349

[@vkunknowntrader7320]

BSA Gold Star 650 ke first impressions: Bike really feels great for performance and style

[@laxmanparadkar6110]

Just one feedback from my end. Along with the discussion kindly add more bike visuals in your videos. Like bikes full size pictures focusing on specific features, few shorts and some testing videos....as no doubt all your videos are great but what I feel it lacks is motorcycle visuals....for me just watching motorcycles even in pics gives a dopamine effect 😉

[@motorinc]

Noted @laxmanparadkar6110, but we don't mind waiting if you'd like to pause and google the vehicle's images before resuming the discussion 😊

[@laxmanparadkar6110]

@@motorinc 😁 ✌️

[@abhiojha4971]

Thank you guys for the great talk. Couple of things I felt on the test ride, as I was very excited seeing its review for over a year from other countries - 1) The quality for the price was not upto the mark. The moment I sat, my excitement instantly came crashing down, since I was expecting to be wowed, considering it was being sold in non price conscious market for so long 2) It being single cylinder has it charms, but I could not shake the feeling, it costs as much as an interceptor twin with better reliability, quality and service. 3) I wanted to buy this, as Classic 650 is taking too long, which is the style of bike I wanted and this bike looking even better than classic in style from far, but after test ride, it seemed I can easily wait for it or rather go and buy classic 350 Overall if they had either launched at at least as an introductory price of 50k less, a little better quality overall and to make it seem apart, a tubeless spoke from get go, I would have ignored reliability and service concern and bought it instantly.

[@motorinc]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts @abhiojha4971! Waiting for the Classic 650 then?

[@abhiojha4971]

@@motorinc Actually I was, but then I did a random gamble, to book a Classic 350 and apply for factory custom, and crazy enough my booking got selected in the 15 lucky people. They flew me in, help me design my bike, gave me a tour of their factory and I mentioned your name there (especially to the guy who designed thunderbird), he said he knew you personally, told him to say "Hi" to Shumi from me :) I will get the bike probably by the new year. Now the thing is, my custom bike is too good, so will never be able to sell it. So I might need a bigger parking, if in future I want to buy a Classic 650 or anything else :D

[@-Deepak-M]

@@abhiojha4971 this is such a sweet success story! Congratulations on your dream bike 🎉 #wholesome

[@monarchistgaming]

​@@abhiojha4971 dude that's so cool

[@shankarmanu5559]

​@@abhiojha4971Awesome dude congrats🥳 happy riding!

[@N0tTh3Pr0]

49:30 Kartikeya just hyper ventilating at Shumi's comment about the 650 going upto 900, had me in stitches. If someone from classic legends watching this as Shumi said, please do your own thing, your competition must be with yourself not with another. Bettering themselves is a better progress than trying to be better than the competition.

[@vaibhavdlv]

I would say do a 1300 twin!! That would show the world who's the king!! Don't know if they have the balls for that though!😆😆😆

[@motorinc]

Thanks for the support @N0tTh3Pr0!😄

[@sanathramesh]

was waiting for this review. I test drove this bike was kinda blown away ..... As a RE 350 owner, i say classic legends has got more things right here. Hopefully they work on their aftersales service

[@motorinc]

That's great @sanathramesh! We too hope that the service experience turns out to better than the other CL brands.

[@AkshatSheth-xr1dj]

It seems like Royal Enfield with BSA logo was the gist of the discussion. Hopefully as Shumi said developers should be given a clean slate and no mention of Royal Enfield will do wonders. Waiting now for launch of RE 650 Classic

[@msm4864]

I owned a Triumph Street Twin 2nd gen, decat, remapped, for 3 years before i had to let it go due to unavoidable circumstances. I kept missing motorcycling, but didnt have the money to invest in a triumph again. The interceptor, though a great bike in itself, just didnt feel special. But the BSA...wow!. One test ride and i couldnt stop smiling. It is such a charming motorcycle, so unique. With all its drawbacks (which are more than the interceptor), it still pulled my heart's strings. Looking forward to owning one.

[@motorinc]

Awesome @msm4864! Thanks for sharing... Are you getting one?

