BSA Gold Stars and the in Vogue Motorcycle on the Used Market

[@johnbiddal5951]

Bought a new XJ 900 J (shaft drive) in 1992 and passed it on to my son after 27 years. He toured the Yorkshire Dales on it this summer, two up. No major issues, just the usual tyres, pads etc: It had nearly 71,000 miles on the clock when I passed it on to my son. ( Laid it up November-April each year and used a 250 MZ) Regular oil changes and pre ride checks seem to keep it running forever.

[@geraldscott4302]

I bought a new Kawasaki Vulcan 750 in 1993, put 88,000 miles on it, and sold it to buy a new Kawasaki KLR650. That didn't work out. Uncomfortable, seat was too high, and it had flat prone tube type tires. A year later, I traded it for a new 2002 Kawasaki Vulcan 750. I put 118,000 miles on that one, until a broken cam chain destroyed the engine. I then found a really nice used 1997 Kawasaki Vulcan 750 with 12,000 miles on it, for $2200 USD. It looked almost new. I am now up to 39,000 miles on it. I now have over 230,000 miles on three Kawasaki Vulcan 750s, with very few problems. By far the most miles I have ever put on one model of motorcycle.

[@brucegeange7082]

Because bad news travels faster than a bsa

[@bsastarfire250]

Mine got nicked ! They are pretty bullet proof. I didn't really like it , annoying vibe at about 50-60mph and a bit UJM. Perhaps I'm masochistic , I have MZ250, Ural and a BSA Starfire !

[@barryfrancis7421]

What's your point ?

[@KB-uu4fy]

I bought a HD Sportster XLH883 for commuting to London in 2000. I kept it standard, put a screen on it, covered it in S100 protectant every winter, washed it off in spring. I did 110.000 trouble free miles in 10 years. I still ride her occasionally and she still has the original clutch and Harley clutches are paper BTW, at least were then if not now. I do all my own servicing. I would never spend the money they want for Harley’s these days, or many other makes come to that. All my bikes are carbureted, so I can do my own work.

[@Jack_Warner]

Harley Davison, are the two wheeled equivalent, of farmyard machinery.

[@thebimblewizard1242]

Was a midges bawhair away from buying a bsa shadow black. Changed my mind at the last minute and bought a 18 year old bonny 865 carb with 5k on the clock and full service history . Changed the rear shocks and fork springs for hagons I'm such a happy chappy now.

[@tamc1766]

Big Chap ! Mon the Jocks ... I've got a 2007 Scrambler 865 air cooled ! 9000 miles .. bulletproof

[@peterbucklitsch7454]

Probably the large margin on the new bike sale from the manufacturer.

[@alanramsay463]

I did the same ,feel like moaning to that bawbag Fillingham that my Triumph is fab ,low depreciation,fab finish and Uber reliable ,I got rid of a two year old RE interceptor,biggest heavyweight heap of shite I have ever had ,unreliable and poorly finished with dangerous tyres ,poor brakes and a headlamp that's worse than a candle and did I mention sore ass seat ? I warn you all do not buy these shitheaps ,but be sensible and get a secondhand triumph .....

[@tamc1766]

@@alanramsay463 Anno mate .... How can I send you some pictures of ma Bike ? Done a lot of work on it .... Down & out Café Racer custom parts and Suspension upgrades front and rear end !

[@Steve-s8k]

@@alanramsay463 I hope you are right about the Triumphs being reliable. I have had a lifetime of Japanese bikes and all have been ultra reliable but I have just got hold of a Street Triple, so we will see how it goes.

[@jfro5867]

Motorcycle market is brutal. It’s not just BSA. You walk into most dealers and there is little to no used stock. Dealers are going bust all over the place.

[@truantray]

Hard crash after the pandemic price gouging.

[@siraff4461]

Considering the gouging around the pandemic I've got little sympathy for them. I know a lot of people who had a dealer give them a cheeky number because they could at the time and all it means is that dealer will never see that customer again.

[@martythompson6509]

Re BSA, as a former dealer i can tell you why they won't trade them in..... No one wants them. So the only way a dealer will take a slow seller is if it's so cheap it doesn't matter if it's in stock for a year.

[@geraldscott4302]

There is a reason why no one wants them, and it should be obvious.

[@specialcircs]

yeah really it's not much of a mystery is it? If he's selling it with 570 miles on the clock, he thinks it's not good, right?

[@rkr6237]

⁠@@geraldscott4302 too much of an unknown quantity?

[@jamesdspaderf2883]

🤣 ... kind of a blinding flash of the obvious, when you put it that way. Anytime there's a 'puzzle' follow the money line. That usually answers the question.

[@orange42]

As Stuart Fillingham has said, it probably had finance on it giving negative equity, buying second hand low price Zaki, depreciation + 1000 pound price drop. But also might of been dealers with non-compete clauses unable to take.

[@andyhewitt7588]

“Every time I start it, it puts a smile on my face”. Never mind the tech, the performance, the looks and every thing else. This is the best reason for owning a bike 😀😀😀

[@rogerwredford]

Absolutely, be it a 250, a 750 or a 1200, Japanese, Italian, British or even Indian

[@splodge57]

I'd rather have a reliable bike that also puts a smile on my face.

[@tokairic3925]

IF my Harley Sportster starts it puts a smile on my face......... When you look at used bike prices and sales, you've got to realise that you can finance a dealer bike but you've got to have the cash for a used private sale. Not many folk have cash for a bike between 8 and 10 grand.

[@lespritmanouche]

I've owned my Guzzi Californian from new in 1976 - she's still going strong and still puts a smile on my face within seconds of getting on her.

[@carlnapp4412]

The same goes for my '79 Kawasaki Z1R and my '72 Bonneville. Cheers!

[@two20john]

I'm guessing you're just glad to be alive if the bike is that old. I'd hate to get to the end and think "Gee, I've missed out on 50 years of motorbike advancements"

[@fernandoprpinheiro]

I guess I bought a Guzzi made on wednesday, nobody built it while hangover or craving for the weekend 😅 I must say that I do all the maintenance on the bike by myself and I take good care of her. Not even a tiny sign of corrosion anywhere, it just runs and looks as it was new... Easiest bike to work on btw! But then again, I also had an Alfa Romeo and sold it after 16 years and around 300k km without any big issues 😅

[@moog247]

I nearly bought a Goldstar but got a dull but worthy Honda CL500 instead which is very well finished and I know is absolutely not going to let me down.

[@JC-he7yk]

I just wished ths cl500 looked a bit more retro. It's in a no man's land.

