The new 2022 BSA Gold Star complain. The naked truth and rant

The so called successor of the mighty BSA Gold Star which was revealed on NEC Motorcycle Show in 2021 with the tag #bsaisback. Is it a good and well made bike? I will show you some details and tell you what do I think about new Goldie in that mini review. Is it a worthy successor of an legendary BSA Gold Star - just watch the video and you may learn that. I really wanted to like that motorcycle so did I changed my opinion about that motorcycle - you need to see that. The above video is just my personal opinion so if you are interested in that motorbike, you should see it yourself not base on someone else's word. Cheers
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[@gordons3071]

Uncle, A very nicely done, helpful video! I've watched probably 15+ videos on the new Gold Star before watching yours and while all seemed fair to a point, yours really pointed out the shortcomings on this bike. It really gave me an entirely new perspective on this bike. With that said, many of the things you pointed out (such as the various unmatched colors of some plastic pieces) should be able to be remedied by the factory quite easily and inexpensively. I'm hoping they take the criticism to heart and make some much-needed changes before the bike goes into production. I'm still quite interested in this bike, and I wish the company success!

[@SteveBlancoMusicianWarrior]

One of the things I love about my W800 is the fit and finish. Absolute perfection in the details and no cheap feel🥂

[@UncleLongbeard]

True

[@dodibenabba1378]

Good review but you can't compare it to a triumph which is more than twice as expensive! We should be comparing it to the interceptor.

[@UncleLongbeard]

1. That's a new bike on the market, so if they want to buy riders sympathy they need to give us something extra (extra quality for the price?). Also, sure I can compare it to Triumph, whatsmore I can always say that Triumph offers better quality for a higher price. Don't you think so? 2. I compared it to Enfield as well, so you're welcome ;)

[@stilojota7543]

We were told that these are pre-production prototypes when at the NEC. Hopefully they will be a little more polished when they go on sale. They should be priced similar to the Royal Enfields, but I’m afraid they will foolishly believe they can compete with Triumph and prices will be much higher.

[@UncleLongbeard]

even if those were prototypes, for the big come back it should be a bit more polished I assume, especially those are pretty obvious things. Anyway, in that case it's good to complain a lot and hope that they will listen ;)

[@stilojota7543]

@@UncleLongbeard I totally agree. To be fair to them they were asking for feedback from the public that attended the show. They wanted suggestions as to what we would like to see changed or improved on for the production bikes. Whether they will take any notice we’ll have to wait and see.

[@dinsdalepiranah1189]

@@stilojota7543 asking the public how to build your motorcycle somewhat gives the game away I think.

[@andrewvickers4487]

"Bloody hell!" Fun vid thanks! I like what they were going for with the chunky modern look but you did well to point out some foibles for sure. "Bloody hell!" haha

[@UncleLongbeard]

I got the same feelings. I wish they will make it right at some point. Or maybe it was the pre production prototype and they will watch my video and fix the issues :D

[@jacklukas7910]

Blooody hell !!! I was gonna buy this thing !

[@andrewvickers4487]

@@jacklukas7910 Haha

[@jeffhopkins8131]

Comments are spot on let’s hope they sort out the bike for full production

[@UncleLongbeard]

I hope for the same as this brand and name deserve better.

[@beatnikbiker]

Well, good job, first video I see with detailed views of the bike and it a real eye opener. I am not so sure if I still want one. Have already two "real" BSA's, so was waiting since 5 years for the revived BSA. I see the Triumph and even the RE are much nicer but what the heck shall I do as a BSA man through and through??? Bloody funny too. Thanks!!!

[@UncleLongbeard]

As BSA fan, go buy W800 ;) Thanks for the comment mate

[@TriumphBeezaman]

The engine has been built in conjunction with Rotax & looks to be a reworked & cosmetically changed engine that was in the BMW 650 Funduro 100x83 652cc

[@UncleLongbeard]

So, they did reasonably good job in hiding the original engine in the new plastics ;) But if that would be me responsible for that project I would rather try licencing and reworking DR800 engine or if I would really want water cooling, I would go for ktm 690... This way or another, they didn't buy me.

[@dave6467]

@@UncleLongbeard the KTM duke engine would be more fitting, as a reincarnation of what was, once, a performance machine.

[@markdoolan7282]

I think the exhaust is one of the best things about it but i agree about the radiator. I think you’re a little harsh.

[@UncleLongbeard]

Harsh because I expect some quality on at least Enfields level? OK ;)

[@SuperMYSHKIN]

@@UncleLongbeard Precisely.

[@glengerdes4158]

Any idea on price?

[@ruahinesrider]

Has anyone seen my radiator from my mini.

[@Lukep123456]

That USB port is a useful thing to have. Most of your comments were on what you like , i personally like the big exhaust pipe and the radiator. You tried really hard though, I give you that.

[@UncleLongbeard]

To me you can love every scaffolding pipe out there or even think that BMW GS is beautiful. If you want you can also fit Fiat Ducato radiator to your bike and attach even 10 cheap aliexpress usb ports to it. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure as they say.

[@Oldbmwr100rs]

I noticed the oversized and ill fit radiator in all the other videos. I know these are very pre production bikes, and will have a lot of rough edges. Many of these complaints will likely be addressed and cleaned up. It's kind of unfair to compare to Triumph now, but I remember the early ones and they weren't so great. I would like these to be brought up to the present finish of Enfield though. I have worked on a few of Enfield's old bullets from the late 80's and they were pretty crude, reliability was not great either, same with Ural of the time. I'm kind of waiting for this "BSA" to be hitting showrooms though, I love the old singles and hope this captures more the feeling of them over just some hoaky style.

[@UncleLongbeard]

That's why I think we need to complain louder - to let them know we don't want Fiat Ducato radiator on a bike ;) I had many Urals and Enfields in my life and I know one thing for sure - Enfields were never a badly made as something made in CCCP (or USSR if you prefer). Nevertheless modern Interceptor looks well better made to be honest. I love singles as well, but not that much of a bmw F650 (which is a base to that Mahindra). I am a big fan of all big Japanese singles though like xt, dr, xl, sr's ... Let's hope that the characteristics will be closer to xt than stock rotax. Cheers

[@beastieboy3926]

I like the look of the big engine. The really early Goldies to late 50````s were slimmer ,then they introduced the " big fin" engine from late 50`s to end of production in 62 It is reminisant of the "big fin" engine.An identical copy of the original could not be legally made and sold by a big manufacturer today,so I think it`s quite goog for the price.

