BSA Gold Star First Ride Review: The Enfield Interceptor Killer?

[@TacgnolSimulacrum]

So one thing that gets me is that RE isn't a brand that was just revived from the dead for the sake of the name, but an actual ongoing concern since the entire time rather that a name being revived for the marketing.

[@allanrogerson4585]

You know the thing about RE as opposed to the BSA is the way they are assembled there are a host of better looking and useful bits to be added to the stock machine which I doubt very much whether the Gold Star can match just yet anyhow for me it's these add ons lets call em cosmetics that us Brits use to make their mounts very individual and obviously loved. - AllanX

[@rodtew7296]

I'd be impressed if they'd made a PUSHROD engine that started easily, didn't leak oil, was air cooled, and weighed less than 400 lbs. Alas,... B. S. A. In name only.

[@paulv22]

Triumph wasn't really an ongoing concern either. It was revived for marketing. (yeah, I know there were a few guys still working in a shed when Bloor bought them)

[@lenbell1365]

Triumph was also revived in the same fashion and has been a major success, Mahindra is a long standing high quality heavy industry manufacturer and a major player, plus Mahindra has long standing worldwide dealer network, I like what they have done with this newly created rendition of the old classic BSA Goldstar and can’t wait to try one, hopefully there will be more models to come ie a Bantem, an A10 etc……. Hopefully they will eventually be built in the UK as they had initially planed (Dam Covid) all in all I feel Mahindra have taken the time to do the BSA name proud! Now we wait……. Quality will equal sales can’t wait for the reviews.

[@amandadavis9348]

@@lenbell1365 Totally wrong and another example of people who don't actually understand the history of motorcycling. John Bloor continued the allow to Meridan Bonnevilles to be built under licence, by Harris Engineering. Then when the new Hinckley factory opened it was manufacturing modern (for the time) bikes. It was about 10 years later that Triumph created a Bonneville.

[@stevesanelli90]

Great stuff MB! It will appeal to enthusiasts & for those wanting something different than an RE. However, it won’t kill RE. Slightly dent it’s sales but not enough to worry them. The Interceptor is an incredible motorcycle & the sales are still strong.

[@shivamtomar]

Time will tell

[@gerardmontgomery280]

I'm afraid this bike shows just how good the RE is.

[@WyreForestBiker]

You know that having never ridden the BSA ?

[@dikshantsharma6492]

Just consider it as a bike and dont compare it with other bikes

[@guydawger]

Agreed!

[@andrewkitchenuk]

@@WyreForestBiker I've ridden it and it doesn't compare to an RE Interceptor which is cheaper too.

[@malluschach3391]

@@WyreForestBiker True. Classic Legends, Mahindra who bought the license of BSA had failed in bringing back Jawa to compete with classic. Jawa failed big time. Now they are trying with BSA. I hope they make quality bikes befitting BSA heritage.

[@johngriffin141]

If BSA made a 650 twin, like the old lightning or thunderbolt, then I might be interested. I would pick the RE 650 twin over a single 650. But that's just me. I like the dual pipe look.

[@DANTHETUBEMAN]

that what I thought 🤔, it's not a twin

[@alagusudhans8114]

don't under estimate this bike just because its a single this engine has a huge history that is a rotax/ BMW engine previously used in BMW GS650 F enduro (Dakar bike).

[@DANTHETUBEMAN]

@@alagusudhans8114 the R E 650 has THE SOUND.

[@roshinparameswaran4817]

I thought this was a twin

[@martinhambleton5076]

Kawasaki W 800 as good as something like that gets.

[@raycollington4310]

There's something about big single. It would remind me of my old Panther and Matchless. I always avoid job 1 products and hang back in the queue a bit to allow others to find the gremlins. I will keep an eye on this bike though. Thank you for the video.

[@ruahinesrider]

I do the same wait a year for teething problems if any & follow up services etc.

[@robertodebeers2551]

But the radiator? Booooooooo.

