BSA Gold Star 650: Top 5 Highlights

Get ready for a blast from the past with the legendary BSA Gold Star making a grand return to India on August 15, 2024! This modern interpretation of an iconic motorcycle is poised to make things in the roadster segment more intriguing . Here's a quick look at the top 5 highlights that have motorcycle enthusiasts buzzing with excitement.

Classic Design

The Gold Star 650’s design is a love letter to classic motorcycle fans. It looks particularly like the iconic models from the 1940-50s. The teardrop-shaped fuel tank is a timeless design element that evokes a sense of nostalgia. The single seat with its clean lines further accentuates the motorcycle's classic silhouette. Chrome accents sprinkled throughout the motorcycle, from the headlamp bezel to the fenders, add a touch of retro flair and complement the overall aesthetic. This design approach ensures that the Gold Star 650 remains instantly recognisable as a BSA while feeling fresh and contemporary.

Engine

Beneath the classic exterior lies a modern powertrain. The BSA Gold Star 650 is equipped with a 652cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine. This engine configuration offers a good balance between performance and fuel efficiency, making it ideal for both cruising and tackling city commutes. The 45 bhp output should ensure peppy acceleration while being a long-stroke single the 55 Nm of torque should be offered low down in the rev band providing it ample pulling power for effortless overtaking manoeuvres. Liquid cooling should keep the engine manageable as it is expected to heat up with such a big displacement. This modern powertrain is a significant upgrade over the air-cooled engines found in many other classic motorcycles.

Underpinnings

BSA Gold Star is a bike with a double-cradle frame that provides a strong and stable platform for the motorcycle. This frame design ensures the design looks authentic and it should give predictable handling. The telescopic fork up front offers 120mm of travel while the rear suspension employs twin shock absorbers with 5-step preload adjustability. The Gold Star 650 rolls on spoke wheels, which are a classic design element that complements the motorcycle's overall aesthetic. This does come at a compromise of tube tyres. Stopping power is courtesy disc brakes with dual channel ABS.

Features

BSA Gold Star 650 might embrace a classic look, but it doesn't compromise on functionality. A semi-digital instrument twin pod cluster keeps the rider informed with essential information like speed, RPM, fuel gauge, and trip metres. A halogen headlamp is given for retro appeal but the visibility factor will be decided when we test the bike. It also gets a slipper clutch and dual-channel ABS on the active safety front. Additionally, a USB charging port ensures you can keep your devices powered on the go, a convenient feature for long rides or navigating with your phone.

Expected price and rivals

Expected to be priced between ₹ 3 lakh to ₹ 3.30 lakh (ex-showroom). This way the Gold Star 650 should place itself competitively in the mid-size "modern classic" segment. This segment has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, with riders drawn to the timeless aesthetics and practicality these motorcycles offer. The Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 is the Gold Star's most direct competitor but it does have a twin-cylinder engine which is buttery smooth. BSA single 650cc engine is expected to bring back the thumper feel of the Royal Enfield Classic 500. Ultimately, the choice between these two motorcycles will likely come down to personal preference, with some riders favouring the thump of a single-cylinder engine and others preferring the smoother power delivery of a twin. The arrival of the Gold Star 650 in this segment is sure to heat competition, giving riders more choice and potentially driving down prices as manufacturers vie for market share.