[@mwbright]

Is this one got a governor on it? Because I know one of them does here in the US, and I have to say, there´s no way in Hell I´d get a bike that´s got something on it to cut its power in half. And I would have bought one too.

[@agohelliwell6755]

I like the bike . So do many of my friends and we can't wait to get our hands on em ! OK it's all down to price which hasn't been released yet but if it's less than 6000 I'M IN ...

[@UncleLongbeard]

That's why Mahindra will probably never fix the issues with that bike. Why replace the rad or scaffolding, when there are still people who want to pay no matter what ;) For 6k you can get Enfield which is superior to this thing in terms of quality I'm affraid, so this Mahindra should be 5k at max

[@agohelliwell6755]

@@UncleLongbeard I don't regard the Enfield being superior .. a 650 twin cam 4 valver is what I'm after . We'll see how the roadtest goes . I could have bought the Enfield a few years ago but I wasn't impressed . The BSA on the other hand OH YES .. I think there's gonna be lots of Enfield trade ins . So let's wait and SEE .

[@UncleLongbeard]

@@agohelliwell6755 So you say you are more impressed with plasticky rebranded f650 lump from the 90's made by Mahindra. It's your money so I will say - fair enough

[@leehartung2814]

I think it looks great. Massive exhaust pipe fits the one huge cylinder. It has to have a radiator to be water cooled, and meet the Euro specs etc. Also, the radiator on the Triumph is an oil cooling radiator stupid, of course it's smaller with less plumbing. Damn with the nit picking. It is a good looking classic style bike. I would buy it if it runs out well with no first year gremlins.

[@UncleLongbeard]

Lol, are you sure about what you wrote? I mean like are you seriously sure? 😂 Now go back to the Triumph t100/120 specifications and find out who's not so bright with the 'stupid' comment... Anyway the rest of your comment doesn't make much more sense either. 'It has to have a radiator to be water cooled and meet euro specs'? Lol - tell that to bmw r9t engineers for example (one of many). Sorry mate, but you didn't show your best self here...

[@johnmartin7158]

I think the BSA looks cool. Love it a lot.anyway for the record I have a brand new Triumph Bonneville T120, Matt Black/ Graphite gold line series. It’s water cooled. Anyway at least the channel guy is honest to himself, like I am to myself. The BSA is really appealing to me. NZ

[@marcr8968]

The new Triumph classics are all water cooled and not oil and air cooled like the previous generation classics. Triumph has done a excellent job at integrating the water cooling radiator into the frame rails. BSA needs to do the same.

[@ruahinesrider]

I hear you & I can't help but see that radiator I knew they were similar size but the BSA radiator is at two & s half times thicker haven't they heard of a 81° thermastat & high quality fan that would reduce the size & if owned one be the first thing I would do that is ECU let you.Glad you showed us the comparison with the much larger displacement Triumphs.I'm on need of some scaffolding to build a bike bshed for my Royal Enfield Interceptor.haha

[@UncleLongbeard]

Scaffolding is really useful ;)

[@johnmartin7158]

I really enjoyed the rawness and rusticness of the looks. But the bike in its entireness is aesthetically pleasing for me anyway. To compare with Triumph is like oranges and apples. Pointless exercise.

[@ruahinesrider]

@@johnmartin7158 I do love the look of it & I would own one & there might be some changes before final production.Apparently the show is to see what the public thinks no doubt radiator be discussed as HE pointed out there is a large gap where they can slot it back a inch or 2 or change the shape so it slots between the rails like a Triumph & if they don't oh well to bad & how often do you look at a bike from front on anyway.I agree with you John the bike is astheticaly pleasing & I think most people will to & radiator won't stop many people buying one.If people that OCD about it like I said you can put a upgraded black alloy one custom built to shape of front of bike & it also improve water flow too & I always get a 81° degree thermastat so fan kicks in earlier & add life to engine too.

[@johnmartin7158]

@@ruahinesrider Hi Ruahines ! You’re right that the show will kinda test the waters per se. Radiator is large and so is the header pipe. But all in all, I feel it is a hit with me anyway. For me I like the gap, but other people don’t. Triumph have certainly evolved their range of bikes and in particular of late the technology. I’m sure BSA will do the same and this takes time. Euro 5 and the forth coming Euro 6 is not easy for the designers, but I certainly commend Triumph on their new range and in particular the gold line series. But to encapsulate the golden era of motorcycling, I am a real fan boy of the American 🇺🇸 company Janus motorcycles. Love what that tiny niche company are doing.

[@ruahinesrider]

@@johnmartin7158 BSA looks great & the paint job is amazing.The gap I actually didn't even notice it until Uncle Long bead said something & some of the stuff he pointed out may not be on the bikes when released & it won't be long now anything over 400cc be water cooled it the way of the future.Royal Enfield will be water cooled in future & that will give them more opportunities for new designs & larger capacity engines too maybe a Vtwin like KX 838 water cooled with more traditional forks will crack the American market as 883 Harley Davidson Sportster are gone now so market wide open & there hasn't been a British heritage Vtwin since Vincent in the 50s.Good on India to make British designed bikes & build them in India like Royal Enfield & BSA.The Indians are a very resourceful people & I'm glad they've picked up the torch.America is screaming out for a 883 replacement.I think BSA will go from strength to strength in the future.

[@rajb5595]

Given that the head is also made the way u explained other parts , a 650 single cylinder would blow it apart ?

[@UncleLongbeard]

Might be :D

[@JanuszLekkiegoTerenu]

Bardzo ładny obrazek z tego aparatu. Tez o nim myślałem, ale jednak zbieram na a7IV. Zobaczymy jak to będzie z tym zbieraniem ;)

[@UncleLongbeard]

No tak, ja mam a7c jeszcze zanim weszlo IV. W sumie to i tak nie wiem czy bym doplacil do IV. Napewno ma pare istotnych rzeczy jak 10 bit video czy brak cropa przy 30fps 4k, ale... jest też ciut wieksze od a7c, a wspomniane różnice to na produkcje youtube'owe i tak jest za dużo ;) Poza tym jak to zwykle w świecie fotografii bywa - ważniejsze jakie kupisz do tego szkła... Jak masz się spłukać na IV i potem walczyć z kitowym obiektywem - to słabe dość. Aparat jaki by nie był to i tak za 3 lata będzie przestarzały, a szkła zostaną. Ja nie mam kitowego szkła wogóle, za to mam Sigme 24-70 która na motocykl nie ma sensu bo jest wielka. Na moto mam Samyang'a 35:1.8 - niewielki, pięknie rysuje, AF przyzwoity, a ogniskowa uniwersalna. Obrazek o niebo lepszy niż z kitowego obiektywu.