[@ruahinesrider]

@@robertodebeers2551 If I got one the Riley Elf radiator 😆🤣 be swapped for a thin alloy high flow radiator & associated plumbing be the first thing done & a 81°thermastat.

[@Rick-ve5lx]

“Never buy the Mk.1 version of anything.”

[@ruahinesrider]

@@Rick-ve5lx That's right or if you do wait a year first.

[@russellleggatt4269]

I really like the look, and big singles have a nice 'feel' about them. . . . The radiator isn't pretty but could be a bonus for the hotter climats. I'm seriously considering one for the daily commute. Nice review

[@stevec6427]

The Enfield works fine in India where they get some of the hottest weather in the world so I'm not sure the water cooling will make any difference in hotter climates. I guess it was essential in achieving the same power from a single.

[@amandadavis9348]

The radiator is there to allow for tighter engine tolerances, to keep emmissions down. Nothing to do with ambiant temperature of the location the bike is sold in.

[@1980ify]

Kudos to the bigwigs in India for resurrecting these Legends - RE, BSA, Jawa and Yezdi❤️ Otherwise today's generation would've never come to know them Edit: and Norton

[@kyakaruvlogs2784]

Next are Vincents and Excelsior

[@MrAjithutube]

@@kyakaruvlogs2784' vincent logo now owned, Bajaj auto..

[@kyakaruvlogs2784]

@@MrAjithutube Before that Excelsior

[@Rick-kb]

​@@kyakaruvlogs2784excelsior-henderson is also owned by bajaj auto

[@kyakaruvlogs2784]

​@@Rick-kb that's what I said a year ago

[@dennisdjy]

Aesthetically more pleasing to me. The engine compartment looks cleaner, too. Going to follow up more on this one.

[@Dreddingbath]

Looks lovely and getting good reviews, as our Bob says, a worthy competitor for RE, maybe snatching some Triumph sales as well? Will come down to personal preference, dealer access and service etc. but definitely a competitor and nice to see it take it’s place in the market.

[@winchester92stevebrook44]

I am tempted, but will wait until I can get a test ride. Also that radiador! so poorly integrated that I would seriously consider having it replaced with a custom made one (ooh dear more expense).

[@MzLunaCee]

Having ridden both, I went for the Interceptor. Better position and more comfortable for me. Both exceptional looking bikes though.

[@utharaptortrex]

I my opinion BSA missed the mark on this. They went after Royal Enfield when they should have gone after Triumph. They had a golden oportunity to undercut Triumph on price with 750 to 900cc liquid cooled twin, 60 to 70 bhp, simple tech, just a cable throtle, no ride by wire or modes, maybe just switchable abs, so you could have some fun on a dirt road. Plus the BSA name carries a lot more weight than Royal Enfield, so if they priced it just bellow the Street Twin they would sell like hot cakes.

[@54macdog]

Exactly. When I heard BSA was coming back I expected a Hurricane.

[@markellott5620]

I would have liked to see a mid range twin. This is likely to have more broad appeal. A revival of the Turner twins that never quite made it to production would have been nice.

[@stevec6427]

I was really hoping Enfield would make the bike you described. I would definitely buy one to replace my older Bonneville. At the moment, I don't see a real direct competitor to the Triumph 900 & 1200 twins.

[@thelayoffm965]

They'll still have to compete in the Indian market saturated with REs. There's no Triumph in India to compete with.

[@skaraborgcraft]

Dont agree that BSA name carries more weight when they went out of buisness, while RE are the longest running producer. I think its more of a reminder to people of a bygone age.

[@SurajSinghTomarArya]

I really love that they went with single cylinder and it overall looks good but as others have said they simply raised the brand from dead for marketing reasons unlike RE. It's not a real BSA, it's just bike with BSA branding. There's no guarantee if the owners will continue to support the motorcycles since they revived lots of old brands in India and wouldn't mind closing one or the other. There's no long term security here. We don't anything about the factory. It's similar to Chinese corps making Italian bikes.