[@nithin_m_nair]

Just brought the goldstar650. Absolutely loved the bike. Dont go by the spec sheet. The bike has a personality

[@motorinc]

Congratulations @nithin_m_nair! We wish you lots of wonderful rides with it...!

[@Shemal.JustAnotherShrink]

I was waiting for this video to decide whether to wait for the Classic 650. Understandable, will start saving for one of these two! 10/10 for the summary!

[@anandiyer8655]

316K subscribers is quite a reliable base for Motorinc to suggest some Indian company to start manufacturing main stand for Goldstar🎉

[@motorinc]

We'd honestly prefer for BSA to do it themselves @anandiyer8655, it's such an essential equipment that it'd be much easier for everyone.

[@pavanmuthanna2166]

I've been looking forward to this. My Dad rode a Bonnie as a young army officer in the 1950s, and in my stable is a 2014 air-cooled Bonneville T100 which is an absolute sweetheart of a bike. You can just surf the wave of torque, and I've often thought that an ADV with that engine and perhaps slightly taller gearing would be a sweet spot. It's the only one of my bikes I can't see myself selling. Triumph's spare parts, both the availability and pricing, make the RE twins smarter choices, but who cares. The fit and finish - chrome, paint thickness, clocks, pea-shooter exhausts, all just exude a sort of relaxed class, and the bike still looks simply amazing. I agree...at that price, at any price, I'd attribute more value to a twin than to a single, and from that lens, I'd be interested to see how the BSA does. Thanks for another calm, neutral, and comprehensive review.

[@motorinc]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts @pavanmuthanna2166! If it intrigues you, we'd suggest taking a test ride to see what you feel. We'd be interested to know that as well...😊

[@shantanugadgil]

Tell me that you guys did a "same pinch" to each other when you color co-ordinated with the brown t-shirts. 😂😂😂

[@motorinc]

It was intentional @shantanugadgil 😝

[@nivinthomas3741]

How will the dry sump oil system be in terms of servicing and oil changes. And is the coolant reservoir get in contact at speed breakers?? I had checked out the bike and have some concerns on these 2 aspects Looking for your opinion

[@escanor2002]

When we get review of Jawa 42FJ?

[@Kazuma2k20]

first saw shumi on PD and he looked like a regular old knowledgable fella, then I started following him on insta and fell in love with his sarcasm and seeing his massive glow up in this channel has me in shambles !!!, I am 22 and I look older than him. 😭

[@motorinc]

That'd be shocking @Kazuma2k20! But thanks for the kind words. 😅

[@VedantMhaske-t5l]

For some reason the re 650 engines seem like mass produced hunks of metal now, very well sorted out though..I'll agree they're beautiful in their own way. But this big (not sure if i wanna say this word) thumper has a certain underdog feeling to it.. I'm still 17 but riding the re 650 on a closed land didn't feel anything more than a heavy unicorn (the honda one lol)with more grunt

[@absash7838]

Finally a product that actually deserves some attention and a review perhaps.

[@PrabhatXLR8]

I own Shotgun 650 with almost 4000 KMs on Odometer.. Goldstar felt lighter and easy to maneuver in city traffic and clutch is lighter..

[@motorinc]

Thanks for sharing @PrabhatXLR8

[@tseringwangdus638]

Love the format of your show - the love for motorcycles, the attention to detail, clarity of thoughts and the way it's presented - everything on point. Love the channel and your detailed talks on all things motorcycles.

[@motorinc]

Glad you enjoy them @tseringwangdus638! Thanks for the kind words, appreciate it. 😊

[@karthiksridhar4618]

I’m a 30-year-old who has no idea about the heritage of BSA. And all I can see is that this product is being benchmarked against the RE Interceptor 650. And that’s where I think that they’ve dug themselves a hole. A single-cylinder 650 vs a twin sounds absolutely bad on paper and is an immediate downer. But the motorcycle was definitely not that bad when I test-drove it. But hey, to make people lose their initial inhibitions about a single-cylinder 650 and invite them for a test drive in itself is going to be supremely challenging for Classic Legends! Why not make a replica with a twin? Who’s going to even care about what these motorcycles represented in the 60s? I’m completely flummoxed.

[@motorinc]

Hey Karthik! Yes that's exactly right. Getting people to take a test ride itself will become the challenge.