[@JanuszLekkiegoTerenu]

@@UncleLongbeard ja do vlogowania (tj, do nagrywania z ręki tzw. gadającej głowyh używam samyanga 12 mm 2.0 z AF, ale to w apsc). Często korzystam z 18-105 od sony. Wiem, :( po zakupie nowej puszki na pewno bym zaczął zbierać na obiektyw. ;) albo i dwa. Myślę o a7IV pod kątem komercyjnych zleceń. 10 bit, 50 fps w 4k (z cropem bo z cropem), szybki AF i stabilizacja - to takie główne zalety :) Pozdrawiam

[@hikarthikyadav]

What is the price of bonnveli and BSA Gold Star...? How can you compare it ....

[@UncleLongbeard]

simple, both are motorcycles

[@mykheaton]

I see what you mean, I love the styling but the engine really does look like it's been 3D printed. I wonder if that will change when it's being produced in Birmingham...

[@UncleLongbeard]

I love the styling as well and ... it looks gorgeous from the distance ;) Let's hope for the that improvement as I would really like to have a big thumper

[@mykheaton]

@@UncleLongbeard Yeh, my last bike was a 690 Duke and that motor is unreal! Not your style though for sure.

[@UncleLongbeard]

@@mykheaton well, the engine character is definitely my style 🤣

[@ragimundvonwallat8961]

this is never gonna be produced in england lol , i cant beleive you guys beleive this

[@UncleLongbeard]

@@ragimundvonwallat8961 I thought it will be made in India actually but I don't care really as long as the quality is where it is...

[@johnjewers]

I like the bike too, and will consider buying one, once they come out. Hopefully, BSA/Mahindra will note your criticisms and make whatever improvements they can within their budget restrictions. The USB socket looks like a £1 ebay from China item!

[@Telecasterland]

I think you are right about it being a preproduction mockup. Lets re-review when the real thing becomes available for testing.

[@UncleLongbeard]

some people claim that it's pre production but not a mockup as everything worked on that bike.

[@artstar5994]

Thanks for the heads up...

[@robertodebeers2551]

Would Triumph please build a big single retro bike?

[@HippoDrones]

I'd not noticed the USB port, you'd have thought they could have at least hidden it out of sight! The radiator is like it would have been made if they built the bike in the 60's, the bike is quite nasty cheap overall, I really hope the price is very low, Royal Enfield have got the retro scene in the bag I think currently. They should have put the cat in the end cans.

[@UncleLongbeard]

They made a lot of things wrong. That's IMO the result of hiring incompetent people because every half brained designer would told them that this radiator is massive and ugly... As is the scaffolding pipe 😂

[@HippoDrones]

@@UncleLongbeard YUP

[@wolfgangwind788]

Deine penibele Kritik mag manch einem hart erscheinen aber ich kann alles unterschreiben, von dem was du gesagt hast - man muss natürlich auch das Preis/ Leistung Verhältnis zu Grunde nehmen - jedenfalls eine super Reportage ! Gruß aus Köln

[@UncleLongbeard]

Glad to hear that. Danke schoen my friend ;)

[@nathansealey6270]

I agree the header is abit ugly but doesn’t look out of place, couldn’t say in person but have heard that the header also contains the cat/converter as well. & the engine is a rotax/bmw fs650 based unit which is a dohc 4 valve unit redesign by an Austrian company/university. Again haven’t heard this in person but only from researching & reading through comments. Personally I like the bike & glad to see BSA back on the scene.

[@UncleLongbeard]

Yes, I show the cat in the video later on. I honestly don't care if the engine was designed by rotax or a Chinese or Indian company - I'm only interested at this stage if it looks good. And it doesn't. Reliability is a question for the future anyway.

[@nathansealey6270]

@@UncleLongbeard I know what you mean, all these current retro-style bikes are neither really retro or classic. The last true retro-classics was Indian Enfield bullets which they stopped making maybe 10yrs ago now, that & the original redesigned American norton commando which norton sold off the engine rights to china a few years back. I would be good to see either a true reproduction of the original bikes at sensible prices or a new designs coming out like triumph once did before they switched to just making awful looking honda superdream based retro-cruisers. But saying that they may not actually have the legal rights to the original designs anymore just the rights to the company’s trading name.

[@UncleLongbeard]

@Nathan Sealey Sure Enfield was retro but it was just an old 50's bike made today, on the other hand bikes like interceptor or W650/800 with air cooled engines are real modern retros. They look great and are totally reliable

[@mred7030]

shrouded rear shocks would look more original .that would be my first change . 2nd pliars to snip telephone exchange of h/bars , if .....?

[@UncleLongbeard]

there is a long list of things to change ;)

[@ClearBrookExotics]

Went with a Moto Guzzi V7 because I didn’t want a radiator or chain.

[@UncleLongbeard]

Great bike

[@sergiymarchenko1002]

"...See you later, Radiator !.."

[@9422148519]

I loved the way you detail the things !

[@RedfordBaron]

Well said hopefully the production bike will be to a better finish

[@UncleLongbeard]

indeed, let's hope for that but if the selected best bikes for the show are like that... never mind, time will tell

[@michaelwallace9867]

Bare in mind this will probably be somewhere half the price of a Triumph, therefore you are not going to get the same quality. It's the same with Royal Enfield and they sell shed loads. Having said that I think BSA will need to up their game a bit and will no doubt. The bike is almost at the beginning of production and just needs a bit of sorting.

[@UncleLongbeard]

1. You don't know what the price will be, so tell me more about it. 2. Smaller radiators are not more expensive 3. Enfield is cheap and better made 4. It needs 'sorting' because some visually impaired person put a massive rad and scaffolding pipe on it.