[@alberty859]

RE was defunct company in Britain. Revived in india.

[@krishnakumar_ka]

Which brand under Classic Legends is closed? Both Yezdi and Jawa still in the market.

[@vishnumohannair8791]

Mahindra is known to persist with their ventures until they make it a success. So they won't fold, they are the largest tractor manufacturers in the world, they are aiming for Volvo's record four safety in cars around the world, though they can't bring their cars to USA. All that does not make the goldstar a good bike, but folding up is not a problem you have to worry about

[@ooppww1923]

Indian are not doing same as Chinese They support these brands by giving funding and help to revive by their ownself

[@SurajSinghTomarArya]

@@alberty859 Wrong. It wasnt revived, the production NEVER stopped. The India factory was opened by Enfield of Britain.

[@johnsonya3401]

Love this bike! I'll be getting one for sure. I already have an interceptor and I won't be selling that. Trouble is, I'm in Brisbane Australia so will have to wait until next year to get one. Patience grasshopper!

[@aussiejohn1987]

Are they confirmed to be coming here? I've got a 5yo RE Classic 500 and can easily myself on the BSA some day.

[@johnsonya3401]

@@aussiejohn1987 I have heard they are definitely coming here... but not until next year.

[@amandadavis9348]

It'll just look naff, parked up outside a cafe at Mt. Tamborine and it'll be boring as hell getting there. Get a Husqvarna 701 Vitpillen instead and you won't look like you've given up on life.

[@johnsonya3401]

@@amandadavis9348 No it won't, no it won't and no I won't. And my life will get even better than it already is!

[@amandadavis9348]

@@johnsonya3401 Well I sincerly hope the latter is correct, but honestly I and all of my riding girlfriends reckon you (and others like you) will look like a mid-life crisis wannabee, on one of these. Mind you you're half-way there with a Royal Enfield. If you want a classic bike then get one, just don't 'pretend' that you own one. Anyway, good luck, at the end of the day, it's your choice, everyone is different.

[@sn3gu]

I really like the idea behind the gold star and that they chose a single cylinder bike. This is the gap in the retro market and can probably find it's buyer's. What really disappointed me was the sound. A big 650 single and it sounds pretty similar to a 125cc Cruiser. That turned me off. I hope that aftermarket slip ons will fix that issue. The RE 350cc Engines sound bigger.

[@atsonaga5520]

Just the sound is a deal breaker

[@oldnick9232]

I had a GT 535 Royal Enfield single with a Wild Boar reverse Cone muffler, that made a great note! I am sure the same would do the 650cc BSA proud. :)

[@oldnick9232]

PS, I have a RE 350 2021, in factory trim, and it is as quiet as a mouse.

[@Corky341]

Sadly the dull exhaust sound reflects the Euro 5 emissions regulations (as they do on all new bikes). Easily fixed by knocking the baffle out or buying aftermarket slip-on.

[@sn3gu]

@@Corky341 look at the Triumph twins, they are euro 5 as well, but they have a great stock exhaust note. It's possible to sound good with euro 5 but probably not easy that's true.

[@colindeans5972]

Needed to be at least £500 cheaper than the RE to even stand a chance. Looks great, but money talks.

[@sivi8272]

Interceptor has a two cylinders engine and 6 speed gear box .... better for less money

[@chriscurrie5597]

It's a big single, so that it's a bit different to r.e. Different characters,,, interceptors are everywhere, £500 more to be a bit different..... Time will be its test, if its reliable it will sell,

[@soaruk3697]

@@chriscurrie5597 Yeah, you'll definitely have to be a 'bit different' to buy one.........

[@soaruk3697]

@@sivi8272 yep, this is a re-modelled Rotax that BMW put in its Funduro's over 20 years ago............

[@robvanduren761]

@@soaruk3697 Is that a good or bad engine if we have 20 years of historical data ?

