BSA Gold Star 650 Review. A New Modern Classic Motorcycle. Better than a Royal Enfield Interceptor?

I finally got my hands on the NEW BSA Gold Star 650cc Motorbike to review. In my review I go into detail on all the things you'll be thinking before considering buying one of these machines. So what is the bombshell? Is it any good or not? Hit or Miss? Watch all the way through to find out!

I talk about the Engine and how it stacks up to its rival the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 motorcycles. I speak about the Handling, stopping power, the way the bike makes you feel, and most importantly whether it's worth going and buying one of these new modern classic motorcycles with your own money. Could this be a Royal Enfield killer?

I also give my points of view as a 20 year old motorcyclist; it might not be what you and the motorcycle manufacturers would expect!

The BSA Goldstar model in this video is presented in Highland green. I must say this is probably my favourite of all the colours it comes in and it is the cheapest too, coming in at £6500, the other colours are an extra £300 at £6800.

[CaptHollister]

I have been looking forward to this review. There are other reviews out there, but they left me with no sense of what the bike is like. Now that I've watched your review, I want one. I wonder if they'll come to Canada and how much I can get for my Moto Guzzi.

[romeldias]

I dont think it competes with the Interceptor until customers are actually riding their bikes out from the showroom! I'm Indian and where RE and a couple of brands have done so well with creating good faith around Indian brands, these guys seem to have bitten off more than they can chew...Dont get me wrong...Im rooting for their success...but unless they literally sell a bike that can be ridden out by a customer...I cant take them seriously!

[stephenwandersonea]

The BSA Gold Star is a gorgeous bike. It's probably my favorite looking motorcycle. I'm hoping they come to the U.S., and sooner than later.

[geneahart]

I think BSA is poised to take this segment of the market if they play their cards right. What a beautiful bike!

[MrNosajwhitey]

One of the things I'd like motorcycle companies to do is make there model of bikes with a fully old school set up where you don't need to have to worry about computers and can actually have a good time working on them like their older versions

[garyseaton]

That bike looks great. I'm so glad BSA is back... I've heard about this and now I get to see... I'm in the USA and am truly awaiting the release here...

[clivecoombe]

Nice to hear the thoughts of a young rider. I’m young at heart so have ordered one in Green 😅

[ml]

I test rode one last week and didn’t hesitate in handing over a deposit for one in Highland Green, that colour being the cheapest was irrelevant to me as I would still of chosen it if it was the most expensive!, especially after seeing them all at the NEC last month, I don’t think there is a bad colour, they all look great to me 🍻

[-tj]

I much prefer this to the RE. If I rode one of these, I'd probably want one. I love big singles. The gap between the rear mudguard and the tyre looks great. My SCR 950 is the same.
Excellent review, young man.

[johnbrandon]

Hi Mr Darcy, I had a test ride three weeks ago, to add I have an interceptor which I've owned for 2 months.
The BSA is a nice ride, I took it down my usual route which is country roads and a few fast b roads, it did bounce me out of the seat which my Enfield hasn't done, (the shop may off set the preload a little too stiff) the engine I found quite torquey however no more than the Enfield. What I didn't like about the engine was the knock from the counter balance shaft it sounds like the big end is knocking also a little snatchy off and on throttle when warmed up.
The gear shift is a little slack when changing down from 2nd to first, feels like it's not quite home, strange.
The mirrors are next to useless as you need to move your head too much to see behind you. No centre stand as the cat is in the place the stand would need to be. Overall I prefer the smoothness and the feel of the interceptor and that's not because I own one, I test rode the BSA with a view to exchange my Enfield, but thought better of it. I enjoyed your review keep them coming that's you and your dad.

[iancatlin]

Ordered one :-) Rode it a few weeks back (one of the first demos available) and loved it!

[jamesharvey]

Looks like a nice interpretation of the old style, love that it does not have large LCD screens on it.

[alandavies]

I would love one of these. As a Beezer rider since the late 60s, I sold my last BSA 6 yrs ago when kickstarts became painful. They really have captured the look. I also like Rotax engines, and I have had a 500 Jawa and a Matchless and enjoyed both. If finances improve, I will have one of these as my last big solo.

[SQTierHog]

I love the ride alongs, where we can hear the engine. I appreciate being able to also see the shifts as if I'm riding the bike!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year's to you fellas!

[ruisantos]

The sound of a 1956 single cylinder BSA C12 still makes my heart pump fast because it was my grandfathers motorcycle.
Needless to say that I’m a big fan of the brand and honestly I think this new model is a really good first attempt!
I think it will sell very well and I wouldn’t hesitate in buying this over the RE.
It was really nice to see your enthusiasm in the review.

[lilynorthover]

I'm glad you like this because so do I. I won't be in the market for one for a couple of years, but hopefully by then, dealer networks and production problems will be ironed out.
I've not seen one in the flesh but it's ephemeral. The Interceptor does nothing for me but this plucks at my heart.

[neilfordham]

Hi Mr Darcy, it’s lovely to see your enthusiasm for the classic bikes. I have just ordered a new BSA Gold Star and I am very much looking forward to ownership. I have been riding for over 50 years so I remember the originals, one of the lads at college had one, he had to slip the clutch all the way down the college drive to keep it going. All the very best to you and your Dad I enjoy watching your videos.

[chrisdagnall]

Nice review, glad you didn’t bother mentioning BSA history as it’s irrelevant to this new startup company. What we have is a really nice looking retro styled bike and we are lucky at the moment to have quite a lot of choice in this sector, I would certainly consider having one.

[goranfokuhl]

It’s a pity that you haven’t ridden the RE Interceptor. Would love to hear the opinion of some reliable people.
Although for me it’s already too late. I recently sold my 2000 Fat Boy and bought an Interceptor. I made a test ride on an Interceptor back in September. I was smiling during the whole ride on it (similar to the feelings you described that you had on the BSA). I was somehow more happier riding the Interceptor than I ever was while riding my Harley. So I had to do something. Unfortunately the weather here in northern Germany is not the best these days. I can hardly wait for a bit better weather. I’m wishing you and the Ol’ Man all the best and a good start to 2023. 🤘🙂

[Jonathan-L]

A big thumbs up to you Darcy. You're only 20 and own a H-D Softail Standard (M8). You've goti the right idea ... Why wait until you're retired to enjoy the good life! Best wishes from the south west coast of the island of Australia! :)