[@fatfatboy2366]

I have to wonder why they stuck with a single. Singles are under powered paint shakers. The reason I sold my Royal Enfield. I liked looking at it more than riding it. I'm not a museum so my bikes need to be fun as well as beautiful. At least the RE is air cooled. That radiator is fugly.

[@UncleLongbeard]

Well, I guess that the answer is simple. All the other retro's are 2 cyl.: Interceptor, Triumph, W800, v7... so they thought that there is a chance in niche... Especially that Enfield is not making anything bigger that 20HP 350cc. Also, most famous BSA was a single, so I would say it's a good decision. And if you think singles are no fun underpowered crap - try test riding Husquvarna Vitpilen 701 or KTM 690.

[@pachy444]

Very first time I saw it I thought, well they just painted everything they didn't want you to look at in black, it has NONE of the grace the pre unit BSA Gold Stars had. BSA Plastic Star 😎

[@UncleLongbeard]

Plastic Star ;) I like that 🍺 Fully agree, nowhere close to pre unit

[@nathansealey6270]

Sadly its just a BSA in name only, the real designers both Val Page & Edward Turner who made triump/Bsa motorcycles for for what they were died in the 1970s. Good to see the names still alive though

[@UncleLongbeard]

Of course it's only beeza by name but it could be much better looking bike even if it's not what it was. It's rather easy task but they would need to hire different designer 😂

[@maxperry1635]

@@UncleLongbeard - These guys do not really have a grasp on the classic bike heritage. It reminds me of the attempts to bring back the Camaro and T Bird.

[@maxperry1635]

Hey Uncle, good job, you don't pull any punches, bloody hell. Boy the BSA people must really love you.

[@MultiDimo]

Excellent review on this much anticipated bike! Quality (or the lack of) can easily be observed with closer inspection of details. I, for one, kept looking at the bolts they used on the engine - I've seen nicer ones on agricultural machinery. Hopefully, production versions would be much improved. The bike eventually has the potential to live up to its badge...

[@UncleLongbeard]

There is some potential but a bit ruined by bad design and QC. I wish them all the best but with the direction they follow for now it can only be a cheapo Triumph/W800 alternative.

[@Barrybristle]

Sadly, you are right. It's a traversty, not a derivation from the original DB32/34 at all. Why double overhead cam bucket shims, water cooled and why 652 cc, unless that is explained by it's looking very much like a copy of the Rotax engine used in the BMW F650 from decades back.

[@UncleLongbeard]

that's what I heard - that it's f650. And after visual comparison I think that it's true... Which is an utter nonesense. That engine was always a mediocre lump - defo not suitable for the db34 inheritor...

[@barriedunkin4043]

There's good bits and bad bits, but overall, for a bike expected to cost around 6k,its pretty decent.

[@UncleLongbeard]

I'm constantly surprised by the people who claim if it's cheaper it can be bad. Nope, if that's cheap and bad, I won't buy it. There are other bikes which are cheap and better made, or even used bikes as well. No reason for us to buy unfinished or poor quality product only because they stick a nice badge on the tank.

[@andyc750]

Just as grumpy as expected, excellent,.made me smile lol

[@UncleLongbeard]

I should rename the channel to "the grumpy uncle' :D However I seen the bikes which positively surprised me there

[@johnmartin7158]

@@UncleLongbeard You sound a grumpy ole sod like Stuart Fillingham, but I appreciate your honesty and truthfulness in your review. We shall agree to disagree on the bike. I loved the bike and in your eyes, I am probably misguided and blind and dumb. LOL ! For the record I respect people who are blunt and honest. Tnx a million for the review Sir. NZ

[@UncleLongbeard]

@@johnmartin7158 hahaha, blind and dumb... that's a bit of a stretch :D even more than a bit :D Of course it's blind only ;) But jokes aside, you got me a bit wrong - I like the bike generally speaking, but I just hate how they f...d the details. As I said the bike looks good from the distance (which means looks good) but... they added this fat scaffolding pipe and massive rad which totally ruined it. The rest is just the nail to the coffin. And to be honest - it's a big corpo not a small startup, so they can easily resolve those problems. I mean smaller radiator, better hidden Cat, same paint, thinner header... common - I could sort it out in my shed easily. But possibly they already calculated that some people will buy it anyway, so they can cash in twice for a custom parts like a small rad kit :D Hope I'm wrong and they will fix those issues in production model. Otherwise I will have to be grumpy forever 😂

[@TheThaggs]

Thanks for honesty

[@logotrikes]

Fair commentary I thought. Echoes many of my thoughts. Triumph have nailed it, but it'll be a lot more expensive. Not keen myself....

[@xorbe2]

Probably the next revision will look a lot better, if BSA makes it that far. imho, Triumph Speed Twin ftw.

[@UncleLongbeard]

Yes, maybe they will realize it's about right to use slimmer radiator :D

[@frankkemble2103]

Spot on! My thoughts exactly. The bike looks great from a distance but that Dodge Ram style header and the radiator from an old farm tractor are hideous. USB outlet not a bad idea but not placed right in full view like that amongst the retro gauges- stupid idea. Needs a little fine tuning for sure but the overall package looks pretty sharp- from a distance.

[@UncleLongbeard]

Good thing is that they are now looking for engineers in the UK so there is a chance that they will correct those pre production issues. And maybe, possibly, it will also look good on closer inspection ;)

[@jacklukas7910]

Thanks for this honest review. I was considering buying this bike but now I dont !

[@UncleLongbeard]

first - wait until it will be on the market at all as now it still isn't... which could mean they are working on details, or actually anything else like no money left :P

[@flowmodel]

Hello! You're right on all the way! Pre product bikes on first show? What a pity... Plastic cover motor... BSA spirit is so fare away... Hope, realy hope that engine will have real thumpy caracter. Torquey and smoothy. Impossible to know some infos about bore x stroque. Seem to be square, not long stroke. I'm big single "addict" since mor half century now... Remeber first look on Th Yamaha SR 500 2J4 on 78 year... Better look and finish. Why Suzuki, in this time, never give us the Tempter single with 650 LS Savage motor, instead 400c?. Never see one in real, bur this bike was so well done... Anyway, thank's for this report. Gerard. From France. And so sorry about my bad English language.

