New BSA Gold Star | Better Than The Interceptor 650?
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 16 ต.ค. 2024
- I test ride and review the new BSA Gold Star, a modern classic British heritage style motorcycle. The new Gold Star 650 is the first motorcycle BSA have made in nearly 50 years.
Very much in competition with the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650, two beautiful retro motorcycles at a similar price range. But which is better? Lets find out.
#bsa #bsagoldstar #interceptor650
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Nice review! In my humble opinion, the BSA bike itself seems ok and roughly on par with the Interceptor. The commercial success of the BSA will largely be driven by the trust people will (still) have in the company producing it after the stuttering introduction. RE is already way more established as a brand and successful with a wide range of bikes. BSAs short term success is now depending on one single model. If that one fails you will at best end up in a Norton situation at best with your newly purchased BSA. 😊
As two motorbikes I think they are very much on pair with each other. However when you get into dealer network/proven reliability/history etc... it is a different story
A close inspection of the Gold Star will show you the finish is anything but. Welds unfinished, tank badges look cheap and the engine itself looks a bit Heath Robinson. The price they are asking isn't worth the product you get, IMO.
@@MzLunaCee Agreed. Really surprised about the glowing "quality" remarks that @RedAng gave at 9:20. I found the finish a little lacking, paint finish at the tank seams wasn't great, the stickers on the engine casings look cheap in comparison to the RE's stamped casings and some of the welds looked like they were done by an apprentice. And that radiator looks out of place and far too big for my liking. I don't have an Interceptor, but would certainly go for it over the BSA any day.
It's not really the first bike built by BSA in decades, it's the first bike built by a company who bought the BSA name and logo.
Yes this is technically correct! I should have fraised it differently
Nice but you can get a Guzzi V7 for £6,999 at the moment
Yup that is very much worth considering! Just depends what style of bike you are after I suppose 👍
@@redangrevival Yep, each to their own but for me it's different league and shaft drive.
That's a stonking deal!
But the guzzi looks ugly next to the sexy BSA, I know which would get more attention parked next to each other, that's the thing about the Goldie, it has something about her that no-one can pin down but it's getting infectious.
@@awesomeappleby5923 I bet you're wife's ugly lol. Each to their own eh? ;-)
I expect owners will be very happy. Nice looking bikes, back to the future.
Thank you for a good review.
I test rode the BSA on a wet January day with low expectations. Loved it!
I've just booked a second test ride for a hopefully dry day with a serious eye on buying.
The radiator doesn't bother me too much, despite its not being very elegant.
Thanks again
Peter
Hi Peter,
It is my pleasure and really glad you enjoyed the review 👍
Nice, I hope you get good weather for your second test ride! I agree the radiator does not bother me too much either.
Cheers
@RedAng Revival second ride went even better so pick up my new Legacy Chrome Gold Star next Saturday!
@@peterprior1 That awesome, massive congrats 🤙
👍 to mental health so important , thanks for mentioning in your vids bikes sertanly help ! Stay safe angus mate
Absolutely, we must talk about it more openly 👍 Many thanks and the same to you
Good review buddy 👍 You didn't mention the massive radiator though! That plus the stickers on the engine casings the awful USB port,no centre stand has put me right off the bike...then theres the (lack of)BSA network support..From 20 foot the bike looks great though!
Thanks 👍 Yup I must say personally the radiator really didn't put me off too much. Yes the stickers are for sure a down side! I should have mentioned that. The USB I actually thought to be quite practical in that position, however yes surely they could have hidden it a bit better! I get what you are saying, but I stand by it. Really cool bike I think 😎
Cheers
@RedAng Revival we can't all love the same bikes all of the time, luckily we're spoilt for choice!..I wanted so much to love it but felt disappointed ...I really hope they prove reliable and are a success
@@2wheeledwillie395 💪 time will tell!
@@redangrevival if only they had copied what Triumph has done with their radiators; you hardly notice them!
Sat on the red demo at Bridge M/C Exeter, very good finish all over, far better than expected
👍 I agree, think they have done a good job with it
A really good review, thanks!
