Things I hate about the BSA Gold Star 650

[@stevezodiac491]

Lesson one, put your camera down, hold the fuel cap with your left hand and turn the key with your right hand. It's not hard !

[@MotoTingle]

Do me a video guide please 😂

[@doughoffman9463]

Ok, fuel cap is removed and in left hand. Then how to put fuel in the tank without dribbling fuel on the tank exterior? On my old Honda the fuel cap was hinged so after unlocking it remained attached while open. Then I had two free hands to hold the fuel nozzle and some wipes to catch the dribble while moving the fuel nozzle to/from the tank.

[@andrewoh1663]

Yeah it might be a good idea to read the manual before doing the video...

[@Sam-nt5kh]

Can't open the fuel cap Should this guy be allowed out on his own

[@hanishrahane2519]

While putting it back align the protruding dowel with the notch on the hole and slide it in. Never rotate the assembly or else you will have to bring it back to the (guns facing upwards position) every single time before opening and closing it. Practice it a few times and it gets easier

[@ScottyPilot]

I thought everyone knew that these engines don't loosen up for a couple of hundred miles but here you go..!

[@MotoTingle]

Yeah, they seem to either dump their oil and trash gearboxes when run in beautifully. BMW Funduro 650 engine from the 90s. A quick google search shows all the stalling issues existed back them.

[@defender1006]

More like several thousand miles in my experience of modern engines, and had revving them early isn't a way to get the best from modern engines.

[@Robyzed57]

Good luck to those who'll have the venture to buy the bike you tested in the video...exceeding 7000 revs on a brand-new big, single-cylinder engine it's not exactly what I'd call a fair treatment, nor am I surprised you couldn't easily overtake the cars in front of you. Never heard of a mysterious thing called 'running in' of engines?

[@xristosthedosopoulos6513]

Another thing that is not fair is that the rider on this video is about 150kgr so he killed the half of the horses of this bike....

[@sambrooks7862]

Modern engines with modern synthetic oil don't need to be run in like they did years ago.

[@stevepalmer5670]

@@sambrooks7862 Rubbish.

[@sambrooks7862]

@@stevepalmer5670 is it? The last bike I had to run in at about 45 mph was a honda superdream in about 1982, I'm not saying you can thrash the granny out of a new bike straight out of the crate but you don't have to treat them like they're made of bone China.

[@PatrickWhitaker-ls2cs]

Don't think bouncing off the rev limiter could be described as "treating it like china" 😅

[@123mistymisty]

I have had my new Goldie since saturday the 4th, I have a collection of 12 bikes , from 73 nortons yamaha xt 500 to BMW GT 1300 , tomorrow I m off to dorking I will ride my favoured bike THE BSA its brilliant

[@MotoTingle]

Outstanding! My video is not designed to slag off BSA. It’s just shows the bike I was given.

[@WyreForestBiker]

Wow ... the last part of the video showing the Jawa is a real eye-opener and rather devastating. Well done for finding the connection !!

[@MotoTingle]

I am. It hating on BSA. The day of filming was the day I was supposed to plan a my deposit. I was disappointed with the motorcycle I was given to ride. I was a HUGE fan. No longer. There’s a lot of folk placing deposits not knowing what they are getting. Cheers!

[@WyreForestBiker]

@@MotoTingle I had considered one myself . To be honest the price difference in India factor can also be said of the Royal Enfield models ( which are of course identical bikes) Its the fact the BSA is clearly just a rehash of an existing model is more damning in my mind , especially one that is a smaller capacity and in particular with the lack of clarity about the fact . I have just watched a promo video about the Jawa and the exact same rhetoric about the bike is being used as we heard in the BSA ad's !! ... It all comes across as very insincere B/S

[@MotoTingle]

@@WyreForestBiker I too have noticed the insincerity and product cross over. I’ve met commenters that think it’s a UK manufactured motorcycle and others that tell me I’m wrong as the motorcycle they have ordered is going to be so perfect. It’s not for me right now, I’ll spend my money elsewhere.

[@drcharlestennant8658]

I’ve got the Silver Sheen Legacy and it really is not as bad as he’s saying - it’s a decent motorcycle for the money - gets lots of positive comments and is actually really nice to ride

[@MotoTingle]

I am really glad your BSA isn’t as bad as this red one. But I’m seeing other owners having oil warning light issues, issues starting, EML lights. All on the FB pages for BSA owners. I truly want one but I’ll give this generation a miss until quality control has better consistency. Sounds like you are one of the lucky ones and long may it last!

[@RobinCrocker-r2p]

I had the same problem years ago on a Suzuki. Turned out the wiring loom was jamming on the steering Lock. Drove me mad but I sorted it myself in the end.

[@defender1006]

You seem to have completely missed the point of the new 650 Gold Star, I mean comparing it with your Yammy XT650, they're completely different bikes, what emissions spec was that made to meet? I have a Euro 5 'Fantic 500 Caballero, yes I have to plan my overtakes and go down a couple of gears, but that's all part of the fun of riding it!

[@MotoTingle]

I haven’t missed any points at all. The Goldie was and is a lot of trouble to owners that fall fowl of build quality issues. And yea, it’s as flat as a pancake for performance. I didn’t do this video to hate on BSA, I went to buy one, was offered a test ride and this was my thoughts on it. Agreed, emission standards have changed. For me it was the instant realisation just coming out of the dealer that it has so much less power than an XT660 that I needed to mention it. But in no way am I’m expecting the 660 Goldie to wheelie or anything daft. So glad I didn’t buy one blind like most first purchasers did. Did you know there’s a 1.1 version but BSA are not talking about it as they are trying to clear all the first gen bikes

[@johnhfish79]

In contrast to the Royal Enfield Interceptor, these appear to be complete trash. Thank you for your honesty.

[@MotoTingle]

I was planning to buy a BSA and was offered a test ride. A lot of KZbinrs did their own and slagged me off saying I have alternative motives. I just wanted to show what I was given.

[@andybrown6981]

@@MotoTingle I am glad for this review. Saves a lot of heartache.

[@MotoTingle]

@@andybrown6981 Check out my newer videos, I bought one ☝️ and it’s all gone quite badly.

[@USARAY1947]

I wonder if the ECU is programmed to redline at 7000 until the first service and end of the break in mileage.

[@MotoTingle]

Nope. The ECU is ancient technology from the dark ages. I’ve looked into it because I’ve worked on a few now. Be nice if manufacturers did this though.

[@andrewsaville6975]

So you're unhappy because the lube flung off the chain hits the right side of the rim and not the left?

[@MotoTingle]

Not at all. I just pointed it out. Pales into nothing compared to the poor welding and paint flaking off, did you see the paint on the fuel filler lip?

[@andrewsaville6975]

@@MotoTingle My mistake, I thought that you said at 3.31 ''this would bug me'' I must have misheard, you probably said ''This wouldn't bother me'' . By the way, Missenden flyer seems to rate the BSA highly against his Interceptor that he's owned for two or three years so you should have a look at it, good, sensible balanced review which I think you'll find instructive. No memes in it though.

[@MotoTingle]

@@andrewsaville6975 you mean the guy that spent nearly fifteen thousand pounds ruining a Royal Enfield 660 😂 then took the builder to small claims court. He really says the BSA over the Ruined Royal Enfield 😂 I should hope so too. His RE he hates it so much he took the builder to court.

[@DallasBurgher]

I think I will wait a couple of years until things are sorted out.

[@MotoTingle]

I am still seeing posts from new owners in Europe with stalling issues and low oil pressure leading to head rebuilds. How are they still selling bikes that haven’t been updated? It’s beyond me

[@DallasBurgher]

@@MotoTingle Keeping with traditions from the wsixies and early seventies.

[@clausentumsoton]

The Channel or the bike?

[@splodge57]

Chainlube on the right side of the rim really is a deal breaker to chain lube on the left side of the rim.😅🤡😂

[@MotoTingle]

Did you see the gouges on the front rim. That’s a deal breaker. My Triumph has its chin on the same side as the BSA, never bothered me but does bother some owners so worth me pointing out.

