Honda CL500.. BSA Goldstar Future ? .. The Norfolk Thunderbolt !!.. CB500F

[@TheNorfolkThunderbolt]

Thank you very much for the mention! Thanks your kind words! The BSA had made my short list but the CL500 won out because my Honda dealer sold me mine for 1K off!

[@WyreForestBiker]

LOL Don't rub it in Steven !! ... I paid full price 😂... you are very welcome 😊

[@TheNorfolkThunderbolt]

@@WyreForestBikerwell, you did say there would be bargains to be had if we looked! And you were 💯 correct!

[@WyreForestBiker]

@@TheNorfolkThunderbolt Look forward to see your video's on the bike... I'll let everyone know when you post any ... Dave

[@Free_Ranger_CT110]

Bsa should release a 500 scrambler similar to Triumph's 400X, I think it would outsell the Goldstar. Small 'boutique' dealerships with lots of Bsa merch would be the way to go I believe. Mahindra jeeps are sold here in Australia but not the Goldstar...

[@WyreForestBiker]

I agree , BSA have already shown a prototype Scram but it's never surfaced . I think the potential of the brand is big ...we will see . Thanks for the comment👍

[@jonathandeeley6276]

Must admit that I like the Gold Star and was considering one at one time. I wouldn't agree that the build quality matches the Interceptor, the Interceptor is far better with fit and finish - and more reliable. I've heard quitea few stories about dealers ditching BSA for a number of reasons, unreliable bikes with unresolved technical issues and little or no support from BSA, the knock on effect of course is the dealer individual reputation going down the pan. Unrealistic sales targets - I know of one dealer who was told he had to sell 12 new Gold Stars in Feb this year and 14 in March, totally unachievable in the UK. BSA have also been withholding dealers quarterly bonuses that they've already earned, is it any wonder that dealers are dropping the brand. If BSA want to have a competitive presence in the UK then they need to get their act together pretty smartish otherwise the writing is on the wall. Yes, there are some very tempting offers at the moment particularly at £4995 on the road and as you say they were billed as a premium machine at their launch and pitched above the Interceptor as the bike to buy, time can be a wonderful thing for the consumer.🤔👍

[@tnetroP]

Buying a bike from a company such as BSA is always a long term risk. I'm not sure, at least for me, that they offer something that more established companies don't. Royal Enfield is a more established company and you know there will be long term backup from the dealers as well as a strong used market to sell back into. Also Royal Enfield have changed the landscape somewhat and companies like Honda, Triumph, etc, have followed them into similar markets with lower capacity machines, albeit not modern classics. I also think the modern classic era is past the peak. There will always be strong interest in it but I think the market share of modern classics will start reducing soon. I'm seeing more interest in modern small capacity bikes, the mid sized adventure category and signs of interest in a revival of 1990's style retro street bikes such as the Yamaha XSR900 GP. If I wanted a smaller capacity bike then the CL500 would be a strong contender rather than a BSA.

[@WyreForestBiker]

Thanks, some really interesting points which I broadly agree with . The 1990's thing I'm not sure about as I think Yamaha's previous XSR range never really took off and I can't really see the period having a strong enough identity ...but I might be wrong. Thanks for the comment .

[@craigyllyn]

I subscribe to The Norfolk Thunderbolt too. He does some interesting things to his machines. Really interesting. I reviewed the Gold Star on my channel recently. As a Bullet 500 owner it really should be a good option to change out to. It wasn’t quite hitting the mark for me

[@dungspreader]

This could be the beginning of the end for BSA . Dropping the prices was a kick in the teeth for the existing owners , followed now by trouble with the dealers . So far BSA have been a One Trick Pony .No other models on offer . I always thought using the Gold Star name was a bit cheeky for a bike that had achieved nothing . I predict they will fizzle out and confine their sales effort to India . I hope I'm wrong .

[@WyreForestBiker]

It does hint at going that way ...if so it's a shame as it's a promising bike which with a little refinement could be really good ...Thanks for viewing .

[@garymartin557]

Got to agree with you on the use of the gold star moniker. Such history surrounding it. The bike that uses it has to be an aspirational machine, and definitely not a flawed pastiche of a bike held in such high regard and appeal. Doomed from its inception.