[@exeterrider]

The CL500 is a better bet...brilliant bike, great fun too

[@mattdog1982]

I hired one of those in Gran Canaria. Brilliant bike

[@mattdog1982]

If they made the cl with similar weight and the same engine as the cbr300, I’d buy it tomorrow

[@exeterrider]

@@mattdog1982 it's not far off to ride though. It feels the same weight to me pretty much

[@petefletcher5380]

Completely agree about the Yamaha XJ900S Diversion, one of the best bikes I have ever owned. Good fuel range , easy to maintain, cheap to run and easy to clean after a week of commuting in wet winter weather. Downside, if you want to call it that, is a slight engine vibration around 65-70 mph rev range in top; intrusive only because it is so smooth elsewhere. If you want to transform the handling then use 15 grade front fork oil and drop them 3/4 mm in the yokes.

[@Lee-70ish]

Basic BSA problem IHMO is its aimed at the classic older retro rider But old school buyers dont want a water cooled shim and bucket engine with a whacking great rad . Thats not condusive to home servicing and looks totally wrong. If it had been an air/oil cooled single . It would have given the 650 Enfields a run for its money.

[@markjones_007]

Well a lot obviously do

[@kelvinjolley6264]

Definitely yes to it being air oil cooled,I have a 2005 Kawasaki w650 just air cooled brilliant,no radiator no antifreeze problems.

[@SamWaide-t6r]

Some do and I'm one of the older riders riding motorcycles from 1970 90cc to 1400cc touching 70 soon have a few bikes 96 bmw r850r 1970 yamaha yas1 which I restored yamaha rayzr 125 for when I'm feeling my age and a n early 23 goldstar ladt bsa I owned was a three month old A65L back in 72 so I have no trouble with the bsa radiator water cooling up to now it's been trouble free as for servicing TEC have a video on showing servicing including valve adjustment no problem for the average riders I no mist riders my age came from a time when you done all your own maintenance it has no more problems than the new Indian made triumph 400 and yet it doesn't make the news

[@ianyoung2839]

Y😮​@@SamWaide-t6r

[@michaelcallan4121]

Fully agree - RE 350 classic and Bullet selling well - they are air cooled and transport you back in time, new BSA should not have gone water cooled it simply doesn't work. If necessary to pass euro 5 then they should have produced an air cooled 350cc Gold Star instead of a 650. New Triumphs are also 270° degree cranks plus water cooled so also not proper retro machines.

[@leehenty3777]

The other underrated bike is the TDM900, ceramic lined bores it lasts well over 100k. I’ve has mine 22 years now, other than servicing it’s needed nothing. New is not always improved

[@mickcresswell1031]

Voge 300 - comes with hand guards, engine guards as standard. The seat height may sound daunting, but the suspension sags quite a lot, to make it reasonable.

[@maxflight777]

My friend loves his ! I’m a 701 owner .. I rode his and liked it too ! sounds good, comfortable, nice gearbox. Easy to ride

[@raybell7696]

Can't PX because they aren't reliable and waiting for parts is a nightmare apparently. Look lovely but buyers have no faith in the brand..

[@tuesdayatdobbs]

Interesting

[@Paulie44]

Stuart Fillingham seems to rave about the BSA though? I wonder how much they pay him? 🤔

[@cliveadams7629]

​@@Paulie44 Has he got one? Maybe he's just trying to sell it if he has. Or perhaps it's because he's an idiot.

[@ColinCarFan]

@@Paulie44 Not everyone is on the take. Try to think positively, it will get you further in life and you'll be happier.

[@Paulie44]

@@ColinCarFan I do, hence the reason I haven’t rushed out to buy a BSA based on Stuart Fillingham’s suggestion

[@cliveadams7629]

Ask yourself the question, why don't you want your BSA Goldstar? Maybe that will give you a clue as to why no one else does.

[@kass9722]

finally...someone gets it🎉

[@carlnapp4412]

Well put, congrats!

[@kerryburns-k8i]

Because it isn't a BSA and it isn't a Gold Star.

[@markiesmith4537]

@@kerryburns-k8i They knew those things when they bought it... more likely that they are slow and disappointing to ride - especially if the buyer previously owned a twin, triple or multi.

[@maxflight777]

Clive 🎯🎯🎯

[@danielwebster1651]

Have had 2 diversion 900 s. Both did over 100,000 miles without issues . Sold each one after using them to commute 100 miles a day to work in all weathers

[@volt8684]

Nono sense original Japanese reliability and robustness

[@daviddavis7710]

Freddie I retired to rural France in 2015. At 76 my three cylinder Triumph is starting to get a bit heavy so I'm thinking of buying either a Royal Enfield or a BSA Gold Star. I found out that there are over 80 Royal Enfield dealers in France but only one BSA dealer in the centre of Paris. It's a no-brainer isn't it...

[@johnfitchie9892]

I love Guzzis currently a V85tt, would I recommend buying one err probably not, Guzzi ownership is not for the fainthearted you never know if your getting one of the Friday afternoon specials or not, but when they are good they are very good.....

[@apacherider7110]

The guy selling the BSA with 600 miles. I think he's answered his own question of why he can't get rid of it.🤔

[@ianhalliwell8604]

@@apacherider7110 I can't get rid of it because no one wants it, as yet but you never know I live in hope.

[@Lar308]

@@ianhalliwell8604 I''ll give you a bag of crisps and a chocolate bar of your choice for it?

[@williamrae9954]

​@@Lar308Ahh,here's the pen is who texts me at 2am while stoned

[@albundy643]

Freddie, there is a japanese bike that has lots of character, its the Kawasaki w800, that was apparently based on a British bike ( BSA ). Unfortunately you will never satisfy everbody, some will say to vibey, some will say to expensive or not enough horse power. The bike has enough power for most riders, and because of low sales, the later models can be bought for huge discounts if you are lucky enough to find one pre registered.

[@jimstenlund6017]

Based on the old Kawasaki from like 55 years ago.

[@dave8204]

@@jimstenlund6017 Based on a Meguro ,which was a BSA copy.

[@jimstenlund6017]

@@dave8204 Not a copy, they made considerable improvements and changes.

[@jamesdspaderf2883]

Freddie, about the BSA, check Moto Tingle's video "BSA Gold Star 650 - How much did the previous owner lose in 12 months?" That will answer all your questions.

[@martinl1422]

U R right, I saw this clip and agrese 💯

[@roadstrom]

I bought a XJ 900 Diversion brand new in 1999 and put 173000 kilometers on it all over Australia

[@Tpr41]

Another Aussie here. I had a XJ900 Diversion for 10 years and loved every minute with it.

[@frankcourtney6413]

70,000 Australian Km on my Divvi and it's here for good. I wasn't a fan of the soft front end, so Progressive springs and cartridge valves went into the forks along with braided lines and blue spots off a 2001 R1. Great commuter bike and very suited to touring.

