BSA GOLDSTAR REVIEW, Why was I so confused ?

[@johnhelliwell2591]

Great bike ... love mine . 45 bhp 4 valve head . Twin plugs . Slipper clutch . Twin cam . Brembos . Ally rim's . Rotax engine . Love it . 😎👍

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

A Chinese clone of a Rotax engine made in China. Let's be clear.

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

Big difference between a Rotax engine made in Austria and a Chinese made clone of a Rotax engine. Like margarine trying to be butter.

[@tariqomar0]

​@@frankmarkovcijr5459RE lover?

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

@@tariqomar0 are you kidding me? I have absolutely no need for an overpriced cheaply made from cheap parts from a sweatshop country fake British motorcycle. I have a collection of BSA and Triumph real British vintage motorcycles. Wi-Fi hamburger when you have steak? It is what it is. Is the Western currency still had buying power they could afford to buy Japanese motorcycles.

[@savage22bolt32]

In 1968, a guy on my paper route gave me a 22 cal BSA air rifle. Still have it to this day!

[@gazzertrn]

They were the go too airgun back then , my dad gave me one in the 60s .He thought it was broke , but he was so wrong . Made many a hole in the wooden fences around my house , Mum could not understand where they came from . Little did they know.👍

[@savage22bolt32]

@@gazzertrn we coulda been best friends! I still shoot a slingshot at circular saw blades in my back yard!

[@ianhalliwell8604]

Wasn't made in India but in Birmingham, big difference.

[@savage22bolt32]

@@ianhalliwell8604 absolutely made right there in Birmingham, England. I've loved the three standing rifles logo since my first motorcycle. It was a 175cc BSA Bantam.

[@jerrywines382]

Great review, and as an owner I think you got it spot on. Mine's a 2024 model in Shadow Black and it seems like they've ironed out some of the original flaws. The engine is the absolute star of the show, and there's nothing else like it in the class. It's been priced somewhere around the Interceptor but has a few more premium touches as you say, and in my opinion feels a bit more substantial too. The suspension is soft as I expected from a cruiser, but that works for me on our pot-holed roads and makes the bike a lovely relaxing comfortable ride. I'm not sure if the rear shocks are exactly the same on the 2024, but mine isn't over bouncy and the slight compression you identified when cornering a bit harder gives a sensation of the bike digging in ready to be fired out on it's significant torque towards the next one. Have a look at the Shadow Black, as it's the cheapest at £5,995 plus OTR, and I reckon already has a more custom look about it. I'm absolutely loving mine, and my poor zx12r hasn't had a look in since I brought it home.

[@ianhalliwell8604]

Like every one else you seem to have problems comparing the GoldStar with other bikes and that's because the only other bikes similar are twins and expensive Triumphs. I have owned one for over a year, the first thing I did was to remove that awful handlebar mount thing and the second was to upgrade to tec rear shocks specially made with my considerable weight in mind. I've not suffered and stalling issues and the sticking on engine light was easily sorted by the dealer.

[@lordhamptonwick5320]

I am old enough to remember the original Gold Star. However the more I look at this bike the more I like it. I don't think derogatory comments made elsewhere are being racist. I think they are more to do with frustration that it isn't being manufactured in England, as it should be. If Mahindra can make the bikes, ship them and sell them at a reasonable price and still make a profit. Then why can't we?

[@shremich4583]

@lordhamptonwick5320 the original BSA and RE are compared in this YT video Battle for the best Brit(ish) retro! BSA Gold Star VS Royal Enfield Intercepter 650 | MCN Review

[@gary1477]

I own a Kawasaki KLR650 which is also a 5 speed water cooled single cylinder engine. I like the feel of a large capacity single cylinder engine, fitted with a counter balancer.

[@shremich4583]

Yamaha missed the retromarket with the SR 400 instead a modern SR 650 single cylinder. i never had a SR 500 back in the days but a Kawa Z750 LTD Twin Y1 '81. 700 ccm twin

[@royhuxley8903]

I BOUGHT MY LEGACY WHEN THEY FIRST ARRIVED IN THE UK AND HAVE ENJOYED TROUBLE FREE RIDING. A VERY EASY BIKE TO LIVE WITH AND PERFECT FOR SUNDAY RIDING AROUND TOWN, DOWN COUNTRY LANES AND A ROADS. IT WOULD ALSO MAKE A VERY GOOD COMMUTER BIKE. I FITTED TEC REAR SHOCKS FOR A SMOOTHER RIDE AS THE ORIGINALS WERE TOO SOFT AND FLOPPY. BEING A NAKED BIKE IT HAS NO WIND PROTECTION FOR HIGH SPEED MOTORWAY RIDING AND IS THEREFOR AT ITS BEST RIDING ON ALL OTHER PUBLIC ROADS. IT IS A RIDERS BIKE IDEAL FOR PERSONALISATION AT LOW COST AND I WOULD RECOMMEND IT FOR BOTH YOUNG AND ELDERLY RIDERS. FOR ME ITS A KEEPER, ALONG SIDE MY HONDA NC750X, (WHICH DOES THE SAME JOB AS WELL AS MOTORWAY RIDING).