[@bigred8438]

I really don't understand you people. This bike is about 50kg heavier than its name sake. You are 25kg heavier than when you were 20. The bike has a short stroke engine for power not torque, so to pass a bus you have to change down gears until the engine revving in its power band....(my guess knowing over square engine dynamics, and without riding one of these, is at around 4500, revs), then see what it can do. It looks like a thumper, but is nothing like a thumper, because the bore and stroke is over square. This type of engine (over square), is in many ways, is like a two stroke the smaller the engine capacity is...or the power to weight ratio, the only way to produce usable power is with higher revs. I personally have always hated bikes like this. Always prefer torque over power figures as torque is usable from the lower revs upwards and power isn't. The old adage is "you have to scream the tits off it to get any where" is related to an over square bore and stroke.

[@MotoTingle]

You People? You’re the reason BSA is failing my friend. Thanks for the 25Kg heavier. I’ll take that 😂

[@kevindarkstar]

80 miles and you're bouncing it off the rev limiter! and running full throttle 😳

[@loddude5706]

Absolutely . . . 'I'm no engineer' he says, after 20 mins. of being baffled by a simple fuel cap . . . A poor review; by a whining urbanite with all the mechanical sympathy of a wrecking ball. : )

[@MotoTingle]

@@loddude5706 Hi. A commented called Obsidian Mirror says he has exactly the same issues with his Jawa gas cap. Seems I am not alone.

[@colinmain5641]

Wonder what the rev limiter cuts in at???

[@Jsixseven]

Thats exactly what i thought as well 🤬🤬🤬 and whats this "gas cap" and "fender" wannabe yank speak?

[@ukbiker1631]

@@loddude5706 Bit harsh but I tend to agree. Maybe put the camara down to open the fuel cap with both hands if you are not sure how it works.

[@doughoffman9463]

Same complaint with Royal Enfield 650: What does one do with the gas cap while refueling? My Honda had a hinged cap so no issue there.

[@MotoTingle]

Seeing plenty of scratched BSA tanks online as owners drop the caps. What a shame. My 70s CB750 has a little chain holding the cap to the tank.

[@georgearcher5696]

That's a good honest well researched review I'll certainly be watching more of your reviews

[@MotoTingle]

I really wanted to buy a BSA that day. Thanks for your feedback.

[@nploates]

The Jawa has the petrol cap in the middle. The Goldstar is offfset to the right. Same tank?

[@MotoTingle]

Same tank, yes. Sorry, I should have mentioned the filler hole punched in a different location during construction of the tank. Apologies

[@nploates]

@@MotoTingle So really is the same tank. Great video by the way. A bit of honesty at last. I’ve subscribed, cheers.

[@MotoTingle]

@@nploates Thanks. I have a lot more video as I’ve been lent the bike again! The dealer agrees that honesty is best

[@ukbiker1631]

@@MotoTingle Maybe the dealer knows these are in short supply so is hoping you will encourage people to buy something else he stocks instead!

[@MotoTingle]

@@ukbiker1631 I was told “it’s only £7k so people don’t mind if it’s good or bad” I was staggered at such an expression.

[@stevebarnhurst]

Love this Alex! The most honest vlog ever BUT that’s how it should be. I enjoy watching the so called ‘influencers’ but most of them can only ride in a straight line and worry more about their next long term loan bike than us consumers. Please do this more - not that anyone will lend you a bike now 🤣

[@MotoTingle]

Its true, nobodys letting me near a new motorcycle ever again, HaHa! - saying that, nothing new has disappointment me until now

[@valherurides2109]

Great job Alex, it's good to see someone actually review this properly rather than the myriad of nodding 'influencers' who will say anything for a few quid. I, like so many other people had high hopes for BSA. I truly hope these issues are corrected for later models. A couple of extra things, I believe the wheels are straight off the Jawa Classic (a 42 derivative), and the Jawa 42 just got a seat update in India due to it being well known for it's lack of comfort.

[@MotoTingle]

You can tell this video was not planned. I really wanted a BSA, I really did. Thank you for the input on the wheels

[@NooBiker]

I think people need to adjust their expectations based on the pricing. Royal Enfield have got the formula right. This needs to be a bit cheaper to match the quality, or a bit better quality to match the price.

[@HalfCrazy520]

@@NooBiker It's 6 grand. If you want better quality, buy a Triumph for 10 grand.

[@valherurides2109]

​@@HalfCrazy520it's 7 grand, you can get an Interceptor got 6 though, and it wouldn't be a piece of shit.

[@anthonydexter262]

As for your remarks on performance, mmm.?. I think the engine needs running in first..... only 80 miles on the clock.

[@MotoTingle]

So performance will increase? Amazing! - You know it wont improve. Its the BMW Funduro engine with 3BHP less, and the Funduro was awful for performance.

[@felipedourado5721]

Hello Alex, I think since the Interceptor 650 and this new "BSA" are very similar in almost every area comparing them is not like comparing bananas to oranges, right? Maybe it's is more like comparing red apples to green apples. But there is one area [the most important one] where they differ, their engines and it may give them also different characters and behavioral feedbacks to their respective riders. I mean, when we think about parallel twins it's easy to conceive an idea of a more "elastic" sort of motor. Like they are more able to be revved towards a higher position on the curve of RPMs and it's good that the ratios on the gear box may allow a more, lets say, spaced gear changes . By contrast, a big single could be interpreted as a "half" of a classic V Twin, being more apt to give out that strong low end torque and its characteristic thump faster than a parallel twin but running out of puff faster aswell. So they [the big singles] don't "like" to be revved too high. In short, parallel twins tend to be more comfortable geared high and singles tend to feel better geared low. That means that to squeeze some juice out of a single, it's better to work through its gears faster than we would do on a parallel twin. If you agree [or even if you don't] with what I wrote above, please I'd like to read your comment about it, regarding the character differences of the Interceptor 650 vs the BSA. Thanks, have a happy new riding year. Peace from Brazil. ✌

[@aladinfox4098]

Does nobody notice or care that the exhaust manifold is made to look like it joins directly on to the silencer ? If you take the metal cover off the down pipe you will see that ugly catalytic converter that has more of a carbon footprint than a 100000 miles of two stroke madness. I still like the bike though!

[@runtosatan-nl1te]

The handling problem is absolutely caused by the cheap pirelli tires! I don't trust Brazilian tires and I never will. They came on my interceptor 650 and right after I replaced the seat the tires went! No wobble, stopped pulling to the right, absolutely caused by the garbage tires.

[@MotoTingle]

I’m convinced there’s swing arm flex also. Seeing a second gen bike in a few weeks that may show signs of strengthening. Let’s see

[@craig6119]

Gas cap they run on gas ?

[@MotoTingle]

My family is from the USA. I am sorry. Seems I am doing a lot of saying sorry recently, lol - everyone's got something that upsets them, TeeHee

[@jamesmcgrath1952]

I'll keep my RE GT 650. I have a one lunger (Yamaha SR400 kick start only). And three other bikes. I'm 70 so I feel blessed. Fun video.

[@MotoTingle]

I was the BIGGEST BSA fan, until I rode one. All the hype from influencers is just sales patter. The boot marks on the exhaust is a real joke in 2022. I’d had saved up ready to buy! When paint started flicking off the handlebar mounts onto my jacket I’d had quite enough. SR400 os pretty cool. You’d of great to continue enjoying your Enfield 650 twin. I may end up with one myself and money left over, lots of money. Cheers!

[@sscbkr48]

@@MotoTingle MCs are a disease. I've capped it at 2 classics and one adv. I'm officially on the wagon.

[@MotoTingle]

@@sscbkr48 I prefer addiction. It’s a rewarding one though

[@DibromoindigoLLC]

I reckon my Suzuki tu250 would give that castrated mule of a BSA a proper go, eh ? (nice vid, btw)

[@MotoTingle]

I like your style !

[@MOTOFLIXGARAGE]

I have a Jawa 300,the chassis is not what you think, yes it must have shared most of the switch gear and electronics, but the chassis is much bigger in BSA

[@MotoTingle]

the chassis is made by royal enfield under the name "Harris" which is not the UK chassis builder

[@MOTOFLIXGARAGE]

@MotoTingle no Sir, please check and clarify your confusion. Mahindra is building its own chassis separately for Jawa and BSA. They have a huge facility in India where the Chassis are fabricated for Jawa, and it's giving pretty hard time to RE in India.

[@MotoTingle]

@@MOTOFLIXGARAGE That explains the poor welding. Check the passenger footpeg tubular mount, made in three pieces and the jig was clearly off as the center piece is mis-aligned. Thanks for the clarification!