[@UncleLongbeard]

I fully agree, the big single (but well made) would be great.

[@logotrikes]

Never apologise for you English dude. Us English are generally not inclined to learn another language.....

[@honestjohn6222]

I guess it will comedown to price and reliability + marketing , cheers !

[@UncleLongbeard]

as there are other reliable and proven bikes it will come down to price only. Sadly though as with some changes it could be competitive bike

[@750triton]

Biggest difference between the DBD34 and this one is, the DBD34 could be taken racing with just a few modifications. This one, not so much.

[@UncleLongbeard]

You can race modern interceptor at best ;)

[@viramati5831]

I tend to agree

[@santifresnel2320]

finally a decent review of the Yezdi. Sorry I misspoke, the new Gold Star.😅

[@kevinrendell9770]

Love it But the seat! Like the seat on the 60s Lightening the Rad cap Have to go

[@bobmurphy9380]

Would very much like to hear one!

[@UncleLongbeard]

No problem at all. At 1:14 kzbin.info/www/bejne/gp6raKeVZ8psbKc

[@bobmurphy9380]

@@UncleLongbeard Gold Star?

[@UncleLongbeard]

@@bobmurphy9380 yes, the same engine :P

[@tpv59]

THANK YOU. WELL done sir. Very Much Appreciated.

[@jamesonpace726]

Aw crap, you're right. Must've been the tears in my eyes that blinded me. Too bad....

[@guthrie1960]

I agree with everything you said But... how much will it cost? If it is a low cost bike then it will all be good, if it is more than a RE then forget it.

[@UncleLongbeard]

Yes, true but still, what's the point of buying rubbish bike? Just because it's cheap it doesn't justify that. It's like buying some nonesense rubbish on black friday just because it's reduced by 40% :D But of course I'm over exaggerating - it's not that terribly bad... and as you said it needs to be lower than RE

[@guthrie1960]

@@UncleLongbeard I can get a Casio for under $100 but if you want a 250K Patek Philippe that's up to you, but what you will find out is they both tell time, or in this case get you from point a to point b. So if I don't have to spend the money then why should I. I drive a "rubbish" ford ranger with 180k miles on it every day. Sure I could get a new F150 and spend 40-50K but why, I would much rather have that money in my Roth making 12.4%. But I am just cheap like that.

[@UncleLongbeard]

@@guthrie1960 you drive ford ranger but would you drive fiat multipla as well? ;)

[@guthrie1960]

@@UncleLongbeard if your trying to corner me into aesthetics then you will be mistaken Yes I would get a multpla as I see a used one is 2 grand and if I could get parts like a ford ranger then yes. I care about the long term usage my wife's Vibe has 245k got that one new. She still drives it. I got more than the money I put into it back out of it...that's the point I am making looks means nothing to me well even that's not true the uglier it looks the less likely it will be stolen. The most bang for the buck. With BSA it would be parts for the new bikes if they make a million of them them parts will be in stock for 20 years. I am in my 60 so it would run for the rest of my life. And that sir is my last words on this post.

[@UncleLongbeard]

@@guthrie1960 Well, when I want to spend my hard earned money I would like to buy a decent quality product. When I have not enough money, I would look for the used one rather than cheap quality alternative. Anyways - there is always an Enfield which is reasonable quality and cheap at the same time... so BSA or rather Mahindra needs to work a bit on that

[@harveymushman2219]

Your right....

[@cedricletourneur5980]

I agree...!!!

[@abeltriumph5057]

So you have an old BSA…think the new ones will run much better… Seeing it in the flesh at motorcycle live ,I think it looks amazing especially with all that euro 5 plaguing it. I love traditional bikes. The early English models are the best. Especially the 30,s. They All look fantastic and as fuel combustion comes to the end they are only good for B roads.

[@UncleLongbeard]

For running much better I have W800 - it looks good, runs well and it's much closer to my BSA in every aspect than this cheapo bike. And for every BSA lover I would highly recommend to rather buy the W then this. And that's a pity as I would really like to have a good thumper as well.

[@abeltriumph5057]

@@UncleLongbeard I saw the W800 at the motorcycle live. Great looking bike. Was in a dark grey. The Trouble about the W800 is the price. Nearly 9K!! Fingers crossed the BSA will be priced right. They will go like hot cakes

[@UncleLongbeard]

@@abeltriumph5057 I bought mine with 7k miles on the clock for 4.3k ... just sayin ;)

[@leehart1498]

Damn man, get over the radiator, it's water cooled. The RE is air cooled, and the triumph is oil cooled. Water cooling is a good thing. The header pipe cover looks good to me. Massive with one big cylinder, they go together. USB port? Well at least it has one. Muffler looks very good. The CAT parts are not built inside so it looks like it is out of the 50's or 60's. Not a huge 30 LBS muffler.

[@UncleLongbeard]

1. Triumph is WATER cooled. So it can be done better. 2. Header pipe is made from scaffolding pipe no matter what. 3. I can buy a nasty looking USB port on aliexpress myself. No big issue really and will cost you about a fiver. 4. Cat looks like an ugly can no matter how you call it. It could be hidden way better In summary: stop fighting for Mahindra corporation - they are a massive, multi million dollar company which can defo manage a bit more than a cheap usb port and ugly radiator. They really can but they prefer to cash in on naive people loving the brand called once BSA. And you are doing no good to that name to be honest. You are just helping the big corpo to cash in. Your choice of course...

[@ashleyp3161]

I saw it at the NEC and wasn’t very impressed. But I did find a hidden gem.... the new RE Classic 350 💕

[@ashleyp3161]

@VonRyansExpress The red and chrome looks fantastic. I badly want one too. If I can get the money together I’m having one for sure.