Thanks I appreciate it and glad you enjoyed it 👍
That is nice!! I’ll have to test ride one , great video,
Thanks really glad you liked the video 👍
For sure recommend a test ride
Well I'm thinking the Inter all day long Red , and I reckon if the horses were a little higher I would have an Inter but never say never as they say .👌👍
👍 Fair enough. I really would struggle to choice between them! These style bikes are definitely at the lower end of the power spectrum
14.10 "Ah, help yourself, sir." Had me laughing. 🤣🤣🤣 What a great phrase.
haha glad you liked it 😎
Great review angus, such a tough decision between the Bsa and the interceptor and it probably boils down to if you prefer a single or a twin motor. Something else to choose from a British branded motorcycle. 👍 👌.
Thanks so much I appreciate it 👍 Yup that is the major difference really. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed the BSA, a great modern classic
I can't help thinking that choosing a single is like electing to have one testicle...
@@Zeus-lz2sd 😂 it works for some
I really like the bike, the dimensions and look particularly. And the pull. Hopefully any foibles and dealer networks will be sorted by the time I can get one 😊
👍 It is a beauty, maybe there will be some problems with dealer networks etc.. But you shouldn't let that put you off. It is a fairly simple bike 🤙
Simpler the better 😉
Thumbs up to mental health awareness! We have the full range of Royal Enfield available in New Zealand but no BSA as far as I know. I would BUY the BSA if they were here. I absolutely love the original British look to the bike and the company has done a superb job of creating a blast from the past, so to speak. The one thing I don’t like about the Interceptor is the huge upturned mufflers - unfortunately I can’t look past them. They should have used the shape of the original Interceptor exhaust or something more”peashootery” ………Keep up the excellent channel content and presentation style. You’re doing a fantastic job and are one of my favourites!
Thanks so much I really appreciate that 🙌 Great to hear you are enjoying the channel. Perhaps a few will pop up on the second hand market over the summer! Yes gotta love the pea shooter style exhausts, really authentic feel.
Cheers
I agree, Interceptor does look like a wheel barrow, and engine reminds me of a cyberman off Dr who?
Love the look of the bike! I'd consider buying it. I'm not sure about the modern matte finish on the cases, because that's not period correct and it makes it look like a 2023, not a vintage bike. The Royal Enfield looks period correct. The whole point of vintage bikes is that they were much more beautiful, and that's why people own them, for the beauty, and the polished cases are so beautiful. They really need to offer polished cases for extra money for people who want it to look like an original BSA.
Hi Angus nice to see you spending some time down in our neck of the woods. Drop in for a brew and a chat anytime your down this way
Hi, such a lovely area to ride and explore 👌 Thanks so much I will definitely pop in some time. Cheers
The Gold Star is only very slightly more expensive than the Interceptor, but I wonder if the relative lack of dealers, ( I can't see any in either Wales or Scotland) would put some people off?
Either way I think it's an admirable first effort.
👌 I was really surprised and impressed with it, sure there are a few niggles to work out. But overall it is great fun and looks even better 😁 Yes I think the lack of dealerships could be a problem for some people. Suppose it depends on how much they really want the bike
Seems an easy bike to service yourself, bit like the royal enfield interceptor 650 and at least you know the jobs been done, also the service time period for the BSA is much longer which is something worth considering.
It's won me over tbh. My last bike was a single cylinder 370 which had quite a lot of pull for it's size. I like it.
👍 If you like a single cylinder I think you will love this! Also looks great
@@redangrevival Thought I'd mention that TMF has put a video up this morning of a Spain and Portugal tour.
@@simonchilli2088 👍 Thanks, just about to watch it haha
Mahindra Classic Legends makes shitty bikes here in India, after they bought the trade mark for Jawa and Yezdi. Happy to see that they are doing something good after buying BSA. On the outset the bike looks very similar to Jawa 300
I agree it does look very similar to the Jawa 300! Perhaps some design inspiration was taken from it.
@@redangrevival I think it’s the same platform; keeps the development costs down
@@simonwalker7957 Which I think is very much needed. People like to slate bikes being built in India, I think unfortunate but the simple fact that if it was built in the UK it would just be too expensive and the business model wouldn't work. Not ideal but we have to see the good side of a nice bike at an affordable price.