[@MOTOFLIXGARAGE]

@MotoTingle I don't see any such thing in my Jawa. It's a mass-produced bike not a prototype.

[@MotoTingle]

@@MOTOFLIXGARAGE I loved the Jawa 2Strokes that made it over here. Really fun motorcycles,

[@lauriebloggs8391]

Noboby mentions whether the silencer can be changed? It looks welded to the exhaust pipe?

[@MotoTingle]

True. I talked to two UK exhaust manufacturers and they both intend to make exhausts with no cat

[@lauriebloggs8391]

@@MotoTingle Oh well done! Will that therefore have to include the exhaust pipe?

[@MotoTingle]

@@lauriebloggs8391 yes, full systems. Watch out for Black Widow and Pipe Werx

[@lauriebloggs8391]

@@MotoTingle Will do!! Interesting Stuff!!

[@supersmudge59]

Ummm...I'm sure that challenges like opening the fuel filler cap and removing the seat will be fully explained in the owner's handbook! Or perhaps not...

[@MotoTingle]

To be fair, I left the file cap bit in the video for a bit of fun. It really happened but I was so bummed with the way the video was going I wanted to have a little laugh at my own expense. Just to lighten the mood. I’d gone to the dealer that day with the intention to place a deposit. No way is it a £7,200 motorcycle. Paint flicking off onto my jacket was a joke.

[@ironlionmotorcycles]

Sorry mate, but I’m not sure you can be riding the bike right. I’ve got a Triumph Rocket III Roadster that’s been modified for 226Nm of torque and I rode the BSA just this weekend and had zero issues overtaking cars?

[@MotoTingle]

So it’s me? Interesting. Can’t possibly be the BSA at fault?

[@ironlionmotorcycles]

@@MotoTingle no idea bud, but I literally got off my Rocket which is 0-60 in 3 seconds and jumped on and test rode a new BSA and I didn’t notice it lacking any power, quite the opposite in fact, I was surprised at the torque. I took it out onto a 60mph country road, was in forth gear and there was a woman doing 40mph and I pulled the throttle back and overtook her no issues whatsoever.

[@MotoTingle]

@@ironlionmotorcycles which leads me to think this bike was in a bad way. It was used shortly after me by an influencer who waxed lyrical about it being so good. The bike ended up back at Lukas and was stripped for parts as they were in need of warranty parts. My point in the video was about how bad this bike was. I’ve been contacted by many other owners that have bikes exhibiting the same issues, low power, damaged rims, headlight lenses cracking. So I collated issues. I’ve then used this work to help owners achieve warranty when Lukas previously rejected them. I’m still doing my bit today. 4 year warranty but nobody’s allowed to talk about the warranty rejections

[@ironlionmotorcycles]

@@MotoTingle maybe it was that specific bike then mate? Genuinely the one I rode surprised me. I jumped on it remembering your review and was totally ready for it to feel extremely underpowered and it wasn’t in any way. At no point did it feel like it was running out of steam, I was impressed.

[@tedbowen6374]

Thanks for being so honest in your review. It’s a pity Mahindra have chosen not to export the Goldstar to Australia because I love thumpers.

[@MotoTingle]

You’ll get them next year I’m told. It’s no thumper. The engines from the BMW Funduro and look how many issues that bike had. I’ll get one soon and show you all life with a BSA in all its failings

[@Banditmanuk]

I still think it's a good-looking bike built on a low budget. The exhaust needs a guard where the boot marks are, perhaps that will happen? More disturbing for me is the misaligned frame welds 1:07 above the exhaust which you've shown on Twitter. Looking forward to seeing an owner review of one who uses it to commute all year. Long-term durability is the biggest unknown.

[@MotoTingle]

I am totally with this. Wanted BSA Gold Star to be the beginning of something great. I have contacted Harris Performance to see if they build the frames or not (attached photos)

[@Banditmanuk]

@Moto Tingle I just watched another BSA vid from The All Year Motorcyclist and the frame looked the same on that bike.

[@MotoTingle]

@@Banditmanuk On no. I really hoped it was limited to just this motorcycle

[@dinsdalepiranah1189]

I counted 5 separate pieces of tube holding the rear foot rest on, poorly welded. Why you would do that I'm not sure.

[@MotoTingle]

@@dinsdalepiranah1189 why couldn’t the tube just be bent? It makes no sense to me.

[@Gamer_perak]

R yu saying Jawa 42 & bsa is same ?

[@MotoTingle]

What are your thoughts?

[@Gamer_perak]

@@MotoTingle mine I say , it’s not the same if u ride that jawa42 motorcycle! By saying both manufactures are same means it cannot be a same vehicle both has lots of difference including exhaust sound , dual exhaust ,GC and lot by seeing the pics of Jawa 42 and ur saying means I don’t know sir it’s rit or wrng anyhow it’s nice 👌🏻 all the best ❤️

[@MotoTingle]

@@Gamer_perak Cheers from the UK!

[@Gamer_perak]

@@MotoTingle cheers 🥂

[@marksimpson4363]

For those of you taking the piss out of Alex about the fuel cap, as I waited to ride one the mechanic came out to top up the fuel, it took him ages to get it open....with both hands. As for the rest he's spot on. Build quality is crap, and performance is poor, my fantic caballero 500 is far superior in all aspects Spot on review Alex 👌

[@MotoTingle]

Read this ⬆️ and learn something folks

[@marksimpson4363]

​@stephen baron my fantic caballero cost £6500 from new better at everything the bsa does, and I'm not just being anti bsa, I went on the test ride fully expecting to place a order and was terribly disappointed

[@adamdoughty813]

I really enjoyed this video. It’s felt very much like the world has gone a bit BSA nuts with everyone insisting “it’s amazing… clearly built to a budget”

[@ukbiker1631]

It was always going to be a budget build bike but it is priced too high for what it is. For me the biggest issue from the start is it just doesnt really look quite right. That radiator is hideous! Folk were blinded by the brand but take that BSA badge off the tank and it looks like what it is - a budget water cooled single.

[@paulwaite6221]

Hi Alex, thanks for a honest review of the Goldie, having seen a few reviews of this bike I have had that feeling that the bloggers are not telling you everything. Only one other has mentioned some of the quality issues you mentioned. Keep up the honest reviews.

[@MotoTingle]

Hi Paul. I went to the dealer to place my deposit. I was offered a ride, which I gladly accepted and I’m thinking “how old is this bike?” Once I saw the ODO I was like “no way”. Truly I had hoped this was the only motorcycle affected but I’ve been message by so many people saying they noticed it too. Influencers have reach, and they’re job is to chase clicks for income. I watched their videos seeing the same flaws my bike had wondering why they didn’t mention them. But I guess now I know. I’d hate to spend £7,200 to find my bike ages before my eyes. I really did want a BSA. Planning to wait until production in the UK. Cause we’d never let this pass by quality control. Either way, a lot of folk will buy just for the badge. And it will sell. Cheers!

[@ukbiker1631]

@@MotoTingle If it was produced in the UK, the price would be far higher and then it really wouldnt be competetive.

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

That was me I guess 😁

[@MotoTingle]

@@MindfulMotorcyclist what was you 😂

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

'only one other has mentioned some of the quality issues you mentioned' - that was me. Like you I was BSA fanboy since MC live 2021 days waiting and getting excited for release. I researched and read everything about the bike, and the brand pre-ordered one but then changed my mind just before I was due to make the down payment. Something didn't feel right, the wait and increasing delivery estimates to be honest was worrying me. Did the test ride and well the rest is history, I'm still riding my Chinese middleweight ADV bike 😁

[@coilstreeservice9398]

Thank you for this real world review brother, You just made me love my 2022 Rebel 500 even more than I already did!!!👍

[@MotoTingle]

Rebel 500 is a cool motorcycle. Enjoy!

[@coilstreeservice9398]

@@MotoTingle That BSA is pretty still pretty cool too brother! Enjoy and Happy New year

[@MotoTingle]

@@coilstreeservice9398 Happy New Year to you !