[@anirudhhhh]

It is not as cut and dry. Not all of us want a twin. A lot of us grew up with singles and would love to own a large single that chugs along. The Goldstar looks gorgeous, it is lighter than the RE and has slightly better performance than RE twins. I think they did a great job.

[@tariqomar0]

A single and a dual cylinder has completely different vibes and characteristics. Why compare them? Can a twin give the ample amount of torque that a single can give? I have read that there are limitations to it. So, the comparison is not withstanding. Just enjoy the bike man. If it pulls the strings of your heart then go with it and if it doesn't then also you will learn about your riding preference. This constant comparison between a single and a double cylinder and the argument that they should have gone with a twin looks very generic to me. There are n number of things that they should or could have done with this bike, but right now this is what they have made and judge it for what it is.

[@karthiksridhar4618]

@@anirudhhhh Dear Anirudh, I did like the bike when I rode it. My confusion wasn’t with the fact that if this would perform with this being a single cylinder. My confusion was with Classic Legends’ constant benchmarking/marketing targeting RE customers. And in doing that, they’ve failed at the beginning. Because it’s human tendency to compare a single with a twin. I took the plunge and did a test drive. In fact, the Gold Star has better ergonomics, none of the footpegs coming in the way issue which I had with the Interceptor. But I am really not sure how many would take the plunge and take the test drive.

[@karthiksridhar4618]

@@tariqomar0Dear Tariq. Agreed. My last paragraph was more of an exasperation than an explanation. As I’ve explained to Anirudh here, I did end up enjoying the single :) And yes you’re right. The comparison is fraught with logical loopholes. That said, as a consumer, I was merely responding to the benchmarking of Classic Motors with RE. And when a company benchmarks its single with a twin, naturally comparisons are the next logical result. Here’s another interesting thing about me. I had the budget to buy an Interceptor 650. But I fell in love with the Reborn 350. So my hypocrisy notwithstanding, looks like my heart went after a single after all ;)

[@laraibalibaig439]

I got mine last month, an insignia red gold star!! I am enjoying every second on this machine. I still got my grandfather’s 1957 BSA and the genome felt a little similar

[@PetrolSniffingDoofus]

18:46 I disagree with Shumi. I think India can build a motorcycle museum. I mean, motorcycles are the staple in India unlike other countries. Rajdoot, Spledor, Pulsar, Bullet, even Activa and Chetak deserves to be in one.

[@motorinc]

Thanks for letting us know @PetrolSniffingDoofus

[@abyyy490]

Lol

[@yogeeswarpal]

Stairway to heaven as a single is better than Comfortable Numb, but it wasn't released as a single, Comfortably Numb is Goat of Solo guitar showmanship and Singles. Stairway to heaven is a very close second guitar showmanship but an overall better song by miles, IMO. Don't know much about motorcycles, so had to comment on things I know about.

[@motorinc]

Thanks for sharing @yogeeswarpal

[@DrDaveMatthew]

@motorinc I'm someone wanting to come back to motorcycling after about 10 years, what should I get for a relaxed motorcycle? The first bike I bought with my money was an LML ENERGY. Later had an AVL 350 , a 2010 classic 500. For a relaxed mile munching motorcycle , should I get a kawa versys 650 or a lab rat like an Enfield or BSA ?

[@restless_peg69]

For the world's best single, I would kindly nominate myself for the title!!!

[@motorinc]

😆 1/1 kind of thing for sure @restless_peg69

[@AdhruthShenoy]

Have been riding the gold star for almost a month now. With regards to the service, the first service costed me 3,040 INR. The service center in Santacruz was great, and super efficient. I would agree with most of Shumi’s comments. I dislike the fuel cap, and surprisingly it’s one of the tiny bits that annoys me a lot. I am kinda scared that someone is going to steal my toolkit and battery :). Would probably change the suspension and run a tube to tubeless conversion after a few months. However, all of those are tiny issues, the bike wins in the feel factor and almost always leaves a smile on my face after a long day. I guess that’s what matters the most.

[@motorinc]

Wonderful to hear that @AdhruthShenoy! Thank you for sharing...