[@dmaxcustom]

Looks wise, is better than the Enfield. The mudguards are beautiful with that fork. The color balance is also pretty well sorted out and love the clocks.

[@ชญาภาเเจ็คสัน]

It's better looking than a Intersepter ? The Real GOLDSTAR was one of the best looking bikes ever.. but this bike isn'tt. That rad looks like it should be on a car and the gap between it and the engine it's ugly! It will sell because it's new to the market ..but the Intersepter is a Super looking proven bike and its cheaper. They have a hard act to follow!

[@brettodd8416]

Thumper guy here. This ticks more boxes for me than anything in recent times. Love the look. Like a big thumper with 40+ hp. Good good. Waiting for U.S. release.

[@splodge5714]

Like the silver and chrome, £7000 is a fair price but it has to be well finished and reliable. I've had singles, KLR 650, and twins, W650, both Kawasaki's and both different. Great to have a choice.

[@papashuk26]

The Goldstar was my first bike decades ago so the sight of the new one really pulled my heart strings!

[@gustavmeyrink_2.0]

That bike in your youth was a real Goldstar but this is just brand name cheaply purchased by some marketing 'genius' to cash in on the retro wave.

[@amandadavis9348]

If you genuinelyy owned and loved a real Gold Star, then surely you would not go within a hundred miles of this thing.

[@amandadavis9348]

@@gustavmeyrink_2.0 100% correct.

[@Mytwistedvoices]

Just ridden the interceptor/GT650, I’m impressed. Nothing like the 411cc. They were Responsive.

[@Matt-hm9uo]

I moved from sports bikes to nakeds and adventure bikes, then stumbled across the Meteor 350 and loved it, so bought one. Very happy with it. Only issue is it could do with more oomph. Don't want to loose the light weight or simplicity if I change. I think the single cylinder is for me as I tried the interceptor, and it was fine, but didn't really press all the buttons for me like the Meteor did. So, the BSA is certainly in my sight. Only issue is it has spoked wheels, and as I'm not nuts on all this chrome everywhere and cleaning the bike every 5 mins, would prefer standard cast wheels - but you can't have everything ! Thx for the vid 🙂

[@adriangedamke2069]

Love it for its looks & the fact its a big single & the name BSA is back, not a bad price either.

[@tomtaylor6163]

I really like the looks of the bike. I ride a 1978 Triumph Bonneville and there aren’t many retro bike that get me excited but this thing is really cool

[@davidobrien6222]

I sure hope it comes to the states. RE is here and I like their 650. I had a '68 BSA Starfire around '71, '72. I hope they come here to the states, I want to test ride one.

[@Juliang61]

I think I'll keep my Interceptor for the foreseeable future. The BSA does look really good tho

[@viennapalace]

I want one but I'm coming at it from a different angle than most. You see, the best bike I've ever owned, the one that was the most versatile & the most fun to ride was a 2001 BMW 650 Dakar & this seems to be pretty much the same engine. Useable power everywhere & totally bulletproof. The nostalgia is nice but that engine alone makes it worth the asking price to me. I want one!

[@anunanu8251]

Buy me a bike too bro

[@TheGreatestBeyonder]

I was really surprised you never mentioned the radiator Bob?

[@Arthurzeiro]

With that Rotax engine straight out of an old BMW G650GS I really doubt it'll even dent Enfield's sales. No matter what they do with a single, It doesn't beat a 270 degree parallel twin.

[@rickparkinmoto]

Great review as always. Looks wise I love it. I'm a fan of big singles too. I'm happy with my current bike (Triumph Street Scrambler), but I'll be very interested to get a close up look and a test ride at some point. Price wise they should probably have tried to match the Interceptor, but I'll reserve judgement until I get a closer look.

[@shakeebahmer]

RE 650 twins any day! 🥱

[@darrylredmill4376]

Motobob was this a BSA sponsored vid? You didn't mention the fugly radiator that so many people point out ??