[@charlesedenfield8947]

I couldn't finish watching this pitiful example of someone commenting on something he clearly doesn't understand. If the Mr. "Moto Tingle" had lived when the Gold Star was current, I believe he would not have been able to handle the realities of motorcycling which existed then. Big motorcycles were 650s, vibration was accepted even ignored, you removed the seat by unbolting it, the engine was turned off by hitting the kill button or more common, covering the carb intake with your hand for a few seconds, etc. Bottom line: motorcycling wasn't for wimps. And certainly, this replication with all its refinements isn't made for the person raised on motorcycles which have the intensity of "character" of a refrigerador. I'm not trying to be unkind, but comments that vacate an understanding the history of our sport. As to the quality issues, I agree that there is much to improve, and given the experience with Royal Enfield, that will be done short order. Please revisit the bike in another year or so. Thanks for the attempt, but a more mature presentation (minus the inserts of people yelling at you) would go better with those of us who are older. Notwithstanding, keep on.

[@MotoTingle]

I own a Douglas Flat Tanker and many others. This first gen Gold Star was a pitiful example of a modern classic. Your ignoring the many Gold Star owners I have helps to achieve warranty claims after initially being denied by BSA, because I’ve collated complaints and internet posts from owners having top end rebuild due to low oil pressure, headlight lenses that smash or roll off down the road, stalling at junctions, oil leaks from fractured oil tanks, looms being replaced because of poor location or loom caught in fixings, paint coming off of the tanks.. So while you’re slagging me off I’ve been tirelessly helping owners of these bikes. This BSA, the red one in the video, was the bike I went to buy. I had paint flicking off onto my jacket. What a pile of crap these first gen bikes are. BSA then increased the warranty to 4 years to kickstart sales and left all the early adopters with their standard 12 month warranty. Imagine how owners feel about that.

[@stewartellinson8846]

This is a bloody awful pseudo- road test by someone who seems to have decided to invent things to complain about. Chain on the right means more oil on the wheel - WHAT????? Utterly nonsensical. The constant whingeing at clocks that go "too high" is childish. Has this reviewer ever ridden another motorcycle and bothered to look at the clocks? Can't overtake something? Of course you can't on a narrow road with inadequate space. Can't remove the filler cap? Read the bloody handbook and put the phone down when you try. Pathetic. Fundementally, this is a pastiche motorcycle decided to seperate the elderly from their pension pots. None will ever do much more than a couple of thousand miles a year so, in the context of old blokes polishing things it's pretty much on the money. It's competetive-ish with the Enfield twin and it's been mooted for about four years - Mahindra bought the BSA name in 2016 and it was about 2018 that things started to emerge as to what they planned. All in all, this tells us little that we didn't already know and there are much better reviews out there.

[@MotoTingle]

I do not think BSA would agree with you. This motorcycle is being marketed to "all licence holding ages", not just old men looking to relive the past. BSA want a healthy amount of Female and new riders on the Gold Star. When mentioning the chain/oil fling, I said "when the chain is on the other side of the bike and you get a bit of fling, nobody really notices" not more oil on the wheel rim. You might want to do your research, Mr Ashish Singh Joshi has said the Gold Star has been a project since 2012 in multiple interviews. Its not for me to change what he has been saying in interviews. He told me personally he put 10,000km on the pre-production bike. Id say a last minute exhaust change caused this and nobody said "oh, this might be an issue". This motorcycle has a handling flaw which is beginning to become mentioned. I personally would hate to see a new rider be injured. Another guy who test rode ended up on a tank slapper and the rear tyre has come off the bead during the incident, the rider was called Mark Simpson and hes an experienced rider. Mind your words Sir. Over the next few years you'll see BSA replace rear shocks and further electronically restrict the Gold Star to avoid it meeting its built in handling flaw. I am absolutely sure of it. and when the first rider is injured, ill be sure to link you in this comment so you can see. Better reviews yes, plenty of them. Truthful reviews this far, Zero. Come on, boot marks on exhausts is a thing of the past, this is 2022 not 1977.

[@Mrflymess]

Let's see you do a road test Mr, so you can correct all of the misinformation.

[@stewartellinson8846]

@@Mrflymess this isn't a road test; it's a stream of prejudice and ignorance.

[@stewartellinson8846]

@@MotoTingle "Mr Ashish Singh Joshi has said the Gold Star has been a project since 2012 " - they only the bought the name in 2016, so....... "BSA want a healthy amount of Female and new riders on the Gold Star." - manufacturers always say this - the demographics of motorcycling in the west are mainly older males; they'll be lucky. Elsewhere, it will be different. "boot marks on exhausts is a thing of the past, this is 2022 not 1977." - it's not really relevant to motorcycling as a whole. Generally, your arsing about is childish and much of this so- called review is silly tripe with limited background knowledge. As to handling flaws, we shall see. The Jawa 42 has been around for about 4 years and has been doing pretty well in india. It's a beautiful pastiche of a classic bike but Indian testers see it as much more revvy than the bullet and benelli imperiale, which are it's main competitors there. honda is trying to break into this middle range, middle sized retrobike maret with a 350 single but i'm not sure how it's going. You might want to have a dig about and see some of the comparative roadtests from 3-4 years ago. CL are now on to a bobber version of the 42 which is very bobber but harsh apparently.

[@MotoTingle]

@@stewartellinson8846 it’s from interviews he’s given online, I realise they bought the name later on. But they are his words. At Motorcycle Live 2022 I sat on the BSA stand and saw a lot of females saying they love show low the BSA is. I agree with you, a lot of older gentlemen were reminiscing about the good old days

[@rubo1964]

Love your humor. GREAT review

[@MotoTingle]

Yeah, it went over most peoples heads. Haha!

[@Ian-xt1mb]

A good honest review. Thank you!

[@MotoTingle]

Thank you. It’s upset some and for others enlightened them to the quality control issues ignored by the “influencers” that you can now see in their videos after I’ve pointed them out. Let’s hope BSA up their game.

[@roverchap]

The 10,000 rpm tacho thing is a straight take from the original British Smiths tacho which rarely had a redline marked, and often went to 10k. Those engines didn't have a rev limiter as such, just valve bounce and then blow-up!

[@MotoTingle]

Are you sure about what you’ve just said? It’s a Jawa 42 rev counter that hasn’t been altered apart from a BSA logo printed on it. Nice story though.

[@raymorris952]

How refreshingly honest, love it, keep it up 👍

[@MotoTingle]

Hi Ray. Thank you

[@stephenfleming7056]

I'm just wondering if the rev limiter is adjusted up after first service? probably not as it is a low tec bike. Thanks for the review, I'm more tempted by the CB500 range now.

[@MotoTingle]

I checked with three dealers. First service is oil and filter only. No ECU plug in. I just had to know. So there’s a third of the dial that can never be used. I didn’t want to red line it, there was no red line shown. I found it randomly during an overtake, never the best place to find a limit

[@ukbiker1631]

@@MotoTingle Not indicating the red line on the clocks is a bit of an error by the manufacturer. But the dealer should probably have told you a few basics like that - it is undoubtedly in the user handbook. That said, its a low tech big single and brand new. I would have probably tried to keep it under 5000RPM.

[@stevepalmer5670]

How far do you want a 650 single to rev?

[@MotoTingle]

@@stevepalmer5670 wrong question. The question should be “Why isn’t the red line marked on the instruments” or “why do the instruments show many more rpm than the motorcycle is capable of” imagine looking 1/3 of your rev sweep and Speedo…

[@stephenfleming7056]

@@stevepalmer5670 The BMW F650 that the BSA engine is derived from had a redline of 7500, and that was almost 30 years ago. meyby they are being a little over protective.

[@xfire7]

Mine has the same problem with the cap . Its being returned to the dealer tomorrow with a gearchange problem . Finish is not good , little bit of salt and the zinc stained on the spokes in minutes .

[@MotoTingle]

The grief I got for showing the fuel cap clip was insane. I copped so much hate from people for showing the truth. I don’t hate BSA. My video stands as testament to the bike I was given. I’ve heard of the spoke corrosion issue also I hope your dealer looks after you!

[@xfire7]

@Moto Tingle Thanks , it's a weird phenomenon isn't it ! People hold a bike up like the holy grail and get well butt hurt if you dare to point out faults .

[@MotoTingle]

@@xfire7 Tell me about it. I see anyone on the forums having an issue instantly jumped on by a multitude of owners talking the poster not to tarnish the brand. I may get one in a few years, just something to potter around on. But I’m worried what condition they will be in by then

[@bradjacobs1844]

Great review! Thanks!

