BSA GOLDSTAR 650 | FIRST RIDE!

[@GuyLewis-t9g]

I bought a new Shadow Black in April and love it. It has been 100% reliable and great fun to ride. I have put some 10mm taller Hagons with adjustable damping which has added some poise and sorted the lack of rebound damping on the standard shocks.

[@DaveDev1ne]

Ive had my BSA 7 weeks and 1800+ miles and just cant keep off the jolly thing 😊. And yes, it is a slipper clutch. Enjoy your time with the bike.

[@spicy110]

Ohhh it has got a slipper, that make so much more sense lol

[@Dragonborne223]

Absolutely incredible machine, i recently picked up an RE interceptor because it feels more true to vintage than the BSA, but I had a brilliant time on the BSA test

[@TheSpectre223]

Great bikes these, I'm glad your initial impressions at least are positive. I also made a first ride video when I attended one of their test-ride events earlier this year and, although I only had it for an hour or so, I really enjoyed it. I went in expecting a much more plodding, Royal Enfield Bullet style single, and was very pleasantly surprised. I also believe they've patched the fuelling issues they had on launch which was causing stalling issues, something I actually had even on my test ride, so it's good that they're proactive in addressing faults.

[@spicy110]

Yep no issues to report as far, just an oddity I cover in a video going to patreon today.

[@Dan-56]

I always enjoy your multi part tests. I learn more about the bike than the usual regurgitation of the press release that’s so often a case with quick reviews. That said, I also like your one day tests when you can get a demo bike, because you always give us a real world rider’s perspective. Keep up the good work 👍!

[@rbattson7171]

Thanks

[@jfro5867]

Think first rides are enough for most to get a feel for a bike and if really interested (i.e. possible purchase) you watch everything you can.

[@alivekicking6247]

Nice video.

[@NRD1985]

Sounds like something I'd get on with but I'm loathe to give up my Triumph Bonneville. I wonder how this modern BSA compares to a vintage one.

[@cirian75]

The Shadow Black looks much better than the others, the mismash of engine colours on the other Goldstars is off putting.

[@rbattson7171]

I hope they sort out the associated problems with this machine, as most of the retro style bikes out there are not big singles. If the current problems can be sorted, i think with the price drops appearing, it could be a good buy.

[@peteduch2151]

Some complain that the wiring by the headstock is to tight and it will cut out

[@chrissutton927]

I own a 2023 silver one. I don’t see why it’s all so complicated. It’s an affordable modern classic that’s fun to plod around on. A real authentic 50s/60’s Goldstar just wouldn’t be practical in this modern world. Just sit back and enjoy the ride😀

[@spicy110]

" I don’t see why it’s all so complicated." What is this replying or referring to?

[@mrkiwijimmymrkiwijimmy2530]

.

[@patrickdoake6022]

People complaing about bsa naming bike a goldstar as its not a race bike like origional, so royal enfield calling interceptor is ok then? It is 650 origional was 750 and looks very different to 650. Underpowered to boot for a modern 650. Mind you the rumour that bsa may be releasing a 350 bantam is just plain wrong! 125 bantam if done well could be a money spinner, all the variants you could do! D1 d10, d7, d14 4,and bushman, that could fund a 350, 650 a65 or a10 lookalike (kawasaki w 650 type modelling)

[@paulwuk]

@@patrickdoake6022 the difference between the original goldie and this is immense tho, they have taken the name of a race bike and made a commuter, it's more the fact if they bring out a faster bike what are they going to call it, they've left no where to go in the naming of their bikes! In my opinion it's like comparing Honda bringing out a new hornet and calling it a fireblade. Maybe we shouldn't compare but the name makes you do so! a lot of goldie fans including myself would have jumped on buying one if it was more like the original ei. had the same stance and aggression but it just hasn't. When it came out there was a lot of disappointment. If they had called it a b31 or made it a twin and called it the flash they would have had a better reaction I think. Only my opinion but I know a lot of people in the bsa community think the same.

[@sham27007]

2025 suzuki drz 400 video out

[@spicy110]

Seen it 😃

[@Putgrd64]

What do you think of Motojimms accident? And stop deleting my comments

[@spicy110]

I have never seen a comment from you let alone delete any lol

[@Putgrd64]

@spicy110 sorry, I never sent the first one. I apologise. I hope youre good spicy!