[@UncleLongbeard]

I'm not a fan of the new 350, as I don't see the point of the bike which can't keep up with modern traffic. Also I think that the old bullet is much much better looking bike except much worse production quality ;) But I love the new interceptor in red and chrome ;)

[@ashleyp3161]

@@UncleLongbeard It can keep up with traffic just fine. The interceptor is a good bike but I’m not a fan. The engine looks like a giant BSA Bantam engine and the seat looks like it should be on a weight lifting bench. Also it doesn’t look as good as the old one. The Classic is the bike for me 💗

[@UncleLongbeard]

@@ashleyp3161 I tend to disagree. I owned a few bullets 500 which had even a few more ponnies, and I did quite a few miles on them and IMO they are not. Without molesting your engine you can do up to 60mph, everything above that is a big strain on your engine. Also the bike is happiest at 50mph. And yes, you can go faster but the bike won't live long if you will constantly do it. The top speed is 70mph so there is no chance of keeping with the traffic on the main roads. But I agree it's a good looking fun bike for cruising on B roads

[@ashleyp3161]

@@UncleLongbeard I think the new 350 is faster than the old 500. Same top speed but perhaps You can cruise faster without shaking the bike to pieces. But I don’t really know I’ve never rode one 😂. Probably not fast enough really. Looks like a Rebel 1100 for me then.

[@mrsmith697]

A agree.but it a singel..so it is a big piston=torq.

[@UncleLongbeard]

BMW f650 style torque... Ish

[@A65Bill]

@@UncleLongbeard Have you seen the flat torque curve?

[@AndyBarbosa96]

Would get one immediately were it not for the radiator......

[@revelationakagoldeneagle8045]

And that, and that, Oh, what is that? 😂 Bloody Hell... Thanks for the info 😊

[@UncleLongbeard]

😁 no problem ;)

[@revelationakagoldeneagle8045]

@@UncleLongbeard Laughing with you Brother...The BSA, as you stated, looks good from a distance, but you got up close and personal. And you are Bloody Right, it's crappy looking. One could only hope it runs better than it looks... Royal Enfield has designed and built some great bike's. The fit and finish on the Enfield is way better. Have a great day Brother ✌️😎 From Georgia, USA...

[@critterIMHO]

I was excited when I first saw the new BSA, but these serious flaws really turn me off.

[@fugi9604]

Personally I like the bike very much and nothing on it bothers me.

[@UncleLongbeard]

I can't help with that ;)

[@agohelliwell6755]

Well said . This bike I'm sure isn't going to be expensive . If I want something I'll buy it . My choice my money .

[@poatemaine6200]

Spot on. I know the euro norms are soul crushing but they did a (very) lazy job with this bike. It has one thing going for it which is no competition on this market segment, being a big single. But this is a DOHC single which will never sound like a pushrod engine. It has good performance but whoever goes for this type of bikes does not really care for performance. There is one hope for them, fixing some of the shodiness and outpricing the Enfields, which I do not see happening, even though the Mahindra has the financial muscle and know-how.

[@syed6758]

After all it's a prototype !! Can expect from the final product.

[@UncleLongbeard]

prototype on which you can seat, change gears and all that stuff? Interesting. Also, if you prepare something for the motorcycle show you should prepare it good. It should be creme de la creme

[@syed6758]

@@UncleLongbeard agree with you, but for them prototype is a prototype 😂, let's wait for the final product

[@UncleLongbeard]

@@syed6758 I will rather let them know what they did wrong in the meantime ;)

[@syed6758]

@@UncleLongbeard now that's your choice 😂

[@duncanidaho2097]

Greetings from the States. What a beautiful design, except for the radiator which you mentioned. Because the regulatory states in every developed nation are determined to eliminate any form of transportation that enables freedom of movement and travel, or just alloying people to enjoy themselves. Too bad it will never be sold in the US if it ever goes into full production. It does look huge and heavy for a single cylinder thumper.

[@UncleLongbeard]

sadly it's going that way in so called 'developed' nations isn't it? Screw that and let's ride old bikes ;)

[@muckle8]

Props to mahindra for bringing this old English gem to market but imho it will be a hard sell , particularly in India where the single cylinder Royal Enfields have been around for ever only stopping production a short time ago thru sales falling off/ more power needed, I think BSA should have produced the A10 golden flash instead, that way they would have a 650 twin to compete with RE

[@UncleLongbeard]

I would say a big thumper would be good option but not certain if f650 lump is the best engine for that task ;)

[@Grumpy-Goblin]

I spent quite a while talking to the guys on the BSA stand and from what I could gather these pre-production bikes are really on show to gather feedback and I hope they are listening to people and that when they do actually start production (in Birmingham fingers crossed) that they do improve the things you've highlighted. I absolutely agree that the paint finish on the engine covers was dreadful and made them look like cheap plastic and the radiator is way too big. I was really interested to know that they are quoting 45 bhp for the production bikes but they have got a bike in India that produces about 90 bhp. All I could get out of them on pricing was that it will be sub £10k which means they are not aiming at the Triumph market and more looking towards the Royal Enfield market. I wish them all the luck with this bike but I think the market for a big single is quite limited and to be really successful I think they have to up the quality and bring it in at a price that competes with the Interceptor.

[@UncleLongbeard]

Sub 10k... I saw brand new t120 pre reg for 8999... So, it really needs much more than that. 90HP possibly... And a smaller radiator, lol.

[@Grumpy-Goblin]

@@UncleLongbeard I agree they have a bit of work to do if it is going to be successful and the price definitely will have to be well under £10k.

[@UncleLongbeard]

I think W800 and V7 are both in the area of 8k with no discount whatsoever. For now this bike would be my last choice really out of all the retro bikes. But it looks good from far distance 😉

[@ruahinesrider]

@@UncleLongbeard I don't think you could go aftermarket headers anyway because of tamper free ECU & your video is the first one to enhance on the radiator plumbing which was shocking & compared to the Triumph Bonniville plumbing & radiator makes you think what were they thinking this is a bike show even if they are just prototypes quality should of been better.Another viewer noticed it looked 3d printed.Good video Uncle when is it ok to borrow that scaffolding.haha

[@dave6467]

It's not going to produce 90hp. A professional speedway bike, whilst admittedly only 500cc, produces about 80hp and they're in a very high state of tune, constantly being rebuilt. They may do a one-off blue-prnted engine for marketing purposes but don't expect to buy one.

[@miknorton5887]

If that's a gold star I'm a banana

[@UncleLongbeard]

:D Someone said here - the Plastic Star ;)

[@dave6467]

At last an honest review by someone looking at this subjectively. Sadly, too may of the 45 year old plus, motorcyclists, have been fawning over this since it was shown, believing it's the coolest thing since Steve Mc nearly got over the barbed wire. The reality is somewhat different. It's not just fake but it's a bit of a 'dogs breakfast' in places.