[@blindmellaneckbone]

Center stand option? Doesn't come with one...

[@craig6119]

And not many big singles will rev much passed 7k rpm. You need to change gear to get the torque on a big single or twin. I'm used to singles and twins. I'd love to test this bike myself .

[@MotoTingle]

MIne does 8,900rpm but just to me clear, I was not trying to get to 10,000rpm - I am a bit green on doing reviews, I was wondering why 10,000rpm is shown even though it will never be achieved by the motorcycle. Ill try better next time. Let me know how your test ride goes please! Id would like to hear your thoughts.

[@ukbiker1631]

@@MotoTingle Every vehicle I have ever known has had clocks that go up higher than the vehicle can actually do, both speed and revs. I will concede that the "red line" is usually clearly indicated and that is a definite oversight. But also, I wouldn't expect a big single to be happy revving past 6000RPM. Maybe the reality is that this simply isnt the bike you want it to be.

[@stevepalmer5670]

@@MotoTingle Where does the rev counter stop on your bike?

[@MotoTingle]

@@stevepalmer5670 Depends what motorcycle were talking about. I’ve a ten year old 660 that goes to 8,900rpm. Ducati supermono 10,000 rpm, the engine in the BSA 100% felt like a BMW I once owned, lacking in any kind of charm or power. Funduro. Man, I sold that bike three weeks after purchase.

[@abhirupsingh4004]

Some guy did a top speed run on this bike against the gps system which showed an error of 10 miles per hour on the speedo.thats a lot of error .

[@MotoTingle]

I saw that video. Lovely and flat (or slightly downhill) with a tiny lightweight rider onboard. He was beasting it!

[@abhirupsingh4004]

@@MotoTingle very true

[@richardjohnson3463]

No option for a centre stand is a major omission in my opinion. Cheap finish also very disappointing

[@MotoTingle]

I’m seeing influencers completely ignoring the poor finish. I had hoped for a centre stand also. Boot marks on exhausts, we’re in 2022, not the 1970s. I hope to see owner reviews soon. And fingers crossed this is the only motorcycle affected.

[@dinsdalepiranah1189]

No centre stand really , This is now common place on new motor bikes. Personally I would not entertain looking at a bike without one.

[@ukbiker1631]

@@dinsdalepiranah1189 Most Royal Enfields have a centre stand. In this segment of the market, it would be considered normal to have one.

[@ukbiker1631]

@@MotoTingle I think most of them just repeat the manufacturers sales pitch. At least you gave it your honest opinion with a very obvious lack of concern for any future love from the dealer/distributor!

[@MOTOUK1]

Refreshing to have an honest review thank you. I would even rate this below an RE, from what I see in the last year RE quality is coming up. Time will tell but your points, stickers on engine won’t last with heat over time. It just looks when you dig into it a little cheap

[@MotoTingle]

The fit and finish is there with the Chinese low end bikes. The engine is great! I just hope this is the only motorcycle affected with quality. I really hope it is

[@ukbiker1631]

@@MotoTingle How can you say the engine is great when the whole time of the review it is always not performing as well as you expect it to?

[@MotoTingle]

@@ukbiker1631 The engine is the best bit of the entire motorcycle

[@iangeorge8177]

When I saw it at the shows it looked like it was a competitor for RE and that seems to be pretty much where it sits. I've no problem with plastic mudguards if they last as they won't rust, but it looks like the rest of the bike might rust around it. For those of us that have grown up hoping that one day we could own a DBD34, this isn't it. I have no problem with lower powered relaxed bikes for a weekend potter but for my money I'd be looking for a couple of year old Triumph Street Twin or T100 instead. Or if I must have new, an RE Interceptor

[@MotoTingle]

I have been a HUGE supporter of BSA and their return. Meeting the motorcycle was a wake up call that the hype around it and the "influencer" led sales pitches need to be taken with a pinch of salt. I look forward to seeing owner reviews and given a years riding, lets see how right or wrong I am.

[@jonathanmeehan4057]

They are called mudgaurds, not fenders, it's a British bike it's the English language, simple as that...

[@MotoTingle]

@@jonathanmeehan4057 it’s an Indian motorcycle. There’s nothing British about its manufacture Sir.

[@Bangaliyana2024]

@@MotoTingle I hope you guys maintain the same attitude when it comes to the Royal Enfield brand too, that it is an Indian brand, nothing British about it. Seeing RE success nowadays, all Britishers seems to be scampering to claim a stake on RE heritage. Normal British double standards, eh. 😜

[@ironlionmotorcycles]

@@MotoTingle haha excellent retort sir!

[@drewdavis4614]

Hey bro, great review, you got the chops to bring the straight truth to those who don't want to spend money on the wrong bike!

[@MotoTingle]

Hi Drew. If what I rode was from China and was £5,650 everything would be totally fine. But it’s advertised as a premium product with exhausted influencers telling us it’s “watchmaker quality” and “premium”. My jacket has little bits of paint on it. My boots were melted by the exhaust! Haha! Welcome to 2023. Cheers!

[@inchlund413]

Can you do a review on interceptor Royalenfield

[@normhardy]

I've always loved the concept of single cylinder thumpers and had a few: Yamaha SR500, Buell Blast 500, Royal Enfield C5. But the motorcycles that I enjoyed riding were twins: Guzzi 750, Buell XB9S, Honda CL175, Electra-Glide. If I were buying today, I'd first take a test ride on a RE 650, Interceptor or Continental.

[@MotoTingle]

RE are great

[@larrywade9041]

Hi Norm, Have you ever had a look at the Kawasaki W800. If so, what was your take on the bike? Have a great day!!! Illinois, USA

[@normhardy]

@@larrywade9041 Yes, and I am impressed at the styling and function of it.

[@ianmcdiarmid4563]

A whole aftermarket cover? Just hairdryer the sticker off!

[@MotoTingle]

It’s okay, the stickers self peel off 😂

[@daveco1270]

Great review. You pointed out things that other BSA Gold Star video reviews have not, like the stickers on the engine, the rev limiter and the cheap feel of the buttons. With technology today it doesn't seem like it wouldn't be that hard to laser engrave the 3 guns and BSA on the engine parts. I don't mind the bronze header pipe, especially if that means it won't turn blue. Not a fan of blueing pipes. I see so many modern Triumphs with dark blue headers. Some folks will say if the headers aren't blue it means you're not riding it, but I have a 64 Triumph 650 as my daily rider and the header pipes have not turned blue. They have a little hint of a gold hue near where they go into the engine, but no blue... yet.

[@MotoTingle]

Cheers Dave. I’ve had lots of positive feedback and few loons. The stickers are cheap tat. Having BSA embossed would have been far superior. Now they have used stickers, no future batch will get embossed or precious gen owners will be unhappy. It’s an okay motorcycle, very overpriced for what you get. You gotta really want the badge. Like you, the bronzing on the exhaust is nice.

[@ukbiker1631]

Bronzing like that is usually a sign of stainless steel construction which is a good thing. It doesnt necessarily mean that you wont also get blueing if there is a hot point on the exhaust (usually at the first bend).

[@onecookieboy]

So, does it do 100 mph or not?, from what I see on this and other videos, it looks like 85-90 mph might be about all your going to get. I haven't had a bike that won't easily do the ton since I was a spotty teenager, and that was a very long time ago, can't see myself slowing down that much any time soon so a nope from me.

[@MotoTingle]

To be fair. I don’t think it does without beating the loving hell out of it. It’s sold by BSA as “a true 100mph motorcycle” I found it at 70mph was out of puff. I’m if you open the throttle nothing happens, it’s all just momentum. I’d expect 80mph but you’ll work hard at maintaining it

[@philelliott5327]

I like an honest review. The bike has non of the carryover kudos of the original Goldie. Imagine riding a Goldie back in the day and thinking it wouldn't pull the dick off a chocolate mouse, I don't think so. Any one of REs bargain basement offerings would be a better bike.

[@MotoTingle]

I wasn’t into RE that much before. Now I can see the difference RE are back on my radar

[@dayvidmathews1182]

I owned a much praised VFR800 a while ago and hated it. I bought 2 Legacys one for me one for my brother and they are brilliant. So, each to their own. I hate Keyboard bikers who have never ridden what they are talking about.