[@paulwuk]

Probs a good bike in its own rite, but it upsets me they called it a gold star and it likes been ridden gently and short shifted, the original was an out and out race bike, the original just wants to be ridden has hard as it can be and lol certainly not short shifted. The 1954 I own will not go into 2nd gear until around 60mph you have to slip the clutch until about 30mph, I know that's not practical but bsa made a grave mistake calling it the gold star as from people in the know it's just an awful representation of a race bike. It was called the goldstar because of the award for +100mph average around brooklands circuit. Also if they bring out a faster bike what they going to call it? They've already produced the best bike bsa ever made! Maybe the rgs was a better bike but arguably. They should have based it on a flash a7 or a10 or called it a b31 if they really wanted to make a single but defiantly shouldn't have named it after the DBD.

[@patwilliam543]

Yeah agree with this, obviously it's still a great bike but the naming is odd. Smacks of the new company not really understanding the heritage of the brand.

[@BSAroadrocket]

The pre unit 50's Goldstars were offered in multiple spec's, with trials, touring, scrambles and road race cams, different gearboxes and carbs and pistons to suit. BSA themselves sold the B50SS "Goldstar" and BSA Regal did an SR500 engined "Goldstar". So not just an unrideable race bike model and the "original" ones were rigid framed girder bikes made before the war.

[@paulwuk]

@@BSAroadrocket very true, the ss50.. I really didn't get that bike, not one if bsas finer moments, I think it may have been desperation before the end, the bsa regal sr500 I think was a great representation altho they didn't try a very modern approach. You are rite the dbd and dB had many versions but not really a relaxed commuter! It's only my opinion but I know many have the same. If you like the bike buy it if you don't don't 👍 Naming a bike aftir an icon, mahindra made life hard for themselves.

[@auldflyer]

Let's be honest, it is a BSA in name only, the current plethora of "motorbikes" oozing from the Indian sub-continent have no connection whatsoever to the heritage of a once great British manufacturer. In the UK these examples of cachu appear to be aimed at the old timers trying to jump on the heritage bandwagon and relive their youth oogling at bikes bike they could never afford at the time. It will all ends in tears. If a BSA badge was stuck on a donkey's backside it will still be an donkey......eeh awh!

[@SamWaide-t6r]

The great British motorcycle industry that was whipped out because they were poorly built outdated machines I had one of the last bsa a65l in 1972 loved it but was outclassed by the japanese do you think the same about the new triumphs I had two bonnevilles both made in thailand new 400 made in india I'll keep on enjoying my mahindra made bsa badged 650 the name goldstar means nothing to me I put a decal over it

[@tonytasker489]

@steve00alt70. Maybe you should proof read what you've put before trying to be a Mr Smug. BSA don't make a golstar !!!

[@mrmoon1482]

They are struggling to sell, and getting parts for them is a nightmare, The Royal Enfield interceptor is a much better bike and easier to get parts for, people thinking of buying a BSA should do some research before buying one,

[@paulbudford]

People seem to love them. Or have endless problems. It seems a bit like when the first Norton 961 was released.

[@bobberdaddy]

Not my experience with Royal Enfield, waiting for parts on warranty claim for my Classic 350 was just a black hole of dealer nonsense and after waiting six months I threw the towel in and just traded the bike in. Bye Bye Royal Enfield, you won't be getting another sale out of me!

[@mrmoon1482]

@ parts under warranty is a completely different ball game than accessing parts yourself, getting anything replaced under warranty can be a problem with many manufacturers,

[@jonathandeeley6276]

​@@bobberdaddy The problem with Royal Enfield parts supply is well documented for all models. The issue is the UK importer who are abysmal, incompetent and generally not fit for purpose. If they don't get their act together sooner rather than later they will loose customers left right and centre to the brand which will be a shame as they have a fantastic range of bikes and competitively priced.

[@steve00alt70]

Oh bad timing, nobody is taking golstars. Road tax doesnt exist just saying its vehicle tax instead.

[@tonytasker489]

There's always one. "I THINK YOU'LL FIND THERE'S NO SUCH THING AS ROAD TAX". NEWSFLASH MR SMUG. It's commonly known as road tax.

[@steve00alt70]

@tonytasker489 but it was scrapped in the 1930's so unless you live in the 1930's it doesnt exist

[@tonytasker489]

@steve00alt70 As I said Smuggy Mc Smug face, It's commonly known as road tax. Try googling road tax & you'll see it's commonly called that.

[@tonytasker489]

​@@steve00alt70maybe you'd be better off proof reading what you've put before trying to be a Mr Smug face.

[@adiohead]

@@steve00alt70 Everyone calls it road tax.