[@UncleLongbeard]

That's true Dave - there is a lot of worshipping of this bike but it's not quite worth it. What's important here - it's not a small family company who is behind that bike and which needs every support possible to go on with it, but it's just made by a massive global corporation which simply plans on cashing on the BSA badge. So they need to do it right or not at all IMO.

[@bubbly_fuck]

Your right it's a pre- production bike.

[@malcolmmathers2690]

that radiator kills it at a glance then the elcheapo painted alloy engine covers kill it some more

[@UncleLongbeard]

Yes, that's enough said actually ;)

[@getmartincarter]

Has anyone road tested this bike and posted a video on KZbin ?

[@UncleLongbeard]

The bike is not available yet

[@getmartincarter]

The hype is based purelY on visual impressions

[@kdsowen2882]

You can't 'Bag' the new BSA -Rotax !....I mean Gold-Star ...I mean..... good review on 'The-Look, it hopefully goes better than it looks eh ?...especially for That price... Dave NZ

[@UncleLongbeard]

they fixed scaffolding pipe a bit... and that's about it ;)

[@beastieboy3926]

Didn`t notice cat converter till now. My goodness it`s ugly,and rad could be better.However if it retails circa £5k its things that could be forgiven.I have a thruxton and can easily see the difference in quality,but thruxton is double the price. If you want an original Goldie then £20k plus , No contest really

[@UncleLongbeard]

Yes, but for 5.5k you've got interceptor with much better quality

[@michaeljackson5914]

Royal enfield has nothing to worry about

[@speedfinder1]

Interesting review. Just remember, back in the day (1970s.) BSA went bust because their bikes were not all that great when compared to Japanese bikes of the same period! "New" BSA will sell thousands of these in their home market because it is better than a lot of other locally available motorcycles. The Indian consumer will buy these simply for the sound of the exhaust! The things you point out, simply wont occur to the local clients as they will not have anything better to compare it with. The price is likely to get a fair few UK sales , where new or returning riders will dip their toe into the retro market before upgrading to a Triumph in the pursuit of better quality. All in all it looks like a good first attempt from BSA. Where BSA will have to be careful will be to make big steps forward in terms of overall quality if they want to maintain a foothold in the UK and European markets.

[@UncleLongbeard]

time will tell but IMO it's expensive bike with nasty bits when you can already buy much cheaper used w800 or Interceptor... OK, none of those are 1 cyl but it's water cooled f650 engine not an old thumper. I would rather look for SR500 if I would be such a fan on 1 cylinder. Time will tell and the power of this big company cannot be underestimated but I'm rather pessimistic here.

[@craigevans810]

You get what you pay for if it's gonna sell at the UK 5k price it's unfair to compare to a Bonnerville at 9k

[@UncleLongbeard]

Didn't know that the official price have been announced, but was it? But even if it would cost 5k I can still compare it to the bonnie and say that it's got much worse quality... I also don't believe in 5k price tag, I rather believe in 6.5k. And for 6.5 you can buy barely runned in bonnie ;) or W800, or V7 or... RE with plenty of extras ;) And for 5k... still top condition w800, v7 or old gen. Bonnie or ... hold on, new pre reg Enfield? ;) All above with much better quality, but I know it's unfair... Cheers

[@alanburton2689]

I would pick the RE intercepter every time tried and tested and works don’t think this BSA will get off the ground no delivery date No dealers no price someone’s bad dream I think

[@UncleLongbeard]

I think they will get off with that. From what I know it's f650 lump in it with some basic bike around it so it will probably work, Mahindra is behind it so they've got a budget to start it. But there is a lot of better bikes to spend your money on really. As you said RE, or any retro really

[@hikarthikyadav]

Triumph bike 9lakhs in india but bsa gold star almost 3.8 lakhs how can you compare??? 1st you have to improve your knowledge

[@UncleLongbeard]

Somehow some of the commenters are so offended that I compared it to the Triumph. So let me tell you: 1. I compared not the whole bike but the size of the radiator and piping which has not much to do with a price 2. I compared it to Enfield as well but you miraculously missed that bit. 3. Didn't know that the bigger radiators are cheaper than small ones... 4. wake up buddy before you comment anything

[@ifitsfreeitsforme1852]

Just goes to show how modern imposed requirements muck up a classic design. The old uns look good for a reason : There wasn't any bloody thing hanging on 'em that wasn't necessary for the machine to function and function safely . i.e. lights, horn , silencer.

[@UncleLongbeard]

Well, true but the other brands like Triumph or even Enfield managed to deal better with those imposed requirements... Massive rad is just someone's blind eye ;)

[@ifitsfreeitsforme1852]

@@UncleLongbeard Probably some manager decided if it's painted black , they'll never notice it !

[@UncleLongbeard]

@@ifitsfreeitsforme1852 true 🤣

[@pauloakes5718]

The newer examples are tidier!

[@UncleLongbeard]

different brands and models are just tidy ;)

[@roverchap]

At least being a single cylinder they can't mess around with the crank phasing, it will sound like a classic big single. That's the trouble with RE and Triumph twins, they've gone with 270 degree cranks which makes a sound like a V-twin not traditional a parallel twin, and that's why I won't buy one.

[@UncleLongbeard]

Go buy W800 then, it's got 360 crank

[@Marcus538]

I like the bike alot , cyclinder a matter of taste but the radiator? Yes bloody awful , you dont need one on a bike

[@UncleLongbeard]

I like it as well mate, just those small niggles which renders it unbearable ;)

[@rickhibdon11]

I think you're being pretty harsh on it. Modern bikes are all going to have catalytic convertors, water cooling, fuel injection,etc. Sad but true. This is BSA first new bike in years. I've had a bunch of Beezers over the years. Personally the first of the "new" triumphs looked horrible (to me) the America? Rocket 3? any of the crotch-rocketeers? The latest are nice... bur still can't hold a candle to the originals. So it is with this, too. They've done an outstanding job of capturing some of the flavor of the originals.. (Hopefully Lucas isn't found anywhere on it)

[@UncleLongbeard]

No mate, I'm not harsh. Not even close to that ;) It's not a new company, it's a big corpo called Mahindra who are making other (even retro) bikes. So no, that's not first BSA's new bike in years. Also, they made a bike public and asked for an opinion, so I expressed one. Hopefully they will listen and fix issues before production. And what's most important - any custom bike builder could hide that cat converter or replace and hide that massive rad in no time at all. So, they are basically cheapskates as they didn't hire one or simply were not competent enough to figure that out. Ps. no comments on Lucas appearance :D

[@rickhibdon11]

@@UncleLongbeard Obviously I'd much prefer an original. My vote for the best looking Brit of all time is the Matchless G80CS. #2 Velocette Venom. #3 Goldstar.. But I can't afford any of those.