[@MotoTingle]

That’s actually pretty cool 😎 I myself, I don’t hate BSA, just this is the bike I was offered to purchase and it wasn’t great. I see the latest bikes come with a smaller radiator and different headlight lens, so good to see them evolving

[@kristophertrout7328]

The radiator does give it a classic look, for a model T Ford. 🤨

[@2ndcornets]

It's more modern than a Model T. I reckon they nicked a job lot that should have been on Austin Allegro Brit-crap cars.

[@MotoTingle]

@@2ndcornets HaHa!

[@kevinrandle1339]

perhaps you can change the rev limiter once the bikes run in, I change mine from 7,000 revs to 10,000

[@MotoTingle]

I did look into this. I contacted four dealers, all of which said no diagnostic work takes place at first service.

[@russellbanks5815]

Chain drive on rhs....??? No tubeless tyres...??

[@MotoTingle]

Rotax engine, early 90s. Sold to many manufacturers over the years, updated but never a competitor to the big six.

[@gwynnromano5881]

Looks like I can save a couple of thousand dollars by buying a RE 350 Classic. A great looking bike, similar performance and a proven track record. The fact that it has taken a few years of teasing us with promises of being ready to sell any day now, yet they have only been able to send out a few examples to the Dealers as demos so far makes me suspicious of the company. The whiff of Norton is in the air. I’ll be holding onto my money for now.

[@MotoTingle]

I am also saving my money. I wen to the dealer to buy and the finish was poor. I have been kind in my video. It also has a severe handling flaw which I and others have experienced. I caught it happen to me on video. Subject of another video though. Some serious BSA fan boys on here with personal attacks. I hope we never see a BSA rider die, it needs to be talked about.

[@jlrutube1312]

Actually this 650 and RE's 350 do not have similar performance. This bike will do about 100 mph and the 350 will be lucky to do much over 70. This bike will run 70 all day long without straining it at all. The 350 runs easily at around 50. Of course in England on the back roads I guess it doesn't matter.

[@jlrutube1312]

@@adventuredog7848 I do truly love the coming RE classic. Wish I had one.

[@Desertfox124]

It's poor made bike royal Enfield is better

[@NoelRoots-t1u]

Ok I have an RE Meteor and apart from the top speed being restricted which im sure will be put right by a re map in the fairly near future i have no complaints about welding or overall finish and an occasional clean is enough to keep it looking good, i have no paint issues and the finish is generally tougher than it looks, for less than 4 g’s i have no issue with the very good switch gear

[@MotoTingle]

Right now, I’d totally have a RE over a BSA. I’m hoping BSA up their game in the future. Looks like the early adopters of this brand all get poor finish.

[@timsnaden8937]

So how would you compare it with the Royal enfield interceptor? The influencers say the BSA is better quality but I looked at both in the showroom and still prefer RE

[@MotoTingle]

Hi Tim. Personally I would buy a Royal Enfield right now. Mark my words, when the BSAs are made in the UK 🇬🇧 they will have a great fit and finish. But anyone saying paint flaking off onto my jacket as I rode, putting on the frame, misaligned welds, and a very frighting handling issue which I recorded happening and have not added to this video. Influencers are paid by clicks or whatever. Tim, I went to my dealer to buy a Gold ⭐️ and was offered a ride. I’ve bugged this brand up and now regret my decision. I’m a retired motorcycle mechanic. I calculated £1,500 to make rectifications. I guess most owners will be happy with a BSA badge nomatter what quality. I realise my video style isn’t to everyone’s taste but I wasn’t out to knock the BSA. I was out to buy one! And the test ride was below average. Global demand says they will sell like crazy. Time will show unhappy owners uploading videos of poor finish and dealers that are helpless to rectify “cosmetic issues”. In other news, I found a nice RE 650 for £4,500 with 2,500 miles on the clock and it looks like new. I know where my moneys going.

[@timsnaden8937]

@Moto Tingle Hi thanks it makes me feel better, I picked up my brand new interceptor mid November after a decent test ride, I owned a fzs600 for 5 years but 95% of my previous bikes have been twins. I thought that buying into a bike with half the power would be a huge step down but in reality I'm having a lot more fun. When the BSA was announced I did think I should have waited and test rode one and after watching some videos thought I might have bought the wrong bike but then seeing one in the flesh it looks too much like a cheap Chinese 125 but a bit bigger. Have you test rode the royal enfield yet? I rode both the current 650s and found interceptor seat awful but the continental seat was ok so bought the continental seat for £60 and have perfection

[@MotoTingle]

@@timsnaden8937 I had saved up to buy a BSA but 5mins into the ride I started to realise it wasn’t characterful like a RE and the BSA quality is shameful. I now have a RE in my watch list. As far as BSA are concerned, I’ll wait to see if they ever make them in the UK. You just know quality will be night and day, we wouldn’t let that past Quality Control. So I’ll pickup a RE and wait to see if BSA sort themselves out. Lower powered motorcycles are more fun! You are so right on that. I have powerful machines but I can explore them like my 47bhp Yamaha. Plus it’s 10 years old and none of the paint was flaking off onto my jacket, haha! Enjoy your lovely Royal Enfield

[@lathejack]

Interesting stuff. The engine outer covers would also look better if they were highly polished, instead of just painted. The fake pushrod tunnel on the right side of the cylinder barrell is a little bit silly, but is part of the retro effect I suppose. Actually, the Jawa 42 you mentioned is a really nice looking bike, it looks like a single cylinder with twin exhaust ports. I didn't know this model of Jawa existed, so I will take a closer look at them later. But, ignoring the different engines, I don't think the Jawa is really the same basic bike or platform as the new Goldstar. Looking closely I see that the fuel tanks are not the same, the side profiles are different. The frames look different too. The tubing differs, and the headstock of the Goldstar sticks out much further from its frames front down tubes, but the Jawas front down tubes are angled and attached very close to its headstock. They do both appear to use a box section swinging arm though. I think the original BSA 500cc Goldstars had a tacho with a scale up to 8000 RPM, and I think the engine had a safe mechanical limit of about 7000 RPM. I have a 1971 BSA 500cc single, and the original factory fitted Smiths tacho scale also goes to 10,000 RPM without a red line marked on it, this engine also has a safe mechanical limit of about 7000 RPM, although in reality it would not really be taken beyond 6000. But the 1971 BSA Goldstar 250 single I own has a factory fitted tacho with a whopping 12,000 RPM scale, again with no red line marked on it. The engine is designed to run at a max of around 8000-8500 RPM, occasionally, so I definitely do not lend the bike to anyone to go for a quick spin, or they could blast the nuts off the engine to destruction.

[@risingphoenix1187]

I'll be honest. You sound like a new rider as most of the issues you pointed out could have been identified before you bought the bike. The engine at 80 miles has not been broken in, so you are not gonna have full power because you need to slowly wear the parts in until the new service. This is not a good review, fella. It's harsh to hear, but, hopefully, it helps you to think more about what you are going to address after researching the said issues. Also, read the manual that comes with your bike. It makes a difference. Wish you all the best for the future.

[@MotoTingle]

Im all good. Be nice if you made a video on a BSA, see your thoughts. Its clear this bike failed to have any PDI, the gauges on the wheel rum were from tyre irons for sure. Boot marks on the exhaust, paint flaking off. I actually filmed a second part to this video which is three months on, ill get around to it.

[@nigelfisher6896]

I don't think anyone would be trying to remove the fuel cap with one hand.

[@MotoTingle]

Not a single person in the whole world. Man, that makes me look so foolish. (Tried it on all my other bikes and all the caps came off nicely) nobody worried about the cracked paint around the mouth of the cap? Just me then. That’s why I didn’t place a deposit that day. To be fair, I left the cap video in to add some humor as the bike was such a let down. I hated editing the video, I disliked the lack of quality control on this motorcycle. £7,200 and I’m looking to spend it elsewhere

[@ukbiker1631]

@@MotoTingle RE will happily take your money and put a far bigger smile on your face. It will still be flawed - but in a way you can live with.

[@paulowens6004]

Have you been riding long?

[@MotoTingle]

Let’s see your Amazing BSA video… I’ll wait.