[@steven_scattergood]

I had an XJR1200 here in Melbourne for many years and it was magnificent and was one of the best bikes l had. I also loved the VMax. Great bike the XJ900. 🇦🇺👍

[@roadstrom]

@@steven_scattergood my cousin had a VMAX, it's seems a lifetime ago I had the XJ

[@steven_scattergood]

@@roadstrom Did seem a lifetime ago but I have to say the bikes were so different and not space age rocket ships that required weekly chiropractic sessions. Also Yamaha had great shaft drive bikes. Sadly the bike shops are gone from Elizabeth Street in Melbourne. What a great place it was.👍

[@cowmath77]

Motorcyclists, especially new ones, notoriously praise every single new bike with reliability and performance in the honeymoon period. “I’ve had my new Kawi for 7 days and I’m over the moon! Such good reliability! It’s perfect!” No shot! Put 10,000 miles on 4 different bikes and get back to me. The opinion that “I love this bike and it’s good,” means absolutely nothing without experience and mileage. Thats why I do really enjoy good motorcycle journalism channels like this one.

[@EbenBransome]

Back in the days of paper magazines and the British Motorcycle Industry, nothing British was ever bad for fear of losing advertising. Then the Japanese and Italians started to advertise and guess what. Nothing whose maker could afford advertising was bad. Then Bike came along and started telling uncomfortable truths. But, many years ago, a senior quality bod at Ford gave me some advice which I have followed ever since. Never, ever buy anything in its first model year or, if it's low volume, the first two years. And never buy new but 6 to 18 months old. When the initial defects have been fixed and infant mortality hasn't happened.

[@warrenr4]

Spot on !! I piss my pants when a KZbinr praises a new Chinese bike and the comments include ‘fantastic ! I’m putting one on order’ 🤣🤣

[@motolab.EuropeanMotorcycles]

@@warrenr4well spoken! Same with “honest” and “in depth” reviews….

[@fullthrottle2008]

@@EbenBransomethe infant mortality got me, so true!!! 😂

[@johnharvey5338]

I bought a Voge 300 a year ago, I’m 5’10” and as the seat is so narrow and the bike so light, I have done about 3000 miles in a year, about 70% off road and on green lanes, height has not need an issue once I got used to it, remember the Voge Gomes with crash bars, a rack and hand guards, which are all extras on the Honda, get Voge to lend you one and go green laning on it

[@DanTube2010]

The seat height can be misleading because of course the bike will squat down lower with a rider on it.

[@dbharrold]

I am the bloke with the Moto Guzzi. I am not ignorant about bikes. I’ve been riding and maintaining them for 46 years. I may well have had a lemon I didn’t say they were all bad but mine was full of niggling faults

[@Downsh1ft]

People are just ignorant. They only take their own experience into account, then form a strong unshakeable opinion. Never considering that maybe not all Moto Guzzi examples are reliable and get offended if someone has had a different experience. and that pretty much sums up every internet conversation.

[@darylclifford]

Once an owner loses faith in their bike the best remedy is to replace it !!

[@nickyfield137]

The decision is best left to the man in the arena. Whatever and however you're riding, enjoy !

[@foggyrf9]

My V7 has not been faultless but I've never been stranded. 12000 miles a year since new, currently on 49000. Sorry your experience was negative.

[@baronvonchickenpants6564]

I had a V50 it had more than just niggling faults😅

[@alanflint7732]

When i finally passed my DA test in 2015, (mod 2 test in 2012 cancelled after breaking my wrist on the morning) I went to the dealership to try a few bikes. Settled on a mt07. I loved the solidity and feel of the bike. I was in the process of buying a house in Corfu. Come January 2016, I was told that i had to visit Corfu to sign the paperwork. Theres no direct flights to Corfu from the UK in winter. So with 6 months riding the mt07, i decided to bike to Greece in January. Brilliant ride. Bike was faultless. Switzerland was brass monkeys cold. I kept the bike for several months after getting back to the uk. But i decided to sell it, rather than transport it to Greece when i moved. I wish i had made the effort to take it with me. I remember the dealership looked at the tyres, then at the odometer and questioned the mileage. Hardly any wear after over 5000 miles. But im not a knees down type of rider. Id have another mt any day. So reliable.

[@leeoflincoln7062]

Hi Freddie, Your comments on Moto Guzzi are providing a very positive service for us neutral owners. You are highlighting that a good one in good condition is a gem which breeds enormous brand loyalty, but there is a real risk of picking up a hugely expensive clunker - even if you buy new. This is incredibly valuable information for those of us who need to look after our cash… do we take the risk or not? I applaud you for your bravery in highlighting this.

[@peterberesford-l3s]

Would be good to have more follow up on the Gold Star story thanks for raising it Freddie look forward to next episode. Safe riding

[@karlosh9286]

back in 2018 I bought my learner 125 . A honda CB125R . At the time they were about £3900 new . 8 months later, I'd passed my test , wanting to get rid of it , well I got £2200 from the dealer. Bikes depreciate a lot in the first year.

[@itsallabouttheridekeepingi4449]

I love my V85tt Moto Guzzi , it’s been a fantastic bike , have done 22,000km , with only one small issue that required a remap around 1500km. I had a Yamaha XJ900 Division a 2001 model , was a great bike ( definitely not fast ) BUT a comfortable tourer with a trouble free shaft drive .

[@adamlanglois563]

New stuff is nice and all, but old proven models are what I like. My goldwing has 300k kilometers and a full service history. Tires, pads, fluids and filters are all she's needed in 300k. Its been put to bed and woken up over 25 Canadian winters and the carbs have never had to come apart. That is quality.

[@tweetchris46]

Harley Davidson Forty-Eight: your commenter isn’t wrong, I have four bikes….the Harley is the one I want to ride first, it has soul. There’s something very special about them.

[@johnnythefox9830]

I owned a z1000 mk2 with rear sets and a harris exhaust. That bike had character 😂

[@MotoTingle]

I have a BSA Gold Star 650 and picked it up for £2,200 2023 with 800 miles on the clock. It lasted 2.5 days before major electrical failure due to loom stretch, took me five weeks to get it into a BSA dealer. I have been documenting my ownership experience and it’s the worst I’ve ever had. Freddy, I’ve bought £750 motorcycles and had lots of miles of fun. When I contacted Lukas Distribution (the UK distributor) they offered… to update the ownership details on their system. No other help or support was offered. My feelings are there’s good Gold Stars and bad Gold Stars, but even BSA can not trace which shift at their Jawa factory made the bikes, so they can’t trace back which shift crew is building them badly. I’ve heard later this year they are implementing a barcode system for parts. But I can’t see this helping the Quality Control

[@Sankara561]

Sheesh was going to say how can it be a bad deal for £2200, but yeah sounds like it's total junk

[@johnwood4448]

@googlecontrolled Honda and Suzuki warranties are both transferable.

[@johnflavin1602]

That seems like totally unacceptable quality control compared to the Japanese Big Four.

