BSA Gold Star 650 - Image Gallery

The BSA Gold Star 650 has been introduced in India for ₹2.99 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) onwards. It's a big single-cylinder motorcycle, essentially a true thumper, which appeals to audiences who have been waiting for a true British big single-roadster bike. Let's take a close look at it.

The design takes you back to the old golden age of motorcycles when they had less tech wizardry and just a big engine mounted on a simple frame. It has a generous amount of chrome that shines brightly, making sure the bike turns heads.

The centrepiece of the design here is the 12-litre tank. It has an iconic teardrop shape with chrome patches on either side. The chrome is complemented by a suitable pinstripe and a nice, chunky band that runs along the spine of the motorcycle, over the tank and rear mudguard. The tank features an offset fuel filler cap, and the finish on it gives an authentic sense of a bike from yesteryears. There are 6 colour options to choose from.

The BSA Gold Star 650 is available in six colour options, with no variants on offer. The only differentiating factor is the colour, and the top-of-the-line option dubbed the Legacy Edition, comes in a distinctive Silver Sheen colour. The Legacy Edition boasts additional shiny chrome accents, paying homage to the classic finish of older bikes. These include chrome mudguards, mirror stalks, and handlebars. The engine finish is also unique, with the BSA lettering receiving a red treatment. Furthermore, there are some changes to the seat, which are detailed in the seat section ahead.

Also read: BSA Unveils Gold Star 650 Clubmans Cafe Racer Custom Motorcycle

This bike features halogen lights throughout. While LEDs have become the norm nowadays, halogen bulbs add to the retro feel and aren’t a deal-breaker. The design of these lighting fixtures is minimal, and the headlight features a chrome bezel (dark bezel on the black options).

The bike features a twin-pod instrument cluster, comprising analogue dials and a tiny digital inset in each. A third pod, located in the centre, houses the tell-tale lights. The cluster's needles have a distinctive reverse display, where the backlight illuminates the dial as it rotates downward.

The engine you see may appear to be retro-style with the air-cooled unit with cooling fins and a classic finish. However, upon closer inspection, you'll notice a liquid cooling setup. This 652 cc engine is a Rotax design from Austria, specifically tuned by BSA to deliver a punchy yet smooth. It is a quintessentially British type of engine with plenty of torque as 60% of it comes from 1800 rpm. The engine produces 44.38 bhp and 55 Nm.

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The exhaust features a pea-shooter-style tip with a brushed steel finish and a bronzing effect due to heat and oxidation. As it undergoes heat cycles, the exhaust is expected to develop a more attractive finish.

BSA has opted for a simple flat bench seat design with a seat strap. The Legacy Edition gets white piping around the seat's perimeter. A small tag adorned with the British flag is positioned at the front of the seat.

Also read: BSA Gold Star 650 Heading To The USA & Japan Soon

The seating posture on this bike is upright, with a neutral stance. The footpegs are positioned directly under where the seat begins, and the handlebars have a slight tilt towards the rider. This design makes for a very easy approachable and comfortable riding position. Overall, the bike has a slim profile, which with a low 780 mm seat height should make flat-footing the bike an easy affair.

The BSA Gold Star 650 features a conventional suspension setup, comprising a 41 mm telescopic fork and twin shock absorbers. The front shocks have covers over the stanchions, while the rear shocks boast black springs. These details appear period-correct and enhance the bike's overall aesthetic.

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While chasing the retro look, the company has not skimped on the brakes. The bike is equipped with Brembo callipers and master cylinders, paired with a 320 mm front disc and a 250 mm rear disc. The 18-/17-inch wheels feature a spoke design, wrapped in tube-type Pirelli Phantom Sportscomp tyres. 

BSA offers a unique biking experience with a large single-cylinder motor, packaged for city riding. While doing so, the company has ensured that the pricing falls within that range, targeting the intended buyer. Now, it will be interesting to see if people prefer the BSA over the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650, which also embodies a retro motorcycle feel but has a twin-cylinder layout. Read an in-depth comparison of their specs here.