@@redangrevival I thought they were building a new government backed plant in Birmingham
@@simonwalker7957 I haven't heard of that, but would be great!
Great professional review Angus mine ive put on today was just a ride with some info but struggled with wind noise. my fault ......... for leaving my transmitter exposed under my helmet too late!! when you get back and try to stitch the bits you have together.. but lovely job youv'e done there !
i tested both bikes and to be honest difficult one really tho i thought the gearbox was slightly better on the BSA maybe the gears are closer together with the interceptor having 6 gears and the torque on the BSA was superior tho i do love the interceptor ! phil
Hi Phil, thanks so much I really appreciate that 👍 Keep going with it, can be a nightmare to get the audio right. It took me ages!! I found the throw on the gear lever a bit longer on the BSA than the Interceptor, but a good gear box. Yes I was really surprised at the performance of the BSA! Great torquey motor and loads of character.
A really hard choice to make. Cheers
First time BSA badge has been on a bike since 1973 !
3 things I don't like ...
1. The whole left hand side
2. USB port
3. Union flag on the seat .
4. Bad maths
5. That monster radiator
If it had come out same time as the Interceptor I'd still make the same decision !
Yep happy to stay with my Interceptor. RE did more homework before releasing the Interceptor than BSA has.
Fair enough we all have our preferences! Yes a single exhaust is less attractive then dual, however I prefer the pea shooter style. Agreed, practical but surely they could have hidden that USB a bit better.
The left side is identical to the original Goldie? And that's classed as one of the best bikes in history, a bit like the e type Jag...
Agreed on some of your thoughts the USB yes but the rota liquid cooled engine is very reliable
@@maddieellis1452 and if they fall out with Rotax ???
I’d opt for the BSA as you only have to get the shims checked every 25K. I think they’re the screw down ones so many people could do that job themselves. The Interceptor you have to do them every 3K. Quality build of the BSA looks very good. It’s got a chain drive so it should come with a centre stand like the original. 650 single. How does it compare with my CB500F? That’s the question.
Interceptor has screw and locknut valves so it’s easy and only takes like 20 mins, plus there’s known quality issues with these new gold stars, even the demo bike at the show looked terrible with terrible welds, in my opinion the build quality on these are no where near that of the interceptors, the reviews form people who aren’t being paid for this bike are slating it.
👍 yup a huge bonus that I forgot to mention! I agree with the quality aspect as well. Very impressed with the bike and build quality. It may not be a s reliable as you CB500F 😉
I can very much reassure you I am NOT being paid to review this bike!! (wish I was)
You should check Interceptor tappets every 6k or 12months which ever is the sooner not 3k. Cheers
How do you think the BSA and Interceptor compare to the Guzzi 850 V7?
Great question. I think the Guzzi is a meatier (faster) engine and love the feel of the V-Twin! As a performance bike the V7 takes the win. However it really depends on what you want from the bike. The BSA and Interceptor are great looking British styled bikes.
I was tempted but I’m going for an interceptor, imo they look better and have much better quality and probably reliability, few reviews of this bike that show very bad welds and poor quality components.
A good choice and realistically the more practical choice 👍 I suppose time will tell in terms of reliability etc...
I used to own the very last BSA that came off the line.
It was an oil-in-frame A65 Lightening twin.
I imported it from America, and when I registered it, the BSA owners club said - do you know it has a special engine number - indicating it was the last one ever…?
I sold it to a guy in north Wales.
R
👍 wow, bet you wished you hung onto that one!! What a keeper
Thanks for a top reviews 👍
Hi Tom, it is my pleasure and really glad to hear you are enjoying them. Cheers
yep ! good balanced approach
Was this filmed in the New Forest? I think you forget that BSA Regal just down the road in Southampton produced a GoldStar in the 1990's
Yes Beaulieu area 👍 O nice I did not know that!
Great review. only a couple of miles from me too. love it
Many thanks I appreciate it and glad you enjoyed the review 👍
Great review and a lovely looking bike! I’d personally go for a second hand quality bike 👍
Many thanks I appreciate it and glad you enjoyed the review 👍
Should be some on the second hand market this year I think!