[@GlynOC]

Nice ride out 👍 Do you know any cafes slightly nearer? 🤪 BSA are an unusual setup, basing their whole market on essentially one model although that worked for RE for like 70 odd years! Maybe they're playing the long game, I think they're starting to show them in the USA so maybe have just been using us to iron out the teething probs like ECU maps before they release them there. It wouldn't take much for them to do a scrambler version and it would seem obvious to do that and maximise sales but obviously they don't want to. Maybe I'll have to do it 🤪

[@WyreForestBiker]

@GlynOC , I can't go mote then 15 mins without a cuppa Glynn ! ... hopefully you're right and BSA get their act together... im all for you doing a scrambler version !!😃

[@markpercy4277]

Hi David, l test rode a Goldstar a couple of years ago and really liked it, but didn't buy one due to the price, like you say not being close to the Interceptor cost them l think 👍

[@WyreForestBiker]

Thanks Mark , I think it was a very strange pricing decision .

[@stephenc6503]

I test rode the BSA recently and it's an excellent MC, so I'm considering one as a additional MC, currently, 5K plus OTR for the Highland Green colour, its great value for money. Clearly, there have been issues with the MC and BSA, with the MC faults, apparently now sorted? Although, dealerships are dropping the brand, maybe? it's time for BSA to make a statement regarding these issues, (similar to what KTM did with their cam issue), so we can continue to support the brand.

[@WyreForestBiker]

Hi Stephen , I agree it rides very well and has character. My only fear would be future parts supply if they pull the plug ?

[@mred7030]

their scrambler looked really nice .

[@WyreForestBiker]

I agree , I think it would have sold well .

[@grays5112]

Yes the back-up to dealers from BSA has been very slap-dash and a lot have ditched them, I took the demo G/S from MWM, and also liked it, and like yourself, thought it was too much of a gamble being a brand new design, 🤔 I'm glad I evaded it. Also doing the same with the trumpet 400's, they've had their fair share of problems, but at least they are resolving them and I'll probably get one next spring. 🙂 Honda 500's,...... I've had 14 of this last model launched in 2013,, X, F, & R + CL and my last one a Hornet 500 (replaced my CBR500R in June this year) is the very first one I've had a problem with, 😪 being euro 5+, there are now 2 oxygen sensors, one pre cat and one post cat, my post cat sensor gave up the ghost, and gave an EML, first time I've used the AA and back to dealer, but all sorted and 800 miles later still OK, now running 3 Honda 500's and my Z1000SX, good times 👍

[@WyreForestBiker]

Thanks ...interesting comment👍 I agree the Triumph would be a better bet long term in my opinion and I'm sure any issues will be sorted ....real shame about the BSA though ...

[@drdoolittle5724]

Fancy that, a video on a bike, 'with no brakes'!

[@WyreForestBiker]

I see what you did there😆

[@bally632]

Apparently bsa are about to be launched in the home market of India,the locals are expecting the price to be around £3200 !!!! That would definitely increase sales here if we had a similar price 😂😂

[@WyreForestBiker]

Yes it would ! ...no chance though 😊 ... RE are just as cheap in India as I have said in previous video's. It would be lovely to have those prices here ...I'd have one of each !!

[@Grumpy-Goblin]

Personally I think BSA were late to the retro party and because of the delays in launch I think the expectations were built up and when the product finally launched it was disappointing with signs where they had penny pinched on stickers and bacially spoiled the ship for ha'porth of tar. I have heard of warranty and parts supply issues which is never good especially for a new brand that is likely to have teething troubles. I am old enough to remember when Mahindra tried to bring their cars to the UK and that was an epic fail because what the Indian market will accept as quality is not what Europe expects and they were rough & ready to say the least. Sadly I think we are probably looking at the end of the road for this new BSA venture as they show no signs of bring out any new models or even an updated Gold Star. I also think the Gold Star name was a very bad idea as it brought with it expectations that could never be met.

[@WyreForestBiker]

Good points and I fear you may be right . I do know owners who are generally satisfied though and the engine is a proven unit.

[@Grumpy-Goblin]

@@WyreForestBiker Yeah it generally seems like a good bike but in the corporate world poor sales means no investment and with Mahindra Group turnover at £7,955,535,050.00 I don't think they are even slightly interested in keeping the bike bit afloat.

[@bankruptpensioner]

Great video, BSA, you have to understand how Indian businesses work to better understand how they manage themselves. Based on my experience of working with large Indian organisations, the management styles and decission making is often quite questionable and based on senior management ego. The GS is a great bike. Had little or no marketing. Support for the dealers will have been very little abd the payments to the dealers for work completed will be absolutely not worth it. I suspect £9 an hour which in India may well be reasonable, but in the UK is laughable.