[@philhawley1219]

@googlecontrolled The warranty should be ignored. Tell BSA all about the 1979 Sale of Goods and Services Act. It is a consumer product and should be made up to a reasonable standard to give a number of years of reliable service within reason. Yours is obviously a lemon, if BSA don't sort it out for you report them to your local Trading Standards officer at your council offices.

[@raybell7696]

@@MotoTingle The damage may be done to the brand,I would love one of these as a 2nd bike but unfortunately that's never going to happen now..

[@kiwibikerpaul141]

I recently sold my 2022 BMW R1250GS in mint condition privately here in New Zealand for health reasons. I plan to buy a smaller bike. No dealer would trade my bike, at any price, and dealers are going bust here as well. My bike was still under warranty, so no risk to the dealer other than resale risk.

[@jesterm7597]

If they won’t take the best selling big bike (in Europe anyway) in p/x then what would they take!! If you were looking for cash on top then maybe that’s the reason. Cash is tight all over unfortunately 😢

[@biker_dale]

I'm glad I didn't upgrade my 750 Guzzi to the 850 😂 I have adapted mine quite a bit and removed a lot of unwanted pipes and sensors to do with clean air, to cut down on things that can go wrong. Still love it to bits. Guess mine was a Tuesday bike 😆😆

[@fredatlas4396]

How does it pass the mot emmisions test

[@biker_dale]

what emissions test, I've never had a bike tested for emissions

[@davydavidson2421]

Freddie another motorcycle dealership has went into Admin, Saltire Edinburgh you once went there to pick up an Enfield for your trip in Scotland, so many going under just now it's a worry.

[@davebarclay4429]

A new Scottish RE franchise has just opened at Revolutions in Perth. They are primarily car dealers (Morgan of all makes!) although they also have Norton and CCM franchises. It makes me wonder if hybrid car/bike dealers might be the way forward.

[@iggyzorro2406]

Freddie - regarding bike depreciation (or lack thereof) remember the number 13. I began riding in 1987 - a new leftover 1984 Yamaha Riva 180 scooter. I paid $1,300 american. 13 years later in 2000 I decided to go for a motorcycle and got a new Suzuki GZ250. I traded in the Riva scooter for $1300. So I got the use and pleasure of the scooter for 13 years and it cost me $50.- not bad depreciation at all.

[@beebeer]

I have an FJR1300 which I bought as ex demo in 2006. I'm always looking at replacing it but as I'm 74 and they are asking silly prices for new bikes, I can't see the point! I've never had an issue with bike and have been as far as Armenia on it.

[@daweshorizon]

I run a Royal Enfield Himalayan 411 as my daily runner. (I don't own a car.) It cost me £3k with six thousand miles on the clock. Eveything works. I mess about at the weekend on my Royal Enfield Interceptor 650, in gorgeous Orange Crush. It cost me £4k with three thousand miles on the clock. Everything works. Seven grand for two awesome bikes that have character, work well and are easy and cheap to maintain. As they say, 'what's not to like?' Love and peace.

[@stevec-b6214]

had my himmy for 2 years now, still enjoy every ride. total reliability, cheap to run and great on crap roads, which are everywhere in my area

[@lipsee100]

Agree,,I,v had my Himi 6yrs got 42000 on the clock,,been around Europe this year,,,, Starts (mostly) stops (just) ,,I never clean ,I hardly service just change the oil+filter and I just love it ,,in fact where I meet my mates lots of bikers go,,, Mine is allways getting looks (maybe laughs),, its been great value.... I do fancy a 650 single ,,, its either a Mash 650 or a BSA,,, but in no rush

[@chrislaunders8283]

BSA Gold Stars are available for under £5k new now.

[@ianhalliwell8604]

Exactly and I was daft enough to pay £6800 + £300 otr that's why second hand prices are so low. THANKS A LOT BSA.

[@splodge57]

£1500 off new Royal Enfield Interceptors. Bargains but I still wouldn't buy one. 😊

[@NXAussie500]

Freddie, same here in Australia, very hard to get a sale for any decent price.. any brand..

[@Jack_Warner]

I had a similar problem back in 2007. No dealer would take my Honda Hornet 900. I purchased it new in 2006, it was less than a year old. I'll explain why I wanted shot of it. It was always kept in a garage. I rarely took it out in the rain, but one day, I noticed a lot of rust forming. Forks, frame, basically, anywhere that would rust, was showing signs, and it was barely 8 months old. I cleaned it up, and sold it. I should have taken it back to the Honda dealer, I bought it from, but my experience with any motor dealer, is that once they've sold you the bike / car, they don't want to know.

[@nicholasvaughan7080]

I loved looking at the newly opened Harley dealers and after a mishap I did my direct access in 2013 took s test ride and bought a brand new Sportster as my first bike. The salesman gave such a great pitch that I made the mistake of taking finance instead of buying outright, although I really love this Road Kings comfort and versatility. I tried one out before making the payment but they had increased the RK’s price by £3k to £20k by then. The dealer offered me £2k for trade in on my bike which was mint with full SH, £6-7k all day long. It’s my first bike, a Harley and the only money I’ve lost on it was riding it out the showroom so I’ll keep that forever anyway.

[@douglasharre7156]

Your summary comment at @9:35 sums up why Japanese cars/bikes/things have (traditionally) worked reliably over the past 50 years. The Japanese economy post-war and consumers have a lot to thank W. Edwards Deming for. Quality is a 24x7 attitude.

[@doughoffman9463]

Spot on. I wonder how many know who Deming is and why the Japanese industry revered his ideas.

[@aeroearth]

The Japanese culture is strong on honour. It is dishonourable to sell your Customer something that continually goes wrong. Japan has become wealthy by making and selling the best products in the World, as have the UK, the USA and Germany. Though the latter three are and have now failed.

[@doughoffman9463]

@@aeroearth You are right. But there is no 'magic' involved in achieving this quality. Deming, an American, showed how simply applying rigorous quality control methods involving statistics and empowering every employee to that end achieves it. He wasn't listened to by the US companies but the Japanese saw the wisdom of Deming's ways and gladly adopted his techniques. Today, any manufacturer on the planet that is not using Deming's ideas will not be able to compete. When asked if a 99% quality success rate was acceptable, the Japanese manufacturer will respond: "To which one customer out of every 100 should we deliver a defective product?".

[@aeroearth]

@@doughoffman9463 Doug, I was instrumental in starting off a JIT program at one Company and also undertook training in JIT manufacturing at another two, both of which became very successful with massive reductions in work in progress and a quantum leap in product quality, until destroyed by ignorant "management" Dr. Deming is one of my heroes and I liked his saying "In God we trust, for the rest we must have data" - Jon, Chief Design and Development Engineer, Manufacturing Director, retired.