BSA has build singles and twins
the BSA A7 was the first parallel twin of BSA and was copied from the Japanese manufacturer Meguro, which later gave rise to the Kawasaki motorcycle division.
the Kawasaki W 650 and its successor Kawasaki W 800 are based on the BSA A7.
They tell (who are 'they') us the buying demographic is similar, but I see the interceptor as a great 2nd bike from a purely riding point of view, whereas imo, the bsa is squarely aimed at nostalgia. You said it.. Different not better. Nice vid to watch.
Thanks I appreciate it and glad you enjoyed the video 👍 I agree the nostalgia point is a big one with these types of bikes. However I wouldn't put the riding dynamics of the BSA down that much. I think it is up there with the Interceptor, just different style. Touch less quality ride!
Cheers
@@redangrevival I take on board the riding dynamics of the bsa, and thank you for that 👍
As an owner of 3 BSAs (in the 60s) this model looks as it should for a modern classic. For the price it probably isn't in quite the same category of the Triumph Bonnevilles but nonetheless not bad! Thanks for the ride!
👍 Good to hear that from an owners perspective. No quality wise it is definitely not on pair with the Bonnevilles, but as you say that is reflected in the price. Cheers
I have the chrome interceptor and the shop I bought it from also have the BSA with chrome tank, the quality of that alone doesn't match mine at all as it looks quite flat
That is an interesting comparison! I did find it lacking as a stand alone, but perhaps back to back you notice it more.
I bought a new BSA Tracker in 1980 so the source you used has some issues. I am tempted by it, but need some reassurance regarding the company at the moment
Yes I suppose it could be a couple of years off! I think many people will feel the same, it is a bit of a leap of faith atm
Sraight swap with my interceptor for this😁, love singles.
My boy my boy..yep sounds like a BSA...
I remember the Rocket..a lot more beefier...all a matter of taste I guess
Nice one Angus
🤙 Thanks
For sure has that lovely and classic "pup pup" sound from the single! Haha thought you meant the Triumph Rocket 3 for a second then 😂
Yup I can see many similarities in looks to the old Rocket.
Cheers
@@redangrevival The Triumph Rocket is a lovely bike... a jet on the roads
Keep smiling bud :-))
@@LionTheHeart Thanks 🚀
@@LionTheHeart I had a 1970 model. Just wonderful as a great handler and quality finish. Hand pin lined etc
Looks very nice, but a V7 or W800 would both smoke the BSA/RE.
Yes performance wise they would. However for a classic British styled motorcycle you cannot beat em
Be interesting to see if they sell in the uk, they should be mechanically OK with the old motor, time will tell on the electrics and running gear, if they don't sell then I would be interested in a heavily discounted one,,
👍 I think they will sell well. Not too many electronics to go wrong really, I wish the best for them
@@redangrevival yes, wish bsa all the best, the more choice the better
I really wanted to like this bike
I have a classic 500 and this would be a logical progression for me. I wish you would have focused more on power delivery, suspension. It would have been nice for you to take it out on the highway to see how it performed. Your assessment leaves with the impression that's its no better than my classic 500. It seems as though it should be compared to the shogun instead of the interceptor. I watched the valve service for this bike. It seems much more cumbersome. Especially if you need to add shims. Oil changes seem a bit more involved. Looks like the Enfield 650 twins engine is easier to service. I would be more interested if it performed like the 650 twins .
I don't think this would be much of an upgrade on your Classic 500. To be honest the RE 650 Interceptor is a nicer engine
Refreshing honesty is much appreciated. I see am interceptor on the horizon provided I can afford a decent used one. Thanks
so, for the sake of brevity: the Goldstar feels like what an RE Classic 650 might have been.
👌 Exactly, I think so anyway!
You shouldn't believe everything that you read on Google, BSA were producing motorcycles in the late 1970's through to the mid 1980's. They produced three 50cc models, the "Beaver" (street bike), the "Brigand" (trail bike), and the "GT50" (sports bike), these machines were assembled in Birmingham using mainly Italian components, the 2-stroke single motor was manufactured by Franco Morini, suspension was by Marzocchi, etc. BSA also produced the "Tracker" in 125 and 175cc variants, these used a Yamaha "TY" 2-stroke single motor housed in a British designed and built frame, the other parts were again of Italian manufacture. The last of the "Tracker" models were built in 1987, the BSA "Tracker" models were a rebrand of the 1970's NVT (Norton, Villiers, Triumph) "Rambler" 125 and 175.