[@shantanugadgil]

16:19 I think the British flag is there by design, let it be. After all you sit on it, right!? 🍑 Putting the Indian flag there is a recipe for getting arrested. Don't put the Indian flag on the seat.

[@sarvagnan]

In an odd way, watching this increased my admiration of the River Indie. Indian brand, decided on a purpose for their scooter, and they made something that is completely different from anything else on the market, instead of going after an existing market/company and attempting to do it "better"

[@Hungry_Hunk]

Well, their customer service and customer care is seriously down. they have served me a legal notice for being vocal about my issues with the bike. Save your bucks and go with better brands.

[@motorinc]

Woah! A legal notice? What happened @cheetahbeats3228? Please share more details if you can, thanks.

[@Hungry_Hunk]

@@motorinc so, my bike faced various issues every other month. About, 6+ major parts were changed in the bike including ECU - twice in a year. Now, I asked them to either replace my bike or extend my warranty by in totality for 7 years (considering a vehicle has 15 years age in India), they simply backed off. Now, I tweeted about everything on X which of course, they did not like. So , in order to intimidate me they sent me a legal notice stating I’m defaming them as these parts were never changed. Now, I replied back with evidences and after that I haven’t heard from them. So, eventually I have filled a consumer case against them.

[@-Deepak-M]

@@Hungry_Hunk that's not a great customer experience. And they shouldn't be targeting individuals, let alone customers! If the product is good enough, your customer base becomes your biggest advocate...

[@HamzaFaruqui]

One thing I've always hated about the RE twins is how top heavy they've always felt. Haven't ridden the BSA yet but I've heard multiple people talk about how it has better weight balance. Looking forward to it. Also, I feel like calling the funduro 650 the best single when a little Italian company quite recently chopped their last flagship v-twin engine in half to create a 698cc single is a biiiiiiiiittttt of a stretch. Also also, please for the love of God make video summarising the Indian tyre market in terms of riding genres and price brackets. Also also also, to me, you're both the Old Stars (old meant purely as a compliment btw 😂). Your reviews are what I remember watching on the 4:3 CRT tele as a kid and I am so glad we still get to learn from your expertise and the sheer genuinity when reviewing products. Also also also.....also (this is getting too long) the quick summary was perfect as always.

[@motorinc]

We're thankful that you took the time to share your thoughts in detail @HanzaFaruqui. Also, thanks for the suggestion. Also, also, we agree that the best single is a bit of a debate. And also also also, let us know how your test ride goes!😁

Shumi, your opening statement was a wow! Very well articulated!

[@jez6208]

Uk RE rider here. I love your work mate. I've not heard good things about the Goldstar at all.

[@motorinc]

Thanks for joining us @jez6208

[@saaamaak]

M&M made Mojo, and ppl were happy getting rid of the insect-inspired twin headlights for a classic round (I loved the OEM though and would've upgraded them to a dual projector setup had I bought one) We Indians wanted a smoother engine in a classic format viz-a-viz the UCE Classic vibrator, I guess that's where the idea of the Classic Legends stemmed from, it might not work for CL as of rite now, but it is still the right direction IMO too. They just need to iorn out the minutest of detailing, found lacking as you mentioned. Honda introduced the retro theme and is a runaway success with the CB 350s. I dont think CL or Honda is copying RE, those manufacturers have realized the great potential of the retro loving Indian customers and are trying to give a better alternative (also VFM) to the monopoly the Indian customers are facing with RE. And we can already see the results, the once complacent RE has begun to scale up their quality leaps and bounds. See the current gen Himalayan versus the retired one.

[@motorinc]

We agree that we need alternatives to Royal Enfield in India @saamaak, competition always results in better products for the customers. But do they need to be so similar to the product they're competing with though? That remains to be seen. As for the CB350s, it might be a success compared to Honda's other products but still nowhere close to that of the Classic. Same for Classic Legends' products too. At least the latter is now trying to distinguish themselves, somewhat. If the original product is doing so well, what incentive does the customer have to look for an alternative? Other than not wanting to own a Royal Enfield. We think the proposition's too weak, but we'll be interested to learn how this plays out.

[@dr.virpat3007]

well connected talk on almost on all the aspect of the BSA, I was just interested to know, does it has sitting comfort of classic 350 or posture stays like on GT 650??