[@bsimpson6204]

The clock needles were naf on the NEC bikes over a year ago, they really needed improvment Gold Star £6,500 Meteor £4.139 Both are full size motorcycles and the Meteor is a single just like the Gold Star, just with a smaller piston yet it's £2361 cheaper? Think I'll stick with my Interceptor and maybe buy a Meteor for fun.

[@MotoTingle]

Agreed. Plus you can’t buy a BSA for £6,500 - It’s £6.800, they add £300 in that £300 extra £165 of that is delivery to the dealership. Who’s ever heard of paying for delivery to your dealer?

[@ukbiker1631]

@@MotoTingle It is overpriced for sure. Should be a good bit cheaper than the RE 650 if it wants to be a genuine contender for the market beyond BSA badge-fans.

[@warrenr4]

Thanks for this. Other reviewers didn’t film the bike close up, now I know why. The build and quality of the materials used is really quite rubbish. You could forgive it if it was a sub 5k Chinese bike, but for the money they want a CB500 is better in every department.

[@MotoTingle]

Many “influencers” won’t ever go into detail, they do seem happy recommending you consider the motorcycle and parting with your money. I went with the intent to purchase and was saddened with what I test rode. You are right. If it was Chinese and sub £5k this would be about right for build quality. New Honda CB750 is £6995 and although not classic looking, will last longer in every aspect of ownership. I worked out an average owner could spend between £750 and £1,500 making good the flaws. And you know what, I can see a lot of new owners happily doing this… crazy

[@ukbiker1631]

One gets the impression that a lot of reviewers simply repeat what they have read rather than actually testing and reporting back so for that, this review gets top marks but...ther were some points where it felt like the reviewer was a bit disappointed so really went to town looking for negatives. The fuel cap for example - try using both hands!

[@MotoTingle]

@@ukbiker1631 the fuel cap. I left it in for personal comedy factor. The motorcycle had such poor finish, I found it hard to report on anything other than what I noticed. It’s not Monopoly money people are spending. It’s a brand new product and this one fell very short of the mark. Go see one. Look at the welds for starters, then look closely at the cracks in the paint under the fuel cap. This particular motorcycle I hope is the only one affected. It fully justified being reported upon.

[@peterk2455]

Appears to be built in the same way a lot of English bikes were thrown together. Back when a British bike industry existed. For the price, considering what else is available for the money, not competitive.

[@MotoTingle]

I really wanted a BSA, but no longer impressed. There is a long line of folk ready to buy it. I've stepped out of their way

[@lesjones7617]

Maybe i shood start looking for a Original BSA Lightning???

[@clivecoombe5408]

Funny how views of a bike differ. My personal opinion of the one I looked at and rode from Moore Speed Racing in Poole is that it exceeded my expectations. My present bikes are a Kawasaki 650 Versys twin, a custom 70s Honda CB 550 four and two BSA 350cc B31s. When the Indian BSA was announced I thought that a 650 cc modern single should have the potential for an interesting bike so when they became available for a test ride I took the opportunity. I was surprised how it pulled so easily and seemed much more than the 45 hp suggested. Gearing was good, throttle response had no issues. Brakes and handling very good. Riding position was fine and I found the seat very comfortable especially compared to my other bikes but did notice the wide seat on my inner thighs when stoped in traffic. Overtakes were no problem on normal A road traffic and a quick twist to 85 was easy but it’s a naked bike so anything above 70 mph is uncomfortable on any naked bike of any cc. This bike I thought was superb for the type of riding I’m sure it is aimed at. Looking round the bike sure you could get picky with odd details but overall for the price point very nice. I was happy to order one in Highland Green and look forward to what I think will be a great motorcycle.

[@MotoTingle]

That is really nice to read. I hope you'll share your ownership experience on youtube as it will be nice to see, all the best. Alex

[@stuartbeech3875]

I also had a test ride on a demo bike. I found it to be a great bike with enough real world performance for me. I particularly enjoyed it's willingness to pull from low revs. I don't understand most of the negativity from the chap on the video, it's as though he has some sort of vendetta against BSA. Bike ordered, can't wait for it to arrive.

[@MotoTingle]

@@stuartbeech3875 the guy in the video is me. I went to order my BSA and was offered a test ride. The video is a true depiction of my ride. I really wanted a BSA but however my test bike was, total Friday job

[@beezaman]

Great review good to see some honesty i was thinking about treating myself was going to wait and see what build quality was like after a year. I have bought some Indian parts for my BSA's and the quality was shocking. I think I will just stick to my originals.

[@MotoTingle]

Hi Alan, I like you also saved up. I was not expecting world class, well you’ve seen my thoughts and the reality of the quality the “influencers” have led us to believe. I really wanted a BSA. But I’m not desperate for the badge vs poor finish. I’ll spend my money elsewhere

[@sambrooks7862]

I've spoken to several people in the past who ride enfields, I've commented on the cheap build quality and poor handling etc and they invariably say the same thing, change the shocks, change the tyres, change the air filter. Or alternatively instead of throwing loads of money at it to make it into a different bike just buy a better bike to start with!

[@Zandaia]

Subscribed because of this, need more super real reviews like this. There's no real praises sung by other reviewers cause deep down they know of these issues you've spoken of. Need more reviews!

[@MotoTingle]

I never wanted to bash it. I have been a BSA supporter, then I went to buy one and was offered this bike. I am now seeing FB posts from owners having cosmetic and electrical issues. How awful for them.

[@Zandaia]

Awful indeed. If you still manage to get a new bike, do have another honest review on it !👍

[@MotoTingle]

@@Zandaia You got it. I cant be bought and I wont sell out to anyone.

[@r0hon]

I had a carb t100 plastic guards, rusting rims, fogging gauges, chain on the righthanside, 140km before reserve, 2nd gear issues, shit suspension and seat and they sold really well...... Ever owned one of these??

[@MotoTingle]

I have ridden one but not owned. Fogging Gauges would do my head in. Had this with a Husquvarna Nuda R.

[@erwinballings9155]

Thx for the honest review, I keep my T100 for sure. Indeed O...M....G 👍👍

[@MotoTingle]

T100 is a really nice motorcycle.

[@helenloughton2418]

Should be a twin .don't like down pipe.dont like radiator.and fuel tank is not great at the seams looks a bit royal Enfield bullet.for money not bad but I feel interceptor is better bike epically the twin cylinder

[@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff]

A different take on the bike I will say 😊. I would say your Yamaha isn’t as constrained by Euro 5 regs and benefits greatly from that. A lot of valid criticisms but are you testing for what it isn’t rather than what it is? I have a fuel cap like that on one of my cars, it is a common enough design and not hard to fathom for most 🙄. It will be very interesting to see if this bike can prove itself with owners in the new year but I suspect we will be well into the summer before we see a lot of high mileage experience. It’s possible they took the revs out to 10k on the clocks to match the relative positions of the needles in 5th? That front wheel mark could of been from a puncture repair maybe. It’s looks great though and I think it will sell if they can actually produce them😮.

[@MotoTingle]

I agree with everything you have said.

[@UncleLongbeard]

You actually confirmed all my thoughts after my initial review ;) Well, it looks it's not any better than I said it will... Good that someone said how it really looks like other than all those oh's and ah's ;) chers mate

[@MotoTingle]

Cheers. I don’t hate the BSA but influencers shouldn’t tell us somethings good and forget to show us up close with it. Had a lot of folk contact me saying their demo bikes were the same. I hope BSA up their game

[@UncleLongbeard]

@@MotoTingle I don't hate it either. I wish them well and hope one day there'll be another good bike on the market.

[@MotoTingle]

@@UncleLongbeard 100%

[@alexpage7292]

Great review Al, it’s a bit cheap looking isn’t it? Shame, I was looking forward to the BSA. The build quality looks really bad.

[@MotoTingle]

I was there to place a deposit. I’ve followed BSA and been so looking forward to the motorcycle. I hope the issues shown only affect this one machine. I really do.

[@andybrown6981]

People saying just remove the seat don't consider the cost of a new seat. Also, that you paid a lot for the bike new, shouldn't have to fork out a lot extra. Have you seen the canvas looking thin pannier bags? They cost a couple weeks complete wages.

[@MotoTingle]

@@andybrown6981 i was shocked how expensive the bags were. All the influencers going crazy for the bike. well, i bought one. and things are not going well, checkout my latest vids for a real ownership experience

[@Mrflymess]

It is not a good looking bike compared to the RE (any model). I'm pretty sure my Kwaka Versys x300 would blow it away (a twin but 1/2 capacity). I think it's a desperate attempt to cash in on the retro trend & only die-hards will buy it. Good vid.