[@johnhawden4118]

I really enjoy these videos (that ages me :-) ). Air cooled every time for me, A bike to me has got to look cool, be reliable and put a smile on my face even if its standing still in the shed. Over the years Ive toured Europe loads of times, done many major rallies and, until retirement, my bike was the sole means of transport for 25 years. In my garage, these are the keepers. BMW Adventure 2002, Victory Kingpin Tour 2008, 1959 Panther, 1971 T120v Bonneville (ridden every day still.and a Norton I500 race on the beach at Bridlngton. All air cooled, all reliable and all make me LOL when riding. Have a good un Freddie. That BSA ...bloody awful.

[@volt8684]

I remember many many years ago a friend bought a newish xj900 and at the time I had an fj1200. I had a go on it thinking it would be vastly inferior. I twisted the throttle on a quiet road and it easily saw 135mph. I remember the handling wasn’t great but it’s a touring bike. All Yamaha mills are brilliant including their outboards. Comparing a bonny to and xj it would be the xj for me every time

[@trevortrevortsr2]

A fake BSA made god knows where with plastic, foot leavers that look like they belong on a tractor and a radiator slapped on is never going to be a classic - at least a Meteor is a honest retro

[@cams2575]

They are both made in India you eejit 😂😂😂😂

[@johnhelliwell2591]

Plastic foot levers ? Check em out there not Plastic ... they are metal oh plastic one .. 😂

[@markiesmith4537]

The BSA Gold Star selling problem reminds me of the RE Continental GT500 problem some 10 years ago, People bought them because they liked the Cafe Racer styling (which was very fashionable at the time) as well as the "historic" name and it looked very good with deep gleaming paintwork.... Then they rode them and found they were slow, wheezy , ran out of puff quickly, vibrated like a tractor and were super uncomfortable...Result? Ebay was full of RE Continental GT500s with a few hundred miles on the clock - and dealers wouldn't touch them. So with the BSA it isn't "Because it isn't a BSA and it isn't a Gold Star"....They knew both those things when they signed the cheque it's more likely that they are slow and disappointing to ride - especially if the buyer previously owned a twin, triple or multi.

[@Dave-zz9fk]

Freddie, I think one of the reasons why owners may be asking such high prices for their Harleys is because there is a good chance they have spent thousands on accessories / upgrades and are trying to get some of that money back. It is very rare to see a 'stock' Harley for sale. Whilst one of the great things about Harley is the staggering range of after market and Harley accessories you can buy, an issue is many owners feel they need to spend money to make their bikes what they want them to be. My own experience of this was when I bought a new Harley Fat Bob (previous generation). I fell in love with the bike and bought it new, but after a short time, I realised the rear suspension was pants (I'm a taller, heavier guy), so added the upgraded Harley suspension front and rear - this made for a massive improvement. Then I realised the seating position was a bit cramped - so bought the big / tall seat from Harley - brings you up and back a couple of inches (again, brilliant seat made a huge difference). Then, it's a Harley, so of course I had to purchase an after market exhaust. This then allowed me to fit foot boards. Then I added the panniers and LED headlight as I wanted to use it for touring. Of course doing all of this was my own decision - and when I traded it in, (on an Indian Chief Vintage) I did not get any money back that I had spent. I would advise people to just be cautious when accessorising and not to expect to get a return on that investment. Or buy and Indian instead of Harley - sacrilege I know. But I found Indian offers bikes from the factory that do not need the accessories that Harley's often do to make them more useable (also, Indian build quality and quality in general is better).

[@barryneul8954]

You hit the nail on the head, its a marketing exercise for those rhat dont understand bikes, zbuy a b basic bike for too much money, then spend the rest of your lifeaking the shareholders happy trying to make it what youbwanted in the first place.

[@barryneul8954]

Sorry, finger trouble and cant edit.

[@JordyPressman]

My dads brand new Goldstar blew up on him after the first service, head gasket blew on our trip down to New Forest...

[@daigriffiths399]

So the dealer didn't do a proper service; part of the first service should have been checking the torque of the cylinder head bolts as well as all the other bolts on the bike. You did take the dealer to the cleaners?

[@teddd10]

I'm often at Millennium...it's a dealership with high price tags...never bought a bike from there BUT the cafe upstairs does some great grub though 😋

[@kevindarkstar]

20:55 it shakes, yeah and things drop off 😂 I know a guy who bought one and he only had it a few months and it lost an exhaust stud, dropped the number plate and snapped the exhaust bracket, he had enough of checking it every time he rode it, so he swapped it for something more reliable 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@mechanicalpictures2945]

Stuart Fillingham explains the BSA story very well, and it ain't doom and gloom just a bit of honest free market economics.

[@Allan-b1p]

Hi Freddie Although not affected myself any advice for the guys who have been affected by the sudden closure/administration of Completely Motorcycles,Thunder Road etc. Not only the guys who have paid in full or deposts for bikes they are not going to see, but the guys who had bikes in for service etc that cant get access to them because everything is locked and shut.😢

[@DuffersMcDuff]

Hi Freddy, I have ridden the Voge and the seat height isn't an issue. Like the CRF 300 the sag is huge and the seat very narrow. I have a 30inch inseam and am comfortable on the Voge and the CRF. Seat height isn't the whole story. Seat width and sag play a massive part in how it feels. I rode the Voge off-road at the ABR Festival and I did an adventure day on Exmoor on the CRF 300 with Dave Thorpe Honda... A full day of off-road training. It was brilliant fun.. I am 54 and wasn't the oldest their by far!! BTW I could get both feet down! Enjoy your content. Thanks for your work.,

[@davidholden2658]

BSA are currently selling them new for £4,999+OTR costs. Which is about £1500 off the list price so they're obviously not popular and not selling.

[@sergentcolon1]

Freddie the Vogue 300 is like the Honda CRF300 Rally, it has very soft suspension and when you sit on the bike it compresses 2-3 inches so you don’t need to be 6’ 4”. I owned a CRF250l and I’m 5’ 8” with a 29” inside leg and I was able to ride it very easily. The sub 150kg weight also helps. I had to laugh when you made the comment about the Yamaha Diversion being borderline ridiculously heavy at 239kg after you have just ridden the 300kg Indian and previously the gargantuan BMW R18 at 345kg. Both may be low seat heights but try manhandling them around on a slope or gravel drive and you’ll realise how ridiculously heavy they actually are.

[@GarryShirreffs-cs2gb]

Triumph dealer told me they don’t take RE in part exchange, i wanted to trade my 350 classic I was gutted lovely T100 that I wanted stayed in the show room, went and got a RE interceptor love it 🎉❤

[@chriskay116]

Bought my Goldstar in August. I've ridden 2400 miles and absolutely love it.

[@geraldscott4302]

And just what do you have to compare it to?