[@siddharthmenon2105]

I would like to thank Shumi, cause I was among the unfortunate ones who was caught up in the Jawa Bandra dealer scam that happened last year, and the day Shumi talked about it on Team BHP, the next day the company activated on a plan to help us out (which they hadn’t done for 4 months and almost 12 of us hounding them to do so). I really feel even a single tweet/post by you guys really makes these auto manufacturers buck up big time. Thank you Shumi

[@motorinc]

Glad to have been of help @siddharthmenon2105, thank you for sharing!😊

[@siddharthmenon2105]

@@motorinc sir, if anything thank YOU 🙏 Hope I can repay the favor one day

[@tarunprabhu2562]

I hope the 650 gets into the Jawa side. Give us a roadking!! I started my journey on a Yezdi, I will always be a Jawa/ yezdi guy at heart. Still waiting for a twin with dual exhausts (I'm ok with 360 degree crank) that sounds like a two stroke. : )

[@Samarthsahni]

As a KTM guy my love with singles continues with Goldstar 650. I just love my new bike. ❤❤

[@motorinc]

Wonderful! Thanks for sharing @Samarthsahni, how long have you owned one?

[@Samarthsahni]

@@motorinc it’s been 25 days. 700 km driven. WOW experience 😎✌️

[@jnvid1]

Related to the tank cap, Shumi should try opening and closing the tank cap on a Triumph Speed Twin 1200 and share his visual response/reaction

[@Satadru74x9]

From this topic aside, I wanted to ask one thing. For a city and a 30+30 = 60km highway usage everyday, in Gurugram and the rest of nearby cities, which Maruti car sounds a more logical purchase, Ignis or Baleno, both top spec AMT (cheaper option preferable if reasonable). Do Ignis really make a sensible purchase in 2024? You can suggest other cars and other companies as well but first among the 2 I provided I need an answer please.

[@afloon]

Firstly .... you guys are doing a super amazing job. I was eagerly waiting for your reviews and will wait it out further as i am also keen on owning one. I agree on most of the things that you have covered as i too had 2 short burst of test rides which does not justify my experience much. I believe main stand should be provided. Side panels should have a lock system. Headlamp back cover needs to be of chrome instead of black. Also the headlamp holder needs to be more classy like the speed 400 triumph. The bike should be slightly longer, for which i mean i prefer slight more space between the chassis and the tyre. ( cb350 has it) The handle bars could be optional like gt continental klipons The tank can be a bit bigger at 12.5 litres. Engine sound can be better ( like the whistling engine sound of GT) Would prefer 400/450/500 cc version . Lighter and pocket friendly as well. I used to ride my fathers Bsa 350 cc sports 1965 model so i can very well relate to what the older Bsa's /Nortons /Triumphs /Ajs /Velocette/Matchless. As you said. The bike is good but not flawless. I would very well become an admirer of classic legends and the BSA and Mahindra of course if they work on their imagination and deliver a product which should be well worth owning for the next few decades as a Parsi likes.. and so do i as i am one Bawa. Aflatoon Cyrus Izedyar

[@motorinc]

Thank you very much for taking the time to share your thoughts Aflatoon! Turns out there are people to whom BSA means something, eh? We hope the company takes these suggestions seriously!😄

[@kanishknaithani]

"The time of loud motorcycles is now behind us" Golden words by Shumi👏

[@hnmohana]

I went for my Yezdi Roadster Service today and saw BSA GS 650. The Highland Green was ready for Delivery and it looked great for the eyes. Asked for a test ride and rode for a couple of KM's, asked them more time but they refused as there were many customers waiting. It felt good in the short ride.. Need your advice on the clutch, i hated the hard clutch on Roadster. Is the clutch similar in GS. I didn't feel that much hard on the bike a took a test ride but need your inputs. Is it good bike for City Commute with Heavy Traffic?

[@HiteshSoni890]

Hello @MotorInc. We are not getting the episodes on Spotify anymore ? I don't see any updates This connect or First impression episodes.

[@motorinc]

We don't have the bandwidth to manage so many platforms. RSS feeds will probably not be updated either. We are working on an alternative solution though - please do stay tuned.

