I work with an older gentleman who used to ride an original Gold Star in the late 1960s. After a series of more modern bikes, he managed to find and buy another. As you say, they are hard to ride and I don't think his really sees the light of day very often. However, it was a present to himself and a strong reminder of his younger days. It makes me happy when he talks about it and his antics in a bygone era of motorcycling.
My first motorcycle was a brand new 1962 BSA 350 single, bought in El Cajon California, a suburb of San Diego. I have been very partial to singles ever since and hope to shop this new 650 here in the Phoenix, Az. area . Enjoyed this post very much , Thank You.
@@frankmarkovcijr5459 I could not keep it as within 2 thousand miles the rod bearing was squealing. Warranty repaired.another 800 miles same thing. Grudgingly repaired at dealer. Sold it. About y
The old Goldie was built for a time, where the traffic wasn't as maddening as it now. It does sound marvellous though. The new one doesn't sound bad either. Starting is definitely a pain, its a work in itself. Had one of those Royal Enfield Lean Burn with the manual compression, and boy the kickback can be brutal. Gives you machismo feeling, but its a pain when in stop and go traffic.
The Gold Star DBD 34 is a highly tuned production racer. It is not really a road bike. A better comparison would be a CB 34, with flat handlebars, standard footrests and a road gear cluster.
I love the look of the new BSA. I agree the single has more torque than the twin of the interceptor but what I disagree with is the interceptor doesn’t need man handling when cornering and certainly doesn’t feel heavy on the move. You say it isn’t a rival to the interceptor but then you compare everything against it. I hope it’s as popular as the interceptor as I'd love to see both on our roads in the UK.
What the majority of people dont seem to understand is we like the hard work when we ride our BSA's. Thats the whole point! Its just as much about the process of starting it, keeping it started, collecting the bits that fall off during the ride, keeping it started in traffic, limping it home when it inevitably fails... BSA arent just a ride like some lame ass Harley.. Its a full on experience that forces you to know the quirks of your particular machine. That is the charm of these old bikes, and that is what will always be the best bit for me.KNOW YOUR BIKE.
Well, it uses the name Gold Star but is nothing like the old Gold Star at all, apart from being a single cylinder. The old one was specifically developed and sold for use in the Manx Grand Prix races that took place on the Isle of Man sometime in September, and was for amateurs, and was not part of the World Championships. Of course neither are the TT Races now, but they were, back in the day. I have ridden the old Gold Star. A friend of mine owned it and called it a Caveman's motorbike, and that is the best description of it, it is totally uncivilised but a joy to ride once you have started it. Starting was quite involved but provided you knew the procedure was fairly easy to do. I expect the new "Gold Star" is a very nice bike, but it is not a racer as the old one was.
The technology in the modern bike makes it so much easier to use than a vintage bike. Electronic fuel injection, water cooling and a counter balanced motor make the new bike efficient and dependable for all riding conditions be it city or country. That’s the ticket. If these bikes can come close to Japanese dependability? It’s a winner!! Great video!!!
This has attracted a lot of whining, mostly people moaning that basically it's not the original... Some even suggesting that the channel has sold out to evil corporate greed 😲. There has been a lot of interest in this bike, so thanks for showing it.
@@BanjoLuke1 That's it really. They bought a brand and then instantly decided to trade on it's most famous name completely regardless of the history they're trying to invoke. The Gold Star was all, and only, about speed, this recycled BMW Funduro decidedly isn't. As a Mahindra it makes a lot more sense than a BSA and would probably get a much warmer welcome as a bloody good try. Marketing sucks.
It definitely looks like a motorcycle that can be a commuter or a base of something you can customise and grow with to make it look well, even more "classic". I'm interested to see what progresses with aftermarket parts, tune up kits and exhaust systems once these get out in the world. I'm sure there's a sleeping beast under all that emission gear.
Its a very nicely styled homage to a BSA Goldstar Is it *really* a Goldstar? Dave's off beam with his assertion 'everyone expects it to be vibey because its a single'. Well, not if you've ridden the sorts of Rotax singles fitted to BMWs amongst others for the past 20 odd years you don't. Anyway acid test but who else is with Bart and would take the original in preference to this pleasant newcomer? Damn sure I'd rather have the old original.