[@bferguson9277]

Nice review. I wish BSA would finally establish a distributor here in the 'States. Royal Enfields have sold quite well here, but they no longer have the 500cc Bullet, nor do they seem to plan a replacement for it.

[@theartisanrider472]

yes . i dont really understand what BSA are doing, they are heavily discounting the bikes in the uk know which is upsetting owners. i have this odd feeling its not going to end well.

[@JohnHall-go4mz]

Never mind the bike, this video has lovely sound with perfect balance between the bike and vocals.. well done 👍

[@savage22bolt32]

Thanks for the wonderful video, and a huge thanks for not ruining it with crappy background music. I don't know why some people feel compelled to add annoying background music throughout their videos.

[@taichimeteorman]

Looks a Great bike and brilliant reviews thanks! I do think it could have been better if engine side panels been in polished alloy and I don't personally like water cooling . I do worry about future depreciation and resale on a bike like this. I have seen many a new bike around £4k so already being discounted in price. Many years ago a Goldie was made with a Yamaha SR500 engine in it - that was a real flyer, a great good looker and still holds a premium price! I had an original 1964 A65 Rocket Gold star twin which was a fantastic bike (but a twin) but sounded better than anything modern :-)

[@dungspreader]

Basically a good bike . But looks stodgy compared to the original . I would consider one and customise it somewhat . Exhaust and mudguards would be replaced immediately in favour of something that looked more "Goldie" . I'd get one in preference to a 650 Royal Enfield . The 12volt outlet would be useful for a tyre compressor , heated jacket or to charge electrical items in a top case . It's a pity that the engine cases are painted . Polished alloy would be better . Welding looks adequate at best , the weld joints mid way along frame tubes would annoy me intensely . It's close but no cigar .

[@DexterDexter123]

hate the look of the pipes - love the rest - must have a ride sometime. i think they got the price just right. nice review. don’t worry about the lawnmower it’s just real.

[@neilfordham5790]

Thank you for your very honest review of the Gold Star. I am lucky to have one, I also have a T100 Bonneville and as you say you are getting what you pay for with the BSA, however mine now has 1000 miles on the clock and it’s a great bike.

[@gordonyoung3668]

Interesting video on the Gold Star. That is an early bike with the bulkier rad guard. My one started to cut out after the software update for the elm light. I had an Interceptor and prefer this due to its lower centre of gravity and slower steering.

[@theartisanrider472]

hi everyone, thanks for all the comments. i think it just shows how divisive this bike is amongst riders in general. its going to be very interesting to see where this bike and brand are in say 3 years. its great that a British brand returns after such a long time, in whatever form it takes. im just not sure its good enough to stay the distance. i almost wished they went all out and made it a real premium product, i think if it had been something that not only looked special but had the top end parts and engineering which i think people would have gladly paid in the 10-12 grand area. we will just have to wait and see what the future holds. ride safe everyone.

[@savage22bolt32]

Thanks for the wonderful video, and a huge thanks for not ruining it with crappy background music. I don't know why some people feel compelled to add annoying background music throughout their videos.

[@paulfoster5432]

The thing is, the BSA brand which is an Indian Company, has nowhere to go with this particular 650 bike? As it is as i have said a 25 year old Rotax engine, Unlike the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 Which was designed from the ground up, Already has the option for an 860cc conversion, and many other mods, Royal Enfield could do lots more with their 650 Unlike the BSA which is a Dead end bike in reality I'm afraid.

[@tariqomar0]

​@@paulfoster5432Royal Enfield is also an Indian company BTW. I can understand your frustration because I see many RE fans like you who would say crap about a rival brand just because they feel threatened.

[@paulfoster5432]

@@tariqomar0 Not really, the fact is, many Motorcycles are now made abroad, including Triumph, And Harley Davidson, Royal Enfield sell nearly in one month what Triumph Sell in One Year world wide Sales, Are you aware of that? Not many people are, Triumph Push advertising on movies and TV All the time, And Royal Enfield are still beating their sales, FACT 👍 And Royal Enfield are the world's oldest Continuous Manufacturing Motorcycle brand, and hold the world record for the longest production of the 350 Bullet motorcycles 👍

[@tariqomar0]

@@paulfoster5432 If RE is such a gem, then stop talking crap about all the other OEMs. Understand that there is a share for other brands as well. Not everything needs to be an RE.

[@raythirkettle4155]

Ciggy lighter is for a heated jacket!

[@veritasvincit2745]

I think the biggest b*llock dropped with this machine was calling it Gold Star. I think that they needed to wait a bit longer for that name because of the baggage. As a 2024 retro machine I love it. I ride a RE GT Continental so I'm the target audience and I'd be happy with this thing. Feel outweighs performance at this juncture in my motorcycling career.

[@jeremykeller211]

From whence the confusion? You were told it was a BSA Gold Star, but it turned out to be a 470 pound Mahindra.