[@UncleLongbeard]

@@rickhibdon11 I'm not a massive fan of a Velo look but G80CS and Goldie are perfect. I always liked A10 though and finally I got one. And I'm also lucky enough to have the best looking modern retro as well... so I can easily complain about new Mahindra's ;)

[@davidmargetts821]

That rad is an eye saw. Rads on other naked bikes are half the width or length and look OK even if horizontally mounted. This thing is an ugly square slab. The header pipe is just a cover over something ugly so I heard, but I haven't seen it. I wonder if BSA could have passed EU emission regs by going for a 500 cc oil cooled bike, but EU emission regs seem to change every year becoming more stringent. The Honda CB 1100 can no longer be produced because of this, along with the Harley sporster and Enfield 500 classic. I wonder if in a few years that Enfield's range of air/oil cooled machines will fail to comply with future emissions regs. If I'm talking absolute crap can someone please inform me.

[@UncleLongbeard]

That ugly stuff covered by the scaffolding pipe is visible on the left side of the bike. I showed it in the video at some point. There is less and less air cooled bike but it's not all about emission norms. It's more about the power need. Less power = less temperature. However some bikes manage to achieve that. Like Ducati Scrambler or even better R9T

[@simonlangmead7]

The radiator is bigger on that BSA 650 single, then on a Triumph 1200 twin. Something wrong with that picture. Triumph also did an excellent job of hiding the coolant hoses and minimizing the size of the radiator. Also did a better job of that when compared to Kawasaki’s retro Z900RS and Z650RS.

[@UncleLongbeard]

@@simonlangmead7 true, Triumph did excellent job with that.

[@getmartincarter]

The bigger the radiator the cooler the engine will run !

[@UncleLongbeard]

This one runs at -20 I guess ;)

[@logotrikes]

@@UncleLongbeard Yeah, I liked that....

[@nickotoka]

With the right price (5k - 6k Euros maximum) its gonna be just fine as it is. I really like it!

[@UncleLongbeard]

No, for that price I can have barely used W650/800 - way way better choice. If you like fake beeza badges though, no problem either www.ebay.co.uk/itm/265461302142?hash=item3dceba037e:g:ThgAAOSwv9dhhQaS

[@nickotoka]

@@UncleLongbeard W800 no way in this price range. this w650 is pretty nice but dont forget its 21y/o. i dont care about badges either not even a less. I own a moto guzzi breva and i bought only because i liked it overall not because of the brand. I just believe that if it costs around 5k eu its gonna worth the money for a new retro big single. What are the other options at this price range?

[@UncleLongbeard]

@@nickotoka 2021 dealer test bikes - w800 cafe with 500 miles on the clock - a few for £5500 in the UK. Also I trust w650 '99 more than brand new Mahindra. Also more than new Enfield to be honest

[@nickotoka]

@@UncleLongbeardi guess there are options in this price range and retro motorcycles. I mean new staff as the cf moto 700 heritage and the voge ac 500. Enfields are a 1000eu up. But in the end with 4000 i can get a moto guzzi griso 2009 with very low milage.

[@UncleLongbeard]

@@nickotoka mhm, but why are you telling me that? We started talking about the 60's styled bikes, but now you mentioned Griso and some weird Chinese modern bikes. Do they have anything in common? I love Griso but it's completely different bike

[@thomasheer825]

I think that BSA will look at the reports out there and make adjustments to their product. Now the biggest item will be the price out the door. With Royal Enfield making a outstanding retro bike at a very low price BSA with this somewhat flawed offering had better be able to drop to the mid $4k range or it won't last long. Sorry the RE 650 is in the low $5k range right now and they are a good bike and a fully decked out unit is in the $6500 range so BSA had better get their shit together.

[@UncleLongbeard]

Time will tell

[@PaoloD2R2]

i have a triumph speed twin 1200. or better said, i HAD. I sold it because of that tiny beautiful radiator. So tiny it was useless, the engine ran so HOT, the rad fan spinning all the time throwing at my right leg hot air which couldnt stand in summertime. I ditched that beautiful bike, with that beautiful and useless radiator which was screaming form over function all the time.

[@UncleLongbeard]

Such a massive and ugly radiator like this one here is not an solution. My bike needs to look good, not like a tractor. And if I need a utilitarian bike, I would buy a Versys or similar.

[@ijaxon6675]

It's preproduction. Keep that in mind.

[@spaceted3977]

I much prefer my Royal Enfield Continental GT which I've had for five years, with no problems !!! I prefer the clip on handlebars and rear set footrests !!! Every BSA Gold Star back in the sixties had clip ons and rearset footrests !!!! But you had to fit them yourself !!!

[@UncleLongbeard]

Conti is way better for sure.

[@mohamedyousif9257]

💥 Liquid cooling is a stupid choice for retro Motorcycles 😪

[@iqubalshaikh2931]

350cc preferred in india

[@Moonrakerd]

without radiator it would have 23hp :D

[@nockianlifter661]

I don’t like it. It’s cynical marketing, which can be acceptable as it is in the case of retro Bonevilles and Kawasaki, but those are great modern bikes exploiting their heritage. The other option is a take on an older design like the Ducati Scambler, or the Vitpilen 701 cafe racer. This is just a horrible homage which is acceptable, only because RE are producing a similar kind of bike - but RE aren’t producing repro bikes with their name tagged on, RE have been producing their machines from the time RE England closed its doors. RE is a cheap, decent bike that makes no claims other than what it is. A Goldstar is carrying the reputational cheque that it’s builders can’t cash. I’ve heard them say that they have a performance machine with 90hp - really ? When KTM only coaxed 75 from a 690 ?

[@UncleLongbeard]

I fully agree mate. They could reach 90HP though, it's not a problem to get it on a track without emission norms. KTM hits healthy 75HP staying within norms, so is not far away.