[@chriskay116]

It compares very favourably to all the brands I have owned and ridden over the last 40 years: Honda, BMW, Yamaha, Suzuki, Guzzi, Triumph, Ducati and Royal Enfield. It is also technically equal to all the other modern machines in my garage at the moment. I also find it to be one of the most "enjoyable" bikes to ride available today, unhampered by intrusive Tech. If the Gold Star had been released by any of the mainstream brands I think it may have been received and rated differently by sceptics.

[@Suzuki_Ste]

I went to a main dealer and when i saw the bike was shocked to see it being stored outside in the wet no covers and not even under a canopy whats going on, no wonder shops are closing down. 9:48

[@mully89]

You can buy a good Goldstar for low 4k now, new price c. 5-6k. The new price now is cheaper than when new model to market. The market is saturated with them.Maybe there is no problem but if the market value is low and supply is good then dealers may also struggle to make a quick profit. I'll take a chance on a used one when I have more space and money. In comparison I have a honda 2018 NC750X 1 owner FMDSH and the best part ex I can get is 1-2k - a great bike so kept and enjoying it.

[@robertmulhall1634]

Good old Divi 900,the best bike I've owned.susprising amount of grunt,ex comfort.if someone wants a cheap long haul tool ,this is the one.

[@triumphthunderbird1]

Latest incarnation of BSA have a long way to go to get to the standard of say Triumph. Royal Enfield quality has improved significantly in recent years so hopefully BSA will get there too. Same goes for Norton, time will tell. Never owned a Guzzi, too small for me. Done the factory tour, which is great!

[@Drzee1968]

A youtuber with a BSA suggests there have been a lot of issues with the BSA, wiring loom and quality and he points to this as the reason these bikes are not selling.

[@tommycooker3996]

Be specific. Which youtuber and which video/evidence is being shown?

[@dave8204]

That first used Diversion you showed was a 600....listed by the seller as a 650!! No less than 3 very good looking 900 Diversions for sale local to me, shows how well they were made that there are still so many nice bikes of that age still around. 600 was a very nice bike and the best-selling bike in Europe for many years until Suzuki brought out the Bandit.

[@breakersteve]

On the BSA topic, I think the answer may be in the bikes for sale? None of the owners seem to have owned the bikes for long before trading them? … Why?…

[@Richard-pe4cx]

seen more BSA 's at the dealers than on the road ,i have a BSA an A10 road rocket !

[@ianhalliwell8604]

I had a BSA Road Rocket back in the eighties and that's why I went for the GoldStar. Apart from a few niggles I've had nothing wrong with mine, it's BSAs attitude in discounting it massively making second hand values drop like a stone. That's what narks me

[@splodge57]

Why would you want to sell a bike just because its been discounted? If you like the bike enjoy and ride it.😊

[@-old-school-motorcyclesltd]

Love my BSA Gold Star 2023 no issues Christ Freddie’s got the BSA haters on here!!!!’it’s obvious the headline going to inspire all the negative comments😊 It doesn’t bother me I just laugh. The Radiator what a load of tosh they’re taking absolute b…..ks It has to be fitted and is soon forgotten about ! If you want a classic buy one! These are all retro bikes not classics made to look classic but never will be😊 Just enjoy the bikes for what they are ffs 😎😎 Ps I have original classic BSA’s and they make me smile aswell as the new one 😊 Enjoy

[@christoffbrand9134]

My guzzi experience: I rented a 2023 V7 850 guzzi in teneriffe (30 tmls) this week and you can have a lot of fun because it has torque and vibration which you cannot find in any modern motorcycle. But i was also shocked because when you pull on the gas, you think you destroy the engine and sometimes weak parts have to be tightend up sometimes because of all the vibration :-). But if you like 70ies and 80ies hardcore bike feeling and you can tighten mirrors etc :GO 4 it !! :-) Best regards chris p.s. At home, for inner city tours ,i have a good looking interceptor which i maybe swap for a V7 but i also want to buy for touring a cb500x in 2025 because the clutch is so easy and the reliability is very good..

[@horatio8764]

We bought three Royal Enfield motorcycles in one hit here in Australia, worst experience I've ever had . Never supplied everything we paid for in the deal , warranty issues were fixed by myself as they wouldn't even contact me back. Eventually sold them all. Bike , manufacturer at fault? Dealer? I'd say mainly the dealer , just don't care once they have sold the bike . Which then gives the bike brand a bad name. Also I knew a guy who sold his Guzzi in disgust as it had a slight oil leak out of warranty($8 in parts and $80 labour) , now hates Guzzis , 43,000 klms . He bought another BMW which has had a myriad of problems some big but mostly small , but he loves his BMW why? Because the dealer fixed them promptly! A lesson for all I believe

[@darylclifford]

Can i ask which Guzzi (and BMW) dealer. I’ve been considering going down the BMW path. I’ve had a 996cc Ducati Sports Tourer since new - had one problem which i had to get threatening (with Frasers) to get warranty !!

[@robvanduren761]

I had a LDV van and i agree that the dealer is your main experience. Bad dealers end up wrecking the brand in the whole country.

[@splodge57]

Lesson here is don't buy a BMW. Too many problems, too much time spent at the dealers.😂

[@horatio8764]

@@splodge57 That is why they have nice coffee machines

[@mrcintheuk4641]

Yes, it always amazes me that if it breaks in warranty and is fixed for free then owners think the bike is reliable. 🤯

[@steve00alt70]

What a suprise I was learning German, listened to interviews podcasts in German before this and then you mentioned Germany.

[@paulalibone3476]

Perceived as a cheap bike, not helped by current discounts. Why would dealers want to buy bikes that are damaging 2nd hand bike values in general? I rode one and preferred it to the interceptor.... What's stopped me buying? Second hand prices and a shed load of issues. I'll see how they develop for the 25 model.

[@beastieboy3926]

I had a Guzzi Le Mans 1000. Had it for 3yrs, thrashed it rode it to Spain and back, then to France and Germany and I O M . No problems. Maybe quality was better back then.

[@MV-XD2]

Freddie any comments on the dealers closing down? Completely Motorbikes (apparently 21 stores across the UK), P&H sold to Superbike Factory, Saltire, SMC, Streetbike, Harley Manchester and Chester and Lind Harley Reading and Watford, JW Groombridge, Bahnstormer BMW Maidenhead and BMW Cardiff just over the last few months. I gather that forecourt debt for big dealers is around £1-1.5M and servicing that debt with poorer sales this year must be starting to bite. Or is it just a natural levelling because there were too many bike shops to support the market?