[@bigred8438]

My 2011 Triumph T100 did this if it got hot and revved high around 1500, so you would turn down the idle speed, and if you didn't remember to turn it back up before you rode it again it would not start, but if it did it start, it wouldn't idle until you turned the idle revs up again. Why, on a fuel injected bike, the idle variation between warm riding and first starting is so different I wouldn't know. It was just effing annoying.

[@edwardwilliammorris1340]

Beautiful..... Apart from that hideous oil cooler . It's not really the same , is it

[@daveanderson70]

I agree. I saw them in my local dealer and thought the oil cooler detracted from what is a good looking bike. I wonder if the single pot runs hotter than the twin pot Interceptor?

[@nsdhanoa]

@@daveanderson70 I think certainly to have a thumper put up the same horsepower as the RE twin they needed to liquid cool it. I did find a custom Goldie where someone replaced the ugly radiator with 2 smaller hidden radiators and it looks fantastic.

[@markdrummond7]

It's a radiator (water cooling) I think you'll find, not an oil cooler ​@@daveanderson70

[@PrimoStracciatella]

Two facts that are a deal breaker for me: It's a Rotax engine with 100x83 mm bore and stroke which reminds me of a BMW 650 and the weight at 213 kg wet.

[@John900C]

That is because it is the BMW650 Rotax engine design repackaged and made cheaply.

[@mrmoon1482]

Much prefer the RE interceptor

[@paulfoster5432]

The BSA Super Meteor Air Rifle is Now made in Birmingham Great Britain once again, This is a new thing 👍 The switch gear is not better than the Royal Enfields? This Gold Star 650 engine is actually a 25 Year old Rotax engine, Where as the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 was Designed from the group up, Totally brand new 👍 And much better value than the BSA, Bye the way, The BSA your riding is over £7000 It's a chrome addition, And there's no main stand 👎 And it's got Shim's 👎 The Interceptor 650 Is a better bike to service yourself 👍 I got sick of you saying it was £6500 The model you had was £7200 On the road, The Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 Is 💯% Better In every way Cheers Paul 👍

[@tariqomar0]

Not sure why RE owners are so petty. Why can't there be 2 bikes in the same class? Why you guys feel so threatened from a rival brand?

[@hectorshouse7348]

12v socket…tyre pump

[@JIMWSMITH]

Good news with the engine and its not even run in 😉

[@SapoPeta-c6x]

I'm sorry to inform you all that BSA died back in the 70s. That is such a beautiful bike but that's not brit iron the way some of us understood it for many years. Best wishes

[@shremich4583]

Mahindra bought the BSA licences in 2016. don‘t be surprised about Mahindra as global player

[@rajnuke1]

n so is not royal enfield, not jaguar, not land rover😂😂

[@blackprince4074]

BRING THEM TO AUSTRALIA PLEASE, I WOULD BE FIRST TO LINE UP TO BUY, SO WOULD MANY OF MY FRIENDS.

[@theartisanrider472]

hi, yes i agree, i dont really understand why its not sold in other world markets as there seems to be a huge surplus of bikes in the uk at the moment, it maybe an issue around dealer networks wanting to take them on. i think it will actually become a bit of a classic to collect in the future. ride safe

[@frederickbowdler8169]

Do not change binacle to my mind it's not an easy job.

[@auldflyer]

Let's be honest anyone buying a current BSA badged bike imported from the Indian sub-continent is simply trying to get on the nostalgia bandwagon "on the cheap". Aimed in the UK largely at geriatrix trying to relive the youth they never had, the "clones" only link to the heritage on once great British marques is the cheapy plastic replica tank badges and a few stick ons probably from AliExpress. The truth is that if a BSA badge is pinned on a donkey, it will still be a donkey. Nice and shinny when new these piles of cachu will corrode easily this winter unless sprayed liberably with Waxoil...........

[@frederickbowdler8169]

I think it's a well designed product which should be scrapped after five years that's modern thinking.Ithink after 50 k miles you will want to move on.

[@PrimoStracciatella]

The average rider does only a few thousand miles a year. Many never reach 30K.

[@frederickbowdler8169]

@@PrimoStracciatella yes you are correct. I got that wrong I'm not a motorcyclist.

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

A fake. British motorcycle with a Chinese made engine made of Chinesiom. A Suzuki S-40 is a better quality 650 single . Put a set of BSA badges on something doesn't make it one. Buy a real one. BSA was not a premium brand. It was for everyone.Big to small they made them all. Shame the management ran the company into the ground.😢

[@johnhelliwell2591]

Is the rotax engine made in China ?

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

@@johnhelliwell2591 it is not a Rotax engine.It is a clone of a Rotax engine.Made of Chinesiom. I can't believe that is actually a word.

[@Bolthole1]

Yeah its junk

[@johnnyhall7065]

Don't agree @ all.

[@johnnyhall7065]

​@@johnhelliwell2591No Austria! India and China do not get on, you will not get much Chinese stuff fitted to an Indian bike by choice!

[@papachis9535]

Thanks mate. I suppose the question would be that if you (personally) were in the market for an Interceptor or a Goldie without prior knowledge, which would you get? Stupid question, of course, because you have an Interceptor, but it’s an interesting one.