[@MotoTingle]

Thank you. It’s got many admirers, I believe the RE looks more “authentic” BSA having a final drive cover in the shape of an old gearbox is a pure styling exercise.

[@ukbiker1631]

@@MotoTingle Its the big ugly radiator that kills it for me. If RE can make a Euro compliant air cooled engine, there really is no excuse for this monstrosity. What does the BSA bring to the table except that badge?

[@ianw3294]

Think i will keep my Interceptor. RE did there homework before releasing the Interceptor I dont think BSA have! Cheers from Australia.

[@MotoTingle]

Interceptor is well trusted and as you said RE did their homework. There’s influencers riding this exact same motorcycle as free I rode it, each of them completely missed all the flaws I have pointed out.

[@RedfordBaron]

Excellent review i don't think its ever going to be a DBD34 & i love the Austin 7 radiator to 😂

[@MotoTingle]

I hope this is the only motorcycle affected. Quality Control was asleep when this one rolled on by. Austin 7, lol

[@dogphlap6749]

The original Gold Star was a street legal race bike, a horrible thing to commute London's wet streets on (but I had a mate who did just that back in the sixties). This new bike is no race bike, in fact I'm at a loss to know what it's intended for. I'll stick with my RE GT 650 twin, also no race bike but fast enough for me, very smooth and very pretty (but even after removing 23kg of excess weight still too heavy).

[@MotoTingle]

23Kg you have removed! That is impressive. I saved like mad to buy a BSA Gold Star, saving everywhere I could. Then went to the dealer to do the deal, got a test ride. Ill buy a Re650 and save money plus not have to deal with a handling issues others and I have experienced but no influencers are mentioning.

[@ukbiker1631]

If you are realistic about performance and not trying to make unfair comparisons to a modern tech 600/650 jap bike or similar, the RE 650 is a great bike, far better looking IMHO than this BSA and significantly better value. Inevitably, the RE is the BSA's main rival and I really do think that BSA need to lower their prices to a decent bit below the RE 650s if they are going to compete beyond the first few deliveries to buyers who just want the BSA badge.

[@MotoTingle]

@@ukbiker1631 I’m compared performance it to a 10+ year old Yamaha 660. That’s got an engine from the 1980s

[@craigbutler3378]

Not too sure about the Jawa comparison. The frame is different.

[@MotoTingle]

Modified

[@MauriceTarantulas]

Nice looking bike but def pass. Classic 500, sup Meteor yes please.

[@MotoTingle]

Totally

[@eazyrider6122]

Your rev limiter has extra scope becausr the bike come detuned to meet regulations. Of course performance upgrades and re mapping can be done. You've heard of stage 1,2, 3,4 haven't you?. I prefer a Monza style fuel cap personally. I like the look of the BSA over all i think they did a fair job. Its a Ton Up bike im sure with free flowing pipes, A booster enrichner plug and a free flowing air filter by DNA or similar?.

[@MotoTingle]

It has handling issues I haven’t included in this video. Give it more power and if you’ve watched my video, we’ll see dangerous results. The chassis/swingarm has flex. Stage 2 will be dangerous.

[@bazthejazz]

There's the rub! A modern interpretation of an old, fast, temperamental classic bike that is nothing like the original - except at first glance. Thanks for an honest opinion, as I'm probably not the only one who has my doubts. Norton, anyone??

[@MotoTingle]

Trading under other company’s names and confidentially continuing to build and sell them under another company’s name shows their business style www.bikewale.com/news/karnataka-hc-restrains-classic-legends-from-using-the-yezdi-name/

[@PhilipBallGarry]

Performance-wise. Nobody has mentioned that it lacked power when considering it's target market 🤔. I wonder how it compares back-to-back with the Interceptor and if you'd find that lacking too under the same conditions? My local dealer has both RE and the BSA franchises so I'll be able to test both 👍

[@MotoTingle]

Excellent. Would love to hear your thoughts after you have ridden both. My take is you have to “work” the BSA much harder than you ever would a RE650. I have ridden both and the handling flaw the BSA has which I will show in another video. Invalidates it as a purchasable motorcycle for me. In this day and age, boots marking exhausts and poor finish are not acceptable. I’d be happy as Larry on a RE650 knowing it’s not going to randomly kick the rear end out from under me. I pray they look to resolve it.

[@rickydee5863]

@@MotoTingle yeah boot marks from the soles melting on the exaust is unacceptable today. Reminds me of my 1940s triumph 500 single .

[@MotoTingle]

@@rickydee5863 tell me about it. It’s the modern age. Basic stuff like this should be dialled out. But in this case, not

[@rickydee5863]

@@MotoTingle yrah haveing seen lots of review on this bike.they missed the msrk for those of us who have owned old school bikes .its kinda sad to see what they put out with the BSA badge .. But hey im not their target market.

[@MotoTingle]

@@rickydee5863 same

[@The9meister]

Hi, good video, after watching this video, I am happy that I restored a 1980 Kawasaki z650 SR recently, it has 62hp inline 4 cylinder, weight is similar, and probably handles similar, really are newer motorcycles of this type any better.

[@MotoTingle]

80s Z650 is an epic motorcycle. I just fixed up a 90s Zephyr and it’s really good to ride. Modern motorcycles have environmental restrictions and it really does ruin them.

[@mattdog1982]

Them old uns don’t half sup the fuel though. 4 cylinder? Might as well be a car (joke)

[@MotoTingle]

@@mattdog1982 I’ve a 70s CB750 and it’s real nice on fuel, lovely to ride and it’s paint Is not falling off even though it’s 45 years old, haha!

[@ukbiker1631]

Comparing an inline 4 to a big single (of any age) is bit apples and oranges.

[@stevepalmer5670]

I had a 1980 Z650 for about 10 yrs, handled like a piece of shit & had no brakes. Apart from acceleration my RE Interceptor 650 is a better bike in every other way.

[@nigeldean3315]

Interesting review certainly highlighting some issues that a lot of other regular reviewers/ bloggers on KZbin have missed or chosen to egnore so it keeps the door open for further bike demo loans with the dealers or manufacturer🤫🤫🤫

[@MotoTingle]

I am very much aware the door is closed to me now. I went to the dealer to purchase but ended up riding a bike that aged as I rode it. I felt sharing it was better than holding it back, watching people buy their dream bike to find its quite different to the 'influencers' have suggested

[@andrewhirons398]

I guess this bike doesn’t come with a manual…or you not read it?

[@MotoTingle]

A manual that explains why there’s gouges in the wheel rim? Maybe page 14 might explain why there’s boot marks on the exhaust. I’ve had emails from BSA owners about the petrol cap and how they’ve scratched or dented their fuel tanks. My video has helped owners achieve warranty claims, denied by the dealers until the owners showed them my video.

[@kennethheldreich6604]

Brilliant truthful video 🙂👍🇬🇧🏍

[@supersmudge59]

Ref. the sales figures, the biggest segment of the 2022 Indian market was Hero (the wholly Indian owned Honda subsidiary), although all Japanese companies do have a relatively healthy share...as do Idian companies like TVS, Bajaj and Royal Enfield. As for the new Gold Star, I share your reservations - I certainly wouldn't be willing to fork out £7,200 for one. I run a Benelli Imperiale 400 that, whilst it is of smaller capacity and, admittedly, offers far less outright performance, substantially gives you the same big single riding experience as the Gold Star (as would a Royal Enfield 350 Classic, Meteor or Hunter...or, even more, if you could find a good one, the older RE 500 Classic) -- and that is irrespective of the very considerable price differences!

[@MotoTingle]

I'm with you

[@ukbiker1631]

Whilst, as a Royal Enfield owner, I have no reason to defend the BSA, many of your comments are pretty trivial. It is still a great value. But the RE 650 is better value in my opinion.

[@MotoTingle]

Trivial enough for me to not give the dealer any money. The quality controllers were a fast asleep when this bike came past.

[@ukbiker1631]

@@MotoTingle Dont get me wrong, I am very happy to hear that the BSA has so many issues. It validates my decision to buy a RE last year! After so many gushing compliments on other reviews, I was starting to question my decision, even though I love the Continental.