[@HiteshSoni890]

@@motorinc no problemo. I will stay tuned here and make sure I catch all the updated content. :))

[@kameshs1392]

Man... U can talk about motorcycles in an unique way that captivates listeners❤

[@motorinc]

Thank you @kameshs1392

[@sameer_dhingra]

Just test drove this and I love it! Am I crazy? Choosing this over everything else

[@AAKEngine]

being the cheapest 650, you will probably never regret the decision. Torque seems good, and tbh if you love it, you can't be wrong

[@motorinc]

We aren't surprised at all @sameer_dhingra! But please do take test rides of the rivals as well so that you can validate the feelings before making a decision.

[@adityajesani3370]

I test drove a BSA Goldstar about a week ago. Tyre's grip issue is quite evident. Rear suspesion felt a little jerky but i think a pillion's weight might make a bit of difference. Exhaust note was good. Waiting for a long term review. I think classic legends had enough time to sort the small niggles. The bike i test drove also had burn marks at the exact spot on the exhaust.

[@rohanrawal3949]

Excellent Summary Kartikeye, pretty much you sumed up everything 👏

[@motorinc]

Thanks @rohanrawal3949

[@laraibalibaig439]

Folks, have you observed that clack sound in the first gear ? When you engage it from the get go. Any suggestions to reduce that noise?

[@mayurbanchhode1287]

The BSA Gold Star 650 is another iconic motorcycle with a rich heritage, and its modern revival has drawn considerable attention.

[@motorinc]

Thanks for letting us know!

[@vibhavsingh9286]

I need a suggestion regarding fog light wiring for Triumph Scrambler 400x upto battery terminal it is ok but for switch connection using OBD2 port 12volt line is it OK ?

[@ducatimultistradav4850]

Motorinc always potrays quality, even if their videos are lengthy and late ❤

[@motorinc]

We appreciate the support @ducatimultistradav4850

[@pratvachan]

"Phantom stood for the grip the Pirellis offered" ---- Classic Shumi 😂😂😂❤

[@vyshakreghukumar995]

Unrelated to this video. But every time I see a family traveling on a scooter with wife, kids, babies, groceries, gas cylinder, etc I always remember the great Ratan Tata and the Nano which he clearly built for our people without any eye on profits. We Indians were ungrateful to him and the Nano is dead today. Truly a great loss for our country. RIP. 🙏

[@borderlands6606]

In a UK context, big singles like the Gold Star and the Manx Norton were associated with fine handling racing machinery. If I recall correctly some people raced them against much more powerful Japanese machinery into the 1970s, because they handled so well. The push back was because the new Gold Star resembled the DBD34 in no way whatsoever, apart from having a single cylinder. Like Jaguar launching an E-Type family saloon. The consensus seems to be that the new bike is a work in progress, with some owners loving them and some trying to pass them on. It didn't help that the Gold Star was launched at a higher price, before a significant drop, souring the relationship with early adopters and the brand. edit: UK roads are quickly catching up with Indian highways for lack of maintenance.

[@motorinc]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts @borderlands6606!

[@DJ_2196]

Thanks for the detailed review. Good to know the correct picture. Are you going to review Jawa 42 FJ?

[@shanbhagv0001]

The Best Single I have rode in todays time is the Triumph Scrambler 400X. Perfect Blend of Street / Highway & Mild Off Roading. The Looks is the cherry on the Top.

[@motorinc]

We can see why @shabhagv0001!😅

[@SurajSinghTomarArya]

50:00 A 500cc version of BSA 650 with Yezdi tag was showcased in production form few months ago.

[@motorinc]

Thanks for letting us know!

[@rohitthyss]

As much as I love your conversations, I request the team to have subtitles guy. It's not about u or the motor cycle enthusiasts. But, it helps for us who are late learners slowly getting into that enthusiasm. Few words even the CC in youtube couldn't get it right. Humble request

[@motorinc]

Duly noted @rohitthyss

[@Mrcabhishek53]

Would you say that the BSA is the best bike within the classic legends stable?

[@harivinayak03]

Why S2 Episode 24? It was the Altroz. Shumi did mention some new upcoming platform/content that you guys would "really push" in the episode. Almost forgot, 10 for the summary.