👌 Thanks for the info. Yes I must admit I did do my research on this topic on Google! Thanks nice to have a bit more detailed history about it.
@@redangrevival Thank you for your review and your reply to my post.
Not for me but it will be interesting to see if it sells. Personally I don't think it will but ... Norton .
Fair enough, we all have our different tastes 👍 Haha a Norton would be nice!
@@redangrevival I fear you missed my intimation which was re the problems Norton went thru and maybe the new BSA Co. could go the same way.
@@BarnettSpeedSuzukiThou Ah yes I did misinterpret that! That would be a real shame
Might not have the figures exactly right, but compare 3000 miles for valve check for the Interceptor, to 20,000 miles for the BSA.
It's 6 not 3 ! 3k is no more than a pre ride check , it was a new engine , unproven unlike the bought in one BSA have used.
My dealer checked mine at first service then again at 6k and they didn't need adjusting .
My friends Interceptor has passed 12k and his was fine !
That is a great point and something I would really take into consideration! However if you are buying with your heart this is less of a factor
@@themoog3889 yes, I wasn't sure. Thanks for info 👍
A big American "Attaboy" for you, RedAng!
👍 thanks so much. Great fun bike
The low-end torque would sell it to me over the Interceptor, although I won't be buying it.
👍 I think it they will sell a few over the Interceptor because of that!
an other style like the SR 500 and i would be all in as a second bike.
Yamaha missed the retro market with the SR 400, this should be a modern SR 650 single.
I hope that Triumph will remember their history and bring a 650 single too.
Like BSA Triumph had single cylinders, T80 / 3HW, the T70/80/90 from 1936-1940.
Hi Random question, where are the jeans from? Thanks
Hi, they are "John Doe Ironheads"
I think time will tell re this bike a bit, well common sense dictates its a relatively new start for the company that makes them.
Heard there were stickers on it which seems a bit cheap. Its a gorgeous bike though that said!
Hope you had a good xmas etx👍
Many thanks and the same to you, Happy New Year 👍 Exactly there may be a few niggles to start off with but only time will tell.
Yes there are some stickers with the 3 guns logo!! Not ideal and a bit cheap but it all comes in at the lower price of the bike. Looks great i think.
Cheers
"the three guns logo" smh. do you mean the Birmingham Small Arms logo ?? as in BSA - Birmingham Small Arms
sweet spo 55-65? Sounds just like the RE 350s, not 650s
good reveiw .
Thanks I appreciate it 👍
Not sure I like the large rad. Everything else looks great. Have you rode the RE Meteor ?
It is a bit big, I don't mind it personally. I am yet to get a ride on the Meteor!! Looking forward to the new 650
A twin is better than a single at least here in America they are not conducive to interstate travel however they are great on 2 laners like US 66
I don't think it's a touch on the Interceptor...the engine casings look so cheap and then to make it worse they put stickers on em!
haha yup the stickers don't help much! Although I like the 3 guns logo
Great review! The bike's history is of no interest to me whatsoever. I see a tastefully designed bike, irrespective of type, brand or era. 😁
👍 Thank so much I appreciate it. Absolutely fair enough! It is a great bike regardless of its history. Cheers
Does it go over 50mph?
haha yes!
You give the impression that the new BSA is built by the same company that stopped production in 1972 but there is no connection other than the brand which has been acquired by Mahindra, and Indian company. It's a decent product but not made by a company returning to motorcycle manufacture after 50 years.
Yes I have since learnt this. Too be honest it is still a lovely bike to ride at a great price, probably better they have been bought by Mahindra!
Royal Enfield has a huge margin in prices, they could with ease cut 20% if they get to much competition by BSA.
I tried out an Interceptor 650 but hated the riding position.
Fair enough, we are all different sizes I suppose. Perhaps the BSA may fit better. However they are very similar!