[@andym5588]

There are either too many motorcycle dealers or too few riders. The reality is that fewer people ride a bike in this country. Those that do, do so for pleasure, not getting to work. Too many of us are now browsing the mobility scooter brochures as the last stop before choosing the veneer on our coffin :(

[@charley998]

@@andym5588l

[@sergentcolon1]

Bike sales haven’t been good this past year, a poor riding season weather wise on top of fewer people having money to spend and an increasingly older average rider age don’t help. As older riders give up riding there aren’t enough younger ones coming through to replace them. Due in part to the difficulty in obtaining a motorcycle licence compared to a car licence, the cost of insurance for younger riders and the fact that an increasing proportion of younger people are choosing not to own a motor vehicle of any kind. The increase in the price of new bikes is outstripping pay increases making them more expensive in real terms and the prices dealers are asking for secondhand bikes. I’ve seen 3-4 year old bikes at only £500-£1000 less than the price of a new one that comes with a warranty, lower rate finance and 3 years before an mot is due.

[@lipsee100]

@@sergentcolon1 I have no concern for dealers,,, if I want a bike I make dam sure I know what I,m getting ,and I intend to keep the said bike for aslong as possible or until I,v got my money worth.. I have 3 bikes ,a BM 1200Rt 2005 ,Goldwing 1975,,and my RE Himalayan 2018.. I always save and maybe pay cash or save and do HP... You have to think beyond just buying a bike... Bikes are not an investment,,, never ever expect to get your money back,cos its not goig to happen

[@timdobby5365]

Can’t go too far wrong with any vintage of Suzuki V-Strom 650 or 1037cc, still available new if you want but bullet proof 90’s technology for big miles

[@alanhill2886]

Your obviously tried the rest . And now own the best.😂

[@timdobby5365]

@@alanhill2886 Well I don’t know if it’s the best Alan but I haven’t had a single issue with my big V-Strom and there seem to be an army of people around the world who swear by the things !

[@surferdude7013]

I suppose these days it's easy to find comments, good or bad about all makes and models. Like all social media comments care has to be exercised when digesting and some self research carried out if possible. "boring Japanese" could mean you don't have the fun of refixing the bits that have fallen off or spending an entertaining half hour to get it started. It depends on why you have a bike. For me, starting late (5 years ago at the age of 67) I wanted the riding not the tinkering about . I have a VSTROM 650. Without doing intentional searches I kept coming across comments saying it would start first time and go on for ever. Good enough for me. I just want to ride.

[@loki1066]

The 900 quid xj DID have an MOT - 12 months!!! Stop off at Specsavers in your next jaunt.

[@retromechanicalengineer]

I've had three Divvies, you just cant beat them for value.

[@douglashill9108]

There's a V7 Guzzi at Suzuki Haslemere Motorcycles. I expect that is the one mentioned.

[@andyhollund493]

If I'm not mistaken, the HD Sportster were discontinued because the engine couldn't meet the latest emissions standards.

[@sergentcolon1]

It could have, Harley just didn’t want to spend the money doing it, the Chinese brand Shineray has released a clone of the Sportster with a 1200cc very similar engine to Harley’s Evo engine and made it euro 5 compliant.

[@mattdog1982]

Massive mistake by harley

[@MrBowsmith]

It might be interesting to collate the frame / batch numbers of the bad ones. Were there any staff / machinery issues in the factory or it's suppliers during a particular time frame? Or are the bad ones randomly appearing. I can't imagine a manufacturer with the kudos of Guzzi would want sub-standard bikes out there. It aint good for business.

[@bluemorgan9066]

Bon soir. I like your new vibe. Safari shirt and a cheeky corner Palm....oooofff. Great content though, see you on the road.

[@saltaireorangebicyclechopp8555]

It's a bitsa, a cobbled together £4.5k bike with a £2k badge slapped on it's tank.

[@siraff4461]

Thats being quite kind. I would have put those numbers the other way around.

[@lipsee100]

The Mash 650 classic sells for about £4500 ,,if the BSA was the same I would (wait and see)

[@MembersMclees]

I don’t miss a day a week kislux This show..

[@r0hon]

I live in NZ I had cash to buy a BSA, I did want to trade my 1987 gb400 in though, asked twice and got a firm no, traded on a 2022 Honda rebel 500 with another dealer, really like it and half the price as a BSA.

[@nickryan1522]

Also couldn’t sell my April 2022 Triumph Tiger Sport 660 with 5,000kms for any more than €6K. Was going to trade it for a new Bonneville T100, but dealer wanted another €7K on top… bought an almost brand new Royal Enfield Interceptor instead for €1K less overall and kept my Triumph.

[@Surbatron]

I've owned 2 Guzzis; a Griso 1100 2 Valve per cylinder and the later 4 Valve. Both were fantastic bikes other than a tappet recall on the early 4V engines. I used both for commuting in and around London and for longer distance weekends away, they had a tendency to pop fuses but I carried spares so not a big issue. The large capacity shaft driven engines where under stressed, torquey and in the case of the 4V legitimately quick as well as super reliable and many bikes later I still miss the Griso...with its character, soul and surprising performance. I wonder if the issues reported by owners are specific to Guzzis smaller capacity bikes as in my experience the larger engines where very, very reliable and the bikes solidly put together with high quality componentry?

[@m.f.m.67]

I must admit, as a Moto Guzzi owner, I would hesitate to recommend one as an only bike. Especially if it is one's only form of transport. That's what Hondas are for! 😉 If you aren't mechanically inclined and enjoy doing the work yourself, look elsewhere. Still, I enjoy riding my Griso on nice weekends. I have no idea where my nearest Moto Guzzi dealer is even located!

[@speedfinder1]

I would have to agree with you 100% there. My Moto Guzzi has been faultless, my only need for parts relates to my own fault of dropping it into a ditch! 🤭🤭.

[@daigriffiths399]

Depends on how much you're willing to keep on top of the maintenance. I bought a 1980 V1000G5 in 1984 with 23 and a bit thousand miles on the clock and ran it to 205,000 miles before in 2005 some bstrd decided they needed it more than I did and then crashed and torched it. It was my daily transport (50 miles) plus weekend runs, BUT I was religious with the oil and filter changes and general maintenance. I also put 130,000+ miles on a 1981 SP1000 before restoring and selling it. The new owner is closing in on 160,000 miles now. I also have a couple of other big Tontis including a 1980 850-T3 California which I've had since 1991 and has just had a much deserved ground-up restoration.

[@jasonjason7277]

i really like the Guzzi V7 850 and thought it was great fun when i test rode one. the fuel range and simplicity of servicing are big appeals too. but if you read the comments on youtube videos of them, there are so many issues reported by different owners along with lousy attitude from Piaggio that im just not willing to take the risk. such a shame, as it likely would have been a bike i grew old with.

[@andybeahan2189]

I was tempted by the BSA goldstar as my first bike, but after seeing it at motorcycle live and comparing it to RE classic 350 and interceptor 650 I went for a classic 350 and so glad I did! The standard of the BSA finish didn't fill me with promise and neither did their website or social media posts. They look great (from a distance) but there are several red flags for me

[@lancelongfield5550]

got a re meteor 350 love it, plus £2500 in my pocket. people are just buying the badge

[@warrenr4]

@@lancelongfield5550 And it’s an off the shelf fake badge. One born every minute !! 🤣

[@brattonbiker6482]

Japanese bikes have perhaps lost the dominance they once had in the bike market. There are many desirable bikes from other brands, but Japanese bikes rarely let you down. Listening to some of these stories, I'm thankful for my Yamaha XSR900.