[@tryarunm]

Have been waiting at least a year to see a review of this bike. Am glad it looks the same as it did in the pics, just like the original DBD34. Just a glimpse of it and you know it's a Gold Star! At 52 bhp it makes double that of the 34's 26, and more than that of even the Rocket Gold Star 646cc twin's 50. Astonishing! If I buy one it'll be for my commute here in Hyderabad. I wish you'd mentioned her top speed. The 34 did 177 kmph. And as the lineup expands to include maybe a 1000 cc twin and a long stroke single that sounds like a classic British single, I'm sure BSA will prove a worthy competitor to Enfield.

[@malluschach3391]

Classic Legends of Mahindra Group who bought the license of BSA had failed in bringing back Jawa to compete with classic. Jawa failed big time. Now they are trying with BSA. I hope they make quality bikes befitting BSA heritage.

[@tomquinn607]

BSA Lightning was my first love. Wish they built another line of those. Complete with a seamless tank.

[@dayvidmathews1182]

Me and my brother just bought one each. Brilliant bikes. BSA was better in the day and theyre even better now.

[@paul3548]

For me the gold star sounds like a big hairdryer compared to the likes of the enfield or truimph even . The overall look doesn't really catch your eye compared to the interceptor and the price is too high..but apart from that the bike looks ok

[@mithoosingh]

Great video. Looks great to start with. I hope classic legends learn from their earlier mistakes when they launched the Jawa and get this one right.

[@stevenleek1254]

I'm keenly interested in how far manufactures can take their effort to build believable retro motorcycles. This one is very attractive, but I'm inclined to wait for something that is almost a visual replica of the original, which is to say that the new Goldstar is a bit thick looking. Muted colors and avoidance of polished pieces do not help mechanical parts to stand out distinctly and cause shape and colors to meld into each other. The entire motor should be bright aluminum and excessively finned to ring my bells. Any fitting that is now buried and which was once exposed--oil lines, cables etc., should be RE-exposed. and a more see through look achieved. You remember how to trim an apple tree? You trim it until you can throw your hat through it.

[@amandadavis9348]

Steven,... then buy an original one if that's what you want. They're still out there. Or how about a Triumph T140 Bonneville, Norton Commando, Yamaha XS650? There's still a plethora of genuine classic bikes out there with good spares and support.

[@lucaba419]

I loved your poetic comment.

[@PierredeCur]

Great review of an interesting bike, but, with its price and weight over the Enfield, I'll keep my Duke 690 as my gromono for now... 🙂

[@DrPowerElectronics]

I think the Duke 690 is a real keeper!

[@antonholovnitskyy779]

There are 650 thumpers on used market, Yamaha MT03(the old one) and Husqvarna Vitpilen/Svartpilen 701 come to mind.

[@tryarunm]

"A well-tuned British big single turns over lamp post to lamp post." They used to say. But for this beauty they'll have to say 'fence picket to fence picket.'

[@kevindarkstar]

First off those stickers on the engine need to be engraved! The weight you talked about, but not a mention of the huge great radiator with liquid pipes and pump which will add a few pounds to the said weight, that big dozy looking usb box on the bars, the rather small warning light dial, which some said made seeing the indicator light hard in bright light, its also a fair question to ask if royal enfield can make a 650 air /oil cooled why is BSA using liquid, or is it simply the case that all rotax engines are liquid cooling so there ya go!

[@motorcyclementor1785]

The original Goldstar was a pretty and functional looking bike that flowed- this one just doesn't. It's actually chunky and not very elegant- there's features on it that really annoy me. The major advantage that the enfield has is that it is a clean, elegant looker. Not a difficult decision where I'm concerned.

[@yossidaniel76]

The BSA liquid-cooled , Royal air-cooled . The Royal is a huge advantage.

[@zzyuk814]

But Liquid cool better right??