@@babboon5764 The old Gold Star was great to look at but a pig to drive for everyday type motoring, it was far more suited for use on the race track, For everyday riding, the new version is far better, easier to ride and of course way cheaper to buy !
@@johnjackson3847 Kind of yeah ... that's no doubt true of many. There's a beautifully crafted new Norton Commando just coming to market that's rated way more refined than the original. But ........ Well, I guess its down to what you're aiming for with the bike.
@@babboon5764 I had many of these old British bikes in the 1960s to 70s. One of them was a mid1950s BSA 350cc B31 ( related to the gold star ) good old British single and believe it or not, they were out of fashion in the mid 60s and I paid only £15 for my one, nowadays you would pay around £6000 plus. My brother was a Triumph man and he won many production races on his own Triumph Trophy that he converted to Bonneville specifications. He later on changed to racing Hondas.
The old Goldie, nice to look at and hear, but a pig to start and ride in normal road conditions. Not practical for modern day roads and traffic. The old British bikes also leaked a lot of oil and the electrics were unreliable, especially the ignition and charging systems. Brakes not that good and lot of vibration as well in the old big four strokes. Modern motorcycles are so much improved and far more reliable.
Magic too when the traffic cop pulls you over and asks if you've nicked granddad's bike, then gives you a ticket for that raucous exhaust. And then you have to restart the damn thing.
The modern interpretation is definitely a huge upgrade. Reliability, economy, and performance leave the vintage BSA’s in the dust. In my youth I had ridden a 1970 Lightning. I wasn’t that experienced but between the right hand shift, poor brakes, and sour handling, the bike was a head-turner but terrifying to ride. I love vintage bikes but motorcycles truly have become so greatly improved over time. Cheers to your channel and review!
It's not a 'huge upgrade' it's just a new bike to be styled vaguely like an old bike. It has ZERO character unlike the old bike. Still they'll launch and then folk will get bored and second hand they might be worth a punt as a commuter.
"the right hand shift, poor brakes, and sour handling,"? I don't think you ever had a 1970 BSA Lightning. Handling? On rails Brakes? TLS front brake stopped you like a brick wall. Right hand shift? So were all Brit bikes, what a pleasure to brake and change gear DIAGONALLY. A natural movement, like swinging your left arm forward with your right leg when walking.
A very good review, Dave. I think anyone who says this is a hard sell is being unfair. You make it perfectly clear that it won’t be for everyone and that people should reserve judgement until they have actually seen and ridden one. The price seems reasonable too.
So the last 30 seconds of the video pretty much says it all, 'test ride it and make up ya own mind' could have saved 13 minutes of paid sales pitch, or if not paid manufacturer pressure 😎
If it's liquid cooled it's a thoroughly modern bike with a retro design. The truely retros are the Royal Enfields, Kawasaki w800, and some of the air-cooled Harleys!
The old 60's British bikes looked so "perfect" right out of the crate. The new interpretation of those classic motorcycles are probably way better functionally but they don't have the same appeal as a restored original for me.
RE’s 350 and 500 singles look the retro part without radiators. I hope they re-introduce an improved (less vibration) 500 or even go head to head with BSA with a 650. Hopefully, no radiator. I could live with a discreet oil cooler as on the Interceptor.
Great review Dave👍 as usual honest spot on POV on the new BSA gold star 650.BSA has done a great job on the design and look trying it's level best to get as close as possible to the older models.Atleast their attempt to revive a dying brand should be highly appreciated then to just find faults.I guess this is the best they could possibly do keeping the budget in mind and that's sensible not to go overboard on the price.I really don't mind it as an addition in my garage apart from my RE interceptor as both have different characteristics and heritage.
270 crank on a twin sounds great, but at this size a thumper is a smarter choice. Torque until Sunday, and a more powerful derestricted option also available.