It’s a Mahindra with a Rotax engine 😂. BSA stopped making motorcycles years ago. The one I saw looked rather drab and uninspiring. Nice badge though.
I suppose what do you expect at this price range! Think these bikes are more bought for the looks rather than performance
It’s basically a g650gs engine.
Does look similar on paper! 👍
Royal, fuel injected, etc. 👍
If you consider the pillion comfort forlong rides interceptor is bad becz of the exhausts
This is a good point 👍
Perhaps it's more like the Royal Enfield Classic 500....
👍 good shout, very much feels like that
there are a slew of British biking TH-camrs that have tested out the BSA now and are raving about it...and yet I am tempted to ask - why? These are not yet production bikes and not a single customer has ridden out with a bike! This is all free PR for a company that keeps pushing forward their release date all the time...and i have said it before..after all the work RE and a few other manufacturers have done, it is appalling to see this from an Indian manufacturer. I hope people and their money are safe and I hope we actually see customers getting their bikes!
Hi, I suppose we each have our own opinions. I do agree the "dream" around the BSA name can be a big influence on people's view of the bike. On delivery terms of the bike, I for a fact they have already arrived in the UK and more deliveries are on the way. It is only a very short time until customers can pick up their bikes 👍
They are now on the road, I get mine march 1st.
@@awesomeappleby5923 fabulous...congrats on the buy!
i prefer the one below, without the ugly radiator
Take a bike that is already been in production for years ..buy à brand that is no longer in production stick the new name on it bit of paint work Magic ..B.S.A is back?
Why not! Haha 😉
It would be a huge uphill task to succeed in India...where RE owns nearly 100 percent market share in this segment.....
Tis classic revival is like the colonies making what the Brits gave up on. Amazing market in south east asia going to be limited supply. Is the Rotax made in Austria?
Needles go the same way round, just sweep a different arc ... every reviewer makes the same error
and of course has zero connection with the original BSA company.
I wanted to love the BSA but when I realised its been built from the same platform as the Jawa 350
that is very cheap in India , plus The Guzzi V7 making it look very expensive I can't.
I didn’t make the error regarding the sweep of the clocks 😉
You are of course correct and my apologies for stating otherwise! It threw me off seeing them.
I was a touch let down knowing it is based on the Jawa platform, and not built in the UK. However regardless of that it looks great and is fun to ride. I suppose it depends on what style you are after
@@redangrevival No need to apologise it fools many people (including myself for a while) ! I agree its a matter of opinion , its just that seeing its little more than a makeover of a low capacity budget machine takes the gloss off for me and makes the price hard to swallow ... shame.
@@WyreForestBiker I get that for sure 👍
@@WyreForestBiker Cheers
Here's the thing. Looking at this in a global sense, this bike is also in competition to a certain degree, with the Moto Guzzi V7. The power output is broadly comparable and the basic spec is similar too. As I know you have reviewed the MG product, how would you say they compare?
The V7 feels a fair bit, more powerful than this bike. Also the V7 has more character I think, with the V Twin engine. Must say personally I would go with the Guzzi 👍
@@redangrevival Thank you for the reply. I'm on the hunt for a V7 Special for all the reasons you mention! 👍👍.
Nice one! No dealer in mainland Europe yet, I would love to give this a try though. Nearest dealer to Luxembourg seems to be in Maidstone. 😊
Cheers!
Lupo
Thanks 👍 Yes dealership network maybe a bit of a problem with this one, however it is a great bike and I wish all the best for BSA. Cheers
I think Peugeot Motorcycles that Mahindra owns will take care of the distribution of BSAs in Europe
I feel that the manufacturers are trying to sell you a dream with these retro bikes. Taking you back to the 1950’s and 60’s, back to basic motorcycling, back to ‘ton-up’ boys and back to posing outside cafes. All seen through rose coloured spectacles.
We are all influenced, to a certain extent, by the motorcycle press and advertising agencies and there is ample evidence that nostalgia is the current zeitgeist. These bikes are a fad, a trend if you like, so buy them as the one trick ponies they are for the odd sunny weekend jaunt. But, don’t expect them to deliver any thrills except maybe a boost to your ego as you admire yourself in passing shop windows.