[@critterIMHO]

I think the gold star will sell well at first, But then people will remember Royal Enfield’s three-year unlimited mileage warranty and free roadside assistance along with a much more developed dealership network, and turn their attention back to the more refined Interceptor.

[@martyn_g]

If BSA didn’t trade on nostalgia, and built a Speed Triple competitor, I’d be interested

[@stephenmurphy5204]

Seen a couple of reviews and am surprised at the comparison with the Enfield. An air cooled twin vs a water cooled single... I think the Bsa should be compared to the Mash 650 range. That would be a good shoot out.

[@Stickmister360]

It’s a good looking bike. Idk if they will be sold in the states but they should. Dealers near me are selling loads of cfmoto’s and they are everywhere. I have one RE dealership in my state and of course they sell a lot of RE’s being the only dealer in the state. These dealers that sell these kinds of bikes were known for selling their premium brands (triumph, bmw, Ducati, ect..). They are now know for selling all the other cheaper alternatives, that won’t break the bank and that are reliable. I really hope they do bring the bsa to the states, I’d think It would do very well. Very very cool bike.

[@g0ral]

Looking at the frame it will be more difficult for scrambler/cafe racer modifications than interceptor. One more thing... The knee bend angle is more agressive on bsa. That might be uncomfortable for tall persons

[@andyjdaviestjk]

Like the look of it but would have to ride the Enfield as well

[@johnkraemer5505]

Sounds and looks very interesting! I agree with you 100 percent! I will need to see, feel, and listen to one of these bikes! Yes, I’m in the market for buying a bike … Like this one, within the next five to six months. Thank you for the video!

[@chrispybaked]

I think the Interceptor is far more beautiful to look at.

[@007sanjae]

Hey Bob . . Hope you deliver this message to the BSA developers that; Single cylinder with two pipes would make the bike work wonders due to engine increased RPMs and mileage, since they would programme & increase fuel injection ratio from it running too lean..

[@78Outlaw]

CCM also has a big thumper and putting out a good chunk of change more, perhaps they should make a super retro to compete 🤔

[@Shinysideup]

But they are over twice the price and only do limited numbers to avoid homologation

[@WyreForestBiker]

No way , they sell to a different market altogether , built in the UK they would have no chance to compete with Indian built mass market stuff. If BSA do start building in the UK I bet the price will rise .

[@AlwaysRunningForward]

Does the BSA have Bosch ABS and slipper clutch like RE?

[@NoWay-xu1ie]

After recently buying the RE INTERCEPTOR as a 2nd bike . For the money it's great. I would have paid more for a upgraded suspension and seat. The seat is on order the front springs is next . Oh well I don't know many people that don't make a few modifications to any bike

[@russellsims2019]

I changed front forks springs to adjustable Ohlins. Made a big difference and not too expensive

[@davidmcnamara8759]

I totally want one ... when will they come to australia

[@sreethampan]

The Legends are back , thanks to " Mahindra" one of leading utility & passenger vehicles manufacturer. Unfortunately their two wheeler division is a disaster plagued by service issues ( please check Jawa customer feed backs in Indian pages) .So gentlemen lets welcome good old BSA Gold Star back (fingers crossed)

[@chrispritchard4676]

As a retro Gold Star, where is the chrome headlight, the clip ons, racing seat etc As for the down pipe it is far too fat. To my small mind the original was a thing of beauty. This new one is just another bike. It will no doubt sell many more numbers to the original, but it needs to be more exciting and a bit “naughty” !

[@bobjohnsmusic]

The BSA and the Enfield are aimed at two different markets, they are not really competitors. The BSA is for people who remember the Goldie of days gone by, and the Enfield is for people who like traditional British parallel twins. The BSA will sell really well once they produce the cafe-racer version. Gold Stars were mostly sold in the "clubman racer" form - in fact, they were responsible for the end of production machine racing, as no other production bike bike could beat the Goldie. This bike does need clip-on bars and rear-set footrests to appeal to the Goldie-loving crowd - then it should appeal to people who fondly remember other sporty singles as well, like the Velocette Venom, for example.