[@bankruptpensioner]

That said, BSA management should have taken lessons learned from RE - which do deliver 👍

[@WyreForestBiker]

Thanks that's interesting, of course it begs the question did the dealers sign up to being paid 3rd world rates for warranty work ? and if so why? ...or were they deceived in some way ? I understand certain dealers feel they are owed money by the company also .... appreciate you watching , I enjoy your video's 👍

[@bankruptpensioner]

@@WyreForestBiker I suspect deceived. I have made agreements/contracts and payments either did not get paid or, it cost a lot to get a payment made. It is sad really. Corner of the street mentality

[@WyreForestBiker]

@@bankruptpensioner Really ? that's a shame , I have some similar stories about Chinese company's both in the automotive and electronics sector .

[@bankruptpensioner]

@@WyreForestBiker Thanks for the comment on my videos, I am trying to learn best 😆. I suspect a little deception. Sadly. You would have thought that Mahindra would be world wise however, maybe this is not the case. It is so sad as the GS is a truely wonderful ride

[@saltaireorangebicyclechopp8555]

I've looked at the CL500 umpteen times, it's everything l want & need but l just can't hand over my money, it's a brilliant bike but it's got no charm. There is a BSA dealer 5 mins from my house, they had the signs & branding up in advance of the bikes arrival, yet l've not seen one on the road. To me, it's a cobbled together Bitsa with "BSA" slapped on it, people who buy one for the looks l can totally understand, but those who talk about their "Goldie" are away with the fairies...

[@WyreForestBiker]

@@saltaireorangebicyclechopp8555 I can understand both points ... I looked at the BSA myself but just couldn't buy into the idea it was anything other than a badge engineered product. The CL I've grown to love ...it rides brilliantly and is honest.

[@MrVinnyh]

When I went to the NEC show last year, the only manufacturer were you could just walk up a sit on a bike was BSA! no one was interested, apart from a couple of guys who looked in their 70's !! and that was it! I am in my 60's to me the Gold Star looked wrong had no appeal and yes the old proper Gold Star is a show bike not the current thing, so in some ways not surprised BSA is on their way out, sorry to anyone who purchased one, but I would put it on the list of lucky escapees with a brand. Name wright but the style is or was haphazard at best!

[@WyreForestBiker]

Thanks for comment ...it's all personal taste I suppose , there are areas I would have changed , like the rear mudguard .

[@volt8684]

I was there too and echo your experience. Stand staff totally disinterested. Close up inspection of BSAleft me cold. Jap bikes allthe way for me. 50 yrs never had breakdown. Just punctures. Had other brands but fuss free are the japs. E10 killed carbs for me so more risk with FI and high pressure injection.

[@mikehurley5052]

Sat on a CL 500 the other day, thought i was sat on the bare frame, worst seat ever.

[@WyreForestBiker]

Well Ive done 4300 miles on mine with no issues .. maybe my *rse is a strange shape 😊

[@mikehurley5052]

@@WyreForestBiker I was surprised, sat on Rebel 500, NC750X, both fine, the CL was awful and it was a new bike .

[@turboslag]

Personally I didn't like the BSA Gold Star from the moment I saw it. The styling is a lash up and very clumsy. Bits stuck on all over the place that don't actually do anything, and the overall proportions are wrong. And why 650? Were they getting confused with the RGS?

[@WyreForestBiker]

There are certain elements I would change but I have to say I prefer it to the Interceptor . Thanks for watching.

[@turboslag]

@@WyreForestBiker That does surprise me. As you say though, they aren't selling.

[@pujapete3665]

cheap bikes this winter im thinking

[@WyreForestBiker]

I agree , some private sale's will be real bargains I would imagine.

[@pujapete3665]

@@WyreForestBiker new also,dont think its been a great year for sales

[@CalmBiker]

The last BSA news I read was about them planning to open a UK factory. Shame if things are going badly for them.

[@WyreForestBiker]

Yes , in fact they made that claim right from the outset. It might be seen now as more in hope than expectation ...I hope I'm wrong though 🤔

[@patrickdoake6022]

Beatles song to bsa Dont let me down!! Come on bsa say somthing?!

[@elekkr]

0:13 one half you got alright with a Honda motorcar in the back if you want to do yourself a favour get a Honda motorbike as.well and stop the BS'a- ing around

[@WyreForestBiker]

Tha bike in the foreground is a Honda ! ...my channel is based on it ..the CL500!