Absolutely correct, precisely why I bought one (Classic 350) and nothing wrong in that as long as one buys it with both eyes open. My last bike was 40 yrs back and my only transport and was a properly flexible go anywhere commuter/tourer, Honda CX500 but I would buy one now or any such like. My 350 is a pure indulgence for riding pleasure, cheap to buy, run, insure and easy to maintain oneself.
Good choice. Proven reliability, good dealer network nationwide and £2000 cheaper than the Gold Star.
I get that.. Although I see the interceptor as a good no frills 2nd bike. The bsa I see as a pastiche suitable for a trendy barber's shop window.
I think you are exactly right 👍 That is exactly what they are doing and I think there is definitely a market for it. If you want the best reliable performance bike then look else where! I think these bikes are really all about the looks.
no contest interceptor all the way/ twin cylinder and not liquid cooled its the go to retro/BSA just living off name only
Kinda funny that my Honda rebel 500 has the same power as both of these 650s and it weighs a lot less! You pass the nicest people on a Honda 😂
Haha yes the Honda Rebels are great and I nearly bought the 1100 👍 Must say they are very different bikes though!
@@redangrevival I agree they don't have that cool classic British bike look. And I'm almost 50 so I grew up with Classic motorbikes before they were classics and that is definitely more my style. But at the same time that's one thing I do like about my Rebel. It's not trying to be an old bike and it's got a beauty all it's own! Please don't miss understand, I love the RE & the new BSA also that's why I'm watching videos like yours. I love all motorcycles. I was just pointing out how Honda seems to always do more with less somehow. Great video brother 👍
@@coilstreeservice9398 Thanks 👍 Not at all I completely understand. Cheers
@@redangrevival Cheers my brother 👍
But the Goldie is restricted to 7000 revs for the A2 market so they seel more, it could rev up to 10,000 if they lift the restricter. But I suppose, that's for the future.
Not bad but wrong engine.
Rad kills the retro purity.
Needed an air/oil cooled lump not a Rotax LC
Q: When is an elephant in the room not an elephant in the room? A: when it’s not mentioned! Of course maybe because you think it’s oil cooled.
Apologies for that, this is water cooled. Hence the large radiator at the front end!
Having had a close look at the BSA I wasn’t impressed with the quality of finishing and I’d be concerned how it would look after a couple of years on British roads. The radiator is a design disaster, it looks like a random bolted on aftermarket rad.
I didn't think it looked too bad to be honest. Yes not top quality though! A good point, British roads will expose any weaknesses
The BSA is overpriced. They’ve done a good marketing job to get it compared to the RE Interceptor but in reality it should actually be compared to the Classic 350. The Interceptor has a twin cylinder engine with all the associated costs of the extra cylinder and a second exhaust plus there is much less plastic in the bodywork/mudguards etc. and yet is still cheaper. The RE Classic 350 which retails for only £4,800 (which is £2k less than the BSA) is more directly comparable and the Classic even at that lower price is better made overall. OK the Gold Star does have the bigger engine but that doesn’t account for a £2k hike in price. If RE sold the Gold Star I bet it would be a lot cheaper.
Yes I tend to agree with you. I think BSA have put a premium on the price because of the brand name!
I've rode one and it's that good I've purchased one? Didn't like the look of the engine on royal Enfield, it's too ugly and too big
For the bike.
Also, the RE frame tubes below the seat look like no thought went into them, bsa is shapely all over just like old bikes use to look
👍 I am glad you like it, I agree think it looks great and the build quality is good at this price range. Hope you enjoy it
Agee - there's something slightly disproportionate about the RE - engine and exhaust silencers look oversized for the bike dimensions. BSA have designed a better looking bike imho. From the reports that I've read, the bikes are very similar n performance; but with obviously different power deliveries from the single / twin cylinder engines.
There were bikes built in the early seventies by BSA called Goldstars (BSA B50 ss) which everybody seems to forget. After the fall of BSA the engine was used by CCM for their first bikes. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BSA_B50
Thanks for that Owen 👍 Always nice to get some accurate history. Also very interesting to hear that about CCM, I love their bikes
I think it's time for some new pants.
haha it definitely is! 👍
@@redangrevival Might be a good opportunity for a product comparison video.