[@skaraborgcraft]

I think they have done a cracking job. Its a pity about the radiator, but i get it, emmissions demand it. It is what it is. Singles are more thermodynamically efficient , it will be good to see some real road data for mpg compared to to interceptor, which itself is hardly a gas hog.

[@racheltaylor6578]

Everyone is complaining that you can’t see the digital display in bright sunlight on the headlight.

[@ReverseWingover]

As age takes it's toll I'm looking to "downsize" from my 20 year old Bandit 12 and still undecided between the RE and the BSA, I had a B50 in a previous life and loved it (When it wasn't trying to break my leg while starting it). Love the looks of the BSA but where did they get the radiator from? A 1970's Ford Transit?? It's an abomination.

[@hugodacosta]

Don't miss the Guzzi V7. If you try it, you'll buy it.

[@gelfyd1]

Beautiful bike. When will they launch a twin???

[@joeln6861]

No comment on the big cinder-block radiator at the front? That really kills to look. I have an interceptor and yes, it has a radiator there, but much smaller and not as easy to see. If this was out when I bought my RE, I would have still gone with the RE.

[@andrewoh1663]

The faux pushrod tunnel is hilarious! Hiding the fact that it’s not their engine.

[@vikasshelke5544]

Honda highness 350 is real RE killer with everything similar to legendary classic 350. It has everything a royal Enfield Bullet should have with real upgrades .

[@markklausen813]

Aside from being round and made of rubber, there's nothing retro-looking about the Pirelli Phantom tires. I'm going to check out possibly installing Dunlop K81s on my 2016 Bonneville T120.

[@PapaDougsAdventures01]

I think the fendors and the exhaust system should be chrome, probably the fork tree as well. The Royal Enfield Classic 350 is more to my liking just wish it had a bigger can.

[@carlinemark5331]

FYI, RE are releasing a Classic 650 very shortly.

[@jaydiggy86]

@@carlinemark5331 classic 650 is my dream bike, but haven’t heard anything about it. I know they are about to release the cruiser 650s. Where’d you get your info?

[@AMDP65]

The BSA is great. The only other 650 retro I know of is the one by Shineray (Mash)

[@misterjones7929]

Though 500 quid more than the excellent Enfield, I suspect bikers will buy the Beezer for the undoubted unique character of that 650 single lump, with the benefit of the proven reliability of the established Rotax design.....

[@eazyrider6122]

The water cooled motor is going to hurt sales on this bike. The Royal Enfield interceptor is a much better bike. The interceptor also has a slipper clutch which is perfect for a bike this size as new learners can be saved by this. I think the slipper clutch is a huge upgrade and should be put on all modern bikes. It prevents the rear wheel locking up if too lower gear is selected for the bikes current speed Ive seen video of this bike on the same track in 2 other reviews and both say clearly the Interceptor is a better bike. MCN did one of the reviews. I think it was a huge marketing mistake.

[@raymaybury5337]

I started off thinking about the new Gold star, but after much deliberation I have decided on a Triumph Bonneville T120. I know its more money, but maybe that's the real competition. There are a few things about the RE I really don't like, so that one was never in the running.

[@ballerblocks]

If I bought this, first thing I will do. Is extend the swing arm and put wider rear tyres on it. Whats with all the boring skinny tyres. Yea I get it dynamics etc. But looks are everything.

[@madkel]

BSA Goldstar is So Cool! Coolest Retro Bike So Far

[@cksajeevkumar]

Beautiful machine. A worthy opponent for the RE Interceptor 👍🏽

[@claudiusvenkataraman2536]

Beautiful bike no doubt, anticipating India launch. Smooth single cylinder engines with sufficient power will definitely impress middle aged riders.