[@motorinc]

Thank you @harivinayak03. And they're talking about ThisConnect S02E24 which isn't out yet!

[@JohnVijayRaj]

I was looking at Jawa 42FJ. I haven’t seen a review from you’ll. What do you’ll think about this bike?

[@motorinc]

We're waiting for a test bike @JohnVijayRaj

[@MrSach2910]

I agree 💯 % on the fact that if you are reviving an old motorcycle, it should feel and do what it did in that era (performance, style, design, use case, fun, utility, reliability, benchmarking etc....) in today's era.... Revival of old cars into the modern era is done much closer to this criteria than what motorcycles are treated with.

[@motorinc]

Yes of course @MrSach2910 but if the brand doesn't have a lot of legacy in a country, doing this might reduce the chances of a wider audience as well. It'll be interesting to see how this turns out for BSA.

[@azael3036]

On the topic of main/centre stands do you guys think it is worth it get after market stands for advs without one? For the purposes of cleaning and lubricating the chain Or fixing punctures?

[@motorinc]

We'd be very careful with aftermarket main stands @azael3036, if they're not done well, it makes the motorcycle a potential hazard! It's almost a safety equipment in that sense.

[@zainalizaidi5852]

Simply loved this conversation about the new BSA Gold Star 650, quite an informative and Interesting conversation!, My favourite single cylinder engine is my Pulsar 150 (2004) Round Headlamp!👍

[@motorinc]

Our pleasure!

[@chetanmmore]

As soon as I see a motorcycle first impressions video from motorinc, I assume it's gonna be a great day ahead.

[@motorinc]

Hope you enjoyed it @chetanmmore! The day and the episode both 😁

[@thecrazysharma]

Never sat ready for a video more than this....

[@praveenshanmugham6422]

Hey need your opinion, I am getting a good deal for Thar AX(O) 1.5 RWD Ex. Showroom 10.10L. Since the arrival of ROXX, Thar is getting discounts. should I wait anymore to price drop even further or should I settle for this? Pls suggested

[@InquisitiveRider]

Super video as usual, but you will be creating a detailed video, are you hoping to find something that might change the overview of this bike ?? because shotgun seems to be more attractive.

[@999vincy]

Loved the Peaky Blinders and Small Heath BSA factory reference in the convo

[@rmk_ro]

Summary by Karthikeya is the best part of this episode. Well done!!❤

[@motorinc]

Thank you @rmk_ro 😊

[@rammallapragada4245]

excellent to see you guys at best but one small suggestion is if the bike you were talking about is in the studio background in original, Thankyou

[@imkrrishnayak]

⁠ i know it sounds weired.. but i completely torn between himalayan and BSA goldstar. i know they are completely different bikes in different segments but something about both of them appeal to me. things im particular about - engine character, road presence, quality of materials, gear shifts and engine buzz at 80-120kmph.. wat will be ur pick with these points ?

[@MuditBadlani]

Shumi, it's such a simple answer - we would of course, keep you in the National Motorcycle Museum of India 😃 But seriously though - that note about the reversed gauges/dials being an issue in an age where we've (less than satisfactorily) moved from half to full face helmets - that alone shows just how you are India's walking motorcycle museum. The ability both of you have to put vehicles in the right context - historical, contemporary, mechanical, ergonomic, what have you - is unmatched in the Indian automotive space. Was looking forward to this for some time, and as usual, it was more than worth the wait. Kartikeya's summary 10/10, as ever. P.S: Forgot to mention, Shumi's extensive digging into the background of the motorcycle through UK ownership reviews, and even other Indian journo reviews is commendable. Given his stature he could easily review the bike in isolation and still help out so many people. But this way? A potential buyer can go from this conversation armed with all the information they need to make a post test-ride purchase decision.

[@motorinc]

Thanks Mudit! Much appreciated! And the Shumi diorama at the National Motorcycle Museum of India sounds very interesting hehe

[@IndustrialFaith]

I trust these two men more than just about anyone when it comes to reviews. I also laugh my ass off the whole time. Simply delightful! Thank you again! o7

[@motorinc]

Thank you for joining us @IndustrialFaith

[@IndustrialFaith]

@@motorinc Thank you!