@@paulv22 👌 Good Idea
Not a bad bike hate that big ugley radiator but for me the Interceptor every time .
I love the looks of this new BSA, however yes I think I probably would go for the Interceptor over this!
It's not BSA it just a brand name bought by an Indian company. Other than that there is no real link, stop taking about it as if it's the same company.
It is trading under the same name and their whole marketing pitch is to use the name to sell the bike. Technically it is the same company, just different! For better or worse 🥴
@@redangrevival that is just shill nonsense. Any business could buy a brand name and stick that badge on anything, it would not make it the genuine article. BSA went bust decades ago and there is absolutely no continuity between these 2 brands be they personnel of financial, nothing. This bike has to stand up on its own merits and if it turns out to be a good one then I’m happy for Mahindra and for the industry as a whole but we must not delude prospective buyers as to what exactly they are looking at.
@@simonwalker7957 well I'm also happy for Eicher for making a great kill with the Royal Enfields.
@@simonwalker7957 So you think they should have just called it the Mahindra Gold Star! I am just glad someone is trying to revive the name.
@@kyakaruvlogs2784 Not the same thing at all now is it? Royal Enfield have been in continuous production since their founding in England to their current ownership keeping existing models ongoing with the usual evolutionary improvements, they didn’t just buy a defunct brand and stick a badge on the tank. How many British automotive brands remain in their founders ownership? Morgan perhaps, idk not many. My Lotus sure ain’t, not even when it was built in 1998.
BSA haven't built a new motorcycle, BSA don't exist, It's Mahindra & It's not oil cooled It's water cooled, also It's not a peashooter silencer It's based on the old Goldie silencer.
Yes my mistake on the oil cooled! I am aware it is owned by Mahindra, but it’s still got the BSA name
There is something not right about its proportions. It just doesnt look good to me. Anybody who ever saw an Interceptor will not be keen on this.
Fair enough, it does have unique styling and proportions! I personally like it, but that is the beauty of motorcycling. There is a bike for everyone 👍
Nah, classic 500 x Inteceptor 650.
No one will appreciate BSA because they don't pay for paid promotion for their bikes likE royal enfield
Yes the lack of promotion will hurt their sales for sure
Sorry, It's no way better than the Interceptor. Your video even proves how mechanically noisy the engine is. It's nothing like the real thing, I don't like it.
Totally wrong these bikes are built by a subsiduary of Mahindra with a Rotax engine they may call it BSA because they bought the name but there is no connection whatever with the real BSA.
@colindelamare3180
the BSA 650 is nearly a 1:1 retro from the original BSA 650.
RE is owned by the Indian Company Mahindra / Classic Legends and the engine is a bmw f 650 single rotax engine, which is further developed in a cooperation with the austrian company
Abit of advice do some research before making a fool of yourself as you obviously dont have a clue. Royal Enfield is owned by Royal Enfield and use their own engines and have done since 1902. BSA is owned by Mahindra and not a 1 to 1 copy Iwas bought up with the proper original so I know what I am talking about @@shremich4583
It’s water cooled get the basics right
Clue is massive ugly radiator. RE = great service and dealers BSA 😂😂😂😂
Yes my apologies, that was not very professional! Of course it is water cooled. We all make mistakes I suppose
It is a huge radiator! Personally didn't mind it too much
@@redangrevivalt’s what ruins it for me against RE.. also bsa parts bin chuck together, rotax engine. rE built from ground up
@@volt8684 fair point! I am more of the view, as long as it rides well I don't mind
200 kg pour 40cv et l'horrible radiateur qui ressemble à un panneau solaire 🥴
too heavy,dangerous tyres
Tyres are designed to look retro. Think they perform ok
BSA = British Small Arms I believe. Some interesting history I'm sure
Birmingham Small Arms
"Birmingham Small Arms" 👍 Was originally an arms manufacturer. Very cool history to the company
Thanks for the correction!
Interceptor is a properly designed from ground up bike.
That is just a badly cobbled together parts bin special. It's got absolutely nothing to do with BSA. It's not fit to wear the BSA moniker.