[@garybrown4854]

I think that for some this bike will go nicely next to their interceptor they already have , aimed at the same market really so why not , can't think of a reason .

[@flatbrokefrank6482]

I am looking for something lighter these days and the gold star is a contender but also in the equation might be the W800. stay safe

[@butchgeagan9768]

I prefer the twin. I wish them all the luck. Both of them.

[@kevinnielsen1356]

Moto Guzzi V7III is a great machine from a 100year old company. Still hand made in Italy. A real slayer for sure. Built to last well over 100,000mi

[@zzebowa]

Triumph need to remake the 60s Bonnie, light weight, powerful!

[@ZediMaster]

The BSA goldstar will not kill the enfield interceptor; I think he is a bit narrow sighted in this kill prediction. If anything, this BSA will steal sells from potential triump retro cafe buyers. Anyway, ride safe, god bless u all.

[@verlinswarey507]

He had a question mark after “Enfield Interceptor Killer” in the title! So it wasn’t exactly a prediction! 🙂

[@morri03]

Just click bait for the KZbin’s. The bsa will be a bit player for those who want a single Retro. In the western world that’s not a huge number compared to twins etc..

[@karlosh9286]

shiny ! I'll have to get a test ride sometime , doubt I'd buy one, i prefer having a couple more cylinders . But for those who are into retro singles, it could be really good !

[@markkumanninen6524]

I ride a moded and lightened-up DR650. The bhp is about the same. DR's wet weight is about 320 lbs. Someone should analyze the BSA and enlighten us about why it's so heavy.

[@metalcreedriderszone2179]

Good looking vintage styled bike close to the original one , hope it's more reliable than the Royal Enfield. Looking forward to its launch in India...🤩 ( Impressive review)

[@2Thumbs0402]

Nobody has ridden one on the road because they're not signed off to be road legal yet even though they're supposed to be out in August. The UK distributor started 6/7 months ago and appeared out of no where. This all rings of a Garner Norton tune to me. Also it sounds bloody awful.

[@timsretirementjourney8323]

I personally don't like it. I always liked BSA's and actually learned to ride on a 500 Royal Star my dad owned, but I think they messed up big time bringing this bike back rather then the 650 Lightening. That twin cylinder would have been far better competition against the Interceptor. The issue there however is BSA likely would have priced it so high very few would sell.

[@xmankaran]

I think the same.. Their first bike should be a65 lightning

[@sudiptokumar986]

Royal Enfield' was also a British brand. And it's r and d is located in UK.

[@christophersnyder298]

Seems like much more money for a lesser bike than the RE. At those prices consumers should start to consider the japanese middle weights with better spects or the svartpillin if you want a single cylinder.

[@WyreForestBiker]

Why are people mentioning the Svartpillin ?? I can not imagine two bikes with a more different design ethic , nobody will be choosing between the 2 just because they are both singles !

[@jonnycando]

It may or may not be it’s in own camp….but I see I do have choices….and this one is compelling!

[@shingerz]

If the frame is similar to the goldstar it will handle well my 59 flash handles Brilliant chuck it around no problems

[@Ainsworth-Rider]

3/4 of the way and there’s a BP station on the left with a cash machine 👍

[@johnparry9636]

Great to see the ongoing rebirth of British motorcycles, well eh, well actually Indian. We do have Morgan cars though, so there!

[@johnhelliwell2591]

Rode both . Bought the bsa .

[@nick1bb1]

It would make a cracking scrambler!

[@wylie500]

They need to make it sound better. I love the idea of this bike being a big single and in general I like the way it looks. One thing that bugs me is that radiator. It doesn't look complete. They new to look at Triumph who has, fine a, great job at blending in their radiators.

[@LiftingwithGrandpaCharlie]

A Thumper's a Thumper . A Twin's a Twin. Both are beautiful retros.

[@akashkurian7548]

The quality of design is awesome,,better than RE but i think it can't match the twin cylinder exhaust