[@dancooper3806]

Dealers are Not Accepting BSA Gold Stars because they have trouble selling them. Reliability is an issue, the bike is only worth what someone will pay.

[@AndySmith4501]

Worth remembering that when people feel hard done by you'll rarely get the full story

[@bangkokbullmoto]

One of the problems with UK is that when you go to trade a bike the money they offer - even if it is something reliable and in demand - is so low that it is not worth doing the deal, it clogs the whole system up and affects sales of new bikes. Dealer margin on a used bike they sell for say £6000 would usually be £1500 (less service costs etc and VAT) but there is some negotiation room if you trading in for a nearly new bike that they have a good margin on, especially if the bike they are buying is the same make as new bikes they sell (so they know the model well). My last trade-in they spent thirty minutes going over the bike and test rode it just to make sure of it but did give me £800-900 more than the local dealers traded against a year old bike that had done 900 miles and was down from £9000 new to £7000 - so I guess the previous owner got £5500 for it. Did involve a 150 mile round trip but the sun was out so all good fun! Impossible to sell the old bike on the private used market for that kind of money - I tried for about six months, no-one where I live has the cash to hand.

[@77archibald]

BSA problems! The trouble with your type of content Freddie, along with KZbin, podcasts, and the Internet in general, is the ease with which negativity about motorcycle brands can be spread, whether with an element of truth or baseless. I had a Ducati Multistrada - various doom merchants said it would spend more time in the dealers being repaired than on the road. The reality was 32,000 trouble free miles. I also had a Ducati Scrambler - 10,000 trouble free miles. Also a Moto Guzzi V85 - 12,000 trouble free miles. I recently put a deposit on a new BSA Goldstar. No bike has ever put such a smile on my face as this did on the test ride. The issue's people have had with these bikes have not been major and have been rectified. Yes, its not perfect, but its built to a price. Yes, you get what you pay for. But i would argue that none of the bikes i have mentioned are inherently bad. There will always be a bad bike now and then from any manufacturer. I've had many bikes over many years and i repeat that none have put such a smile on my face as the BSA. I pick my new Gold Star up later this week and intend to thoroughly enjoy my bike and totally ignore the doom and gloom that spurts out of the Internet.

[@greggferns3278]

Your story is fair enough,but when dealers don't want to know ,there has to be more to the Goldie debacle.

[@allanhughes7859]

I think in Freddie's case you are off target. He is one that at least tries to give a balanced review and does not seem to suck up to the makers SO AN UNFAIR COMMENT I FEEL !!

[@MV-XD2]

Do report back when it breaks down 😂

[@barrydaly7174]

I hope you have your fingers crossed.... Tempting fate and what not. You are correct though, bad news and reviews are what we remember longest. I would say however, in the defence of KZbinrs who flag problems, they are merely reflecting others input, and it is useful information to make valued judgement decision. It also alerts influential media such as MCN that then forces manufacturers to take notice, see KTM, BMW et al for recalls etc. Good luck with the BSA but up until now I personally have only seen and heard good things.

[@77archibald]

In reply to the replies - I'm not having a go at Freddie as such, I like most of his videos. It's more the Internet in general and more so the readiness of people to slag off things they personally don't like or agree with. Motorcycle brands being a prime example. As far as BSA goes, if you don't like them or are wary of them, then don't buy one. Alternatively, if like me you think they are a cracking bike for the money....give one a go!

[@turboslag]

It was hate at first sight when I saw the new BSA abortion for the first time!! Sticky on plastic bits to fake an actual Goldy, proportions all over the place, just generally nasty. I wouldn't buy one for a grand, let alone 3, 4 or whatever. Wanna see a retro classic done well, see Royal Enfield.

[@volt8684]

Hear hear

[@maskedavenger2578]

If people want a reliable bike , their best bet is to get one with a Japanese badge on it, even if its made in China or other counties on behalf of a Japanese motorcycle company . I like singles & I like the new BSA gold star 650 , but it seems it’s pot luck if you get one with no issues . No use having a bike with character ,if it’s an unreliable crock of sh💩t , & spends more time being fixed or waiting for parts than riding it .

[@trailingarm63]

239 kgs for a Yamaha Diversion 900 is certainly not "ridiculously heavy". You're 6ft 1 with a big frame for god's sake. You would have absolutely no problem handling this bike and it would out-perform your Bonneville in many respects. How much does that Indian weigh which you're so chuffed with at the moment? The 900 Diversion has shaft drive which is one reason for a few extra kilos, and it probably has a centre stand, a few kilos more, but both these features are valuable additions to a lot of the trendy rubbish you tend to go gaga about. Re Vogue seat height: as with all enduro types the suspension will compress when you sit on it so don't write it off without trying it. Re BSA Gold Star: it's a plodder mainly of interest to old codgers, it's also an insult to the memory of the original Gold Stars which were cutting-edge & built for club racing. I'm not surprised their value is going off a cliff. Japanese bikes certainly can have character. I loved my Suzuki SV1000 naked which I bought new in 2005. Only sold it because of a cash-crisis. Good episode, really enjoyed it.

[@longjonwhite]

Yeah, but he’s a 6’1” vegetarian…

[@pinkerton2964]

239kg is the dry weight with 24 litres of fuel, engine/shaft/brake fluid etc it's more like 275kg which is fairly heavy especially as it's a bit top heavy.

[@trailingarm63]

@@pinkerton2964 My RT is 278kg and I'm very comfortable with it. But I'm 6ft and 15 stone. Obviously, if you're a small person you would be better off with a smaller bike.

[@pinkerton2964]

@@trailingarm63 I'm 5"6 and ride a K1200r sport I think the weight distribution is more important than overall weight. I had a daytona 1200 the weight was high up manouvering it was difficult compared to say a 300kg cruiser with the weight low down.

[@trailingarm63]

​@@pinkerton2964 I agree it's an important aspect.

[@dixiethedog1777]

I chuckled when you talked about the man getting a lemon (6.10 approx). Was it a Moto Guzzi Le Mon? I say this as my pal used to own a Guzzi Le Mans and it was a pig of a bike.

[@clive4741]

I am a classic bike/ car enthusiast ! Your 'hobby' car/bike with 'character' ie unreliable, is a none Japanese 'quirky' bike. And, your totally reliable, always there for you, commuting, long distance touring bike, that always starts on the button,. and gets you home, is the Japanese bike ( or maybe new eastern bikes ??? ). They are two different categories of bike! You choose which you want, and if you can afford both, get them, if not, choose which you want !