Let's try to celebrate 🍾🍾🍾the revival of one the most iconic brand BSA for today and keep the criticism for another day...Try to get a ride on the BSA Gold Star🍻🍻🍻
We have to remember it is only a homages to the original on that I think its great .does not look as good or sound as good but modern is easier to live with and with my aging hips and knees I think it's a great bike
This sounded like you were making a lot of excuses for the bike. This is a direct rival for the Royal Enfield 650s, they managed to get an air cooled motor out and make it emissions compliant. Of course it's an easier daily ride than an old BSA, how does it compare with its main rival?
R.E stopped making 500 cause they didn't want to go water-cooled.It is harder to get a big single through emissions testing.BSA have a twin in the making hopefully it air-cooled & oil cooled but Jawa, Yezdi are water cooled bikes so twin probably be water-cooled too hopefully it air-cooled,oil cooled.Since it water-cooled BSA will bring out a more powerful tuned model to make the most of this model & a 55bhp model is possible.BSA has also got nice looking panniers & bike has pannier rails & sump plate stock. Great looking bike & customizing it will improve look.I think it's fantastic their is another British heritage bike on the market & be awesome to see BSA & R.E & Triumphs on a group ride.
Nice to see the bike compared to the classic. I don’t care for radiators on retro-styled bikes but that’s the future. It would not be a deal breaker, just a visual adjustment.
This may well prove to be a great bike, and any engineer in the market for a proprietary powerplant will tell you that Rotax make great engines. It may not be important to many people (I'm not even saying it should be) but what this bike doesn't have is any heritage whatsoever. There's a huge difference between "BSA" and arguably their biggest competitor Royal Enfield in this department. People love to say "Oh RE are Indian now, wish they were still British blah blah" but they are genuinely the same company they were when they started in 1901. The RE name was never up for sale, and there's a real family tree back to their first bike. BSA is just a name purchased and put on a new bike with no company lineage back to the original gold star. It doesn't even matter much really, but I think people should consider the bike in this context.
Ridden an Indian lately? How about a Schwinn? Think those Craftsman tools are the same ones your dad or grandad got at Sears? Face it, this is the age of branding, and brands are passed around from corporation to corporation. And corporations merge and sell off groups to other corporations. I never thought I'd see a Chinese Volvo, but here we are.
@@47f0 Yeah I know this is the way of the world, but I think examples like Volvo are different to BSA/Indian. Volvo the company was sold, as in it has had different parent companies, but they never fully shut up shop, sacked all employees and stopped designing/building cars for decades. Whilst ownership changed, and I'm sure that had an impact on the direction of the products they made, it's still the real Volvo. BSA completely stopped existing in any practical sense, and is now just a name that someone has purchased and put on a completely unrelated product. Which I think is fine and shouldn't detract from the new gold star as a bike. I like the look of the new bike, and the semantics of ownership are normally kinda irrelevant, except I feel slightly different about it in this case since the "heritage" seems to be the main point of their marketing. Ie: Calling it the gold star, doing press launches of it alongside a classic fold star, having the BSA logo all over merchandise, and using the "BSA is back" slogan...when actually it's "back" in name only. If the heritage is going to be your main advertising point, I think it needs to be genuine. All that said, life's not about arguments on the internet. I'm excited about the bike just as you are and am keen to see or ride one!
My question still is WHY. Why resurrect a machine that had been out of production for 10 years when the original BSA folded? If I were an investor in this venture, I would have started where BSA stopped in 1972/73. Sorry, no sale.
Can’t wait for this bike to come to the U.S. Cosmetically, BSA needs to re-do the radiator to look like what Triumph does on the Bonneville. On the BSA the radiator looks like it came off a Ford model T. One thing I really want to know about any review of a bike, what’s the maintenance interval, regular routine, and the major ones. What the general cost of ownership, mpg, etc… Will there be a Dealer network? Warranty? What brand tires are they starting out with? Accessories?
Love it, looks so much like the old one and keeps the modern additions very subtle. Think they could have done a better job blending in the radiator, the one fitted looks a bit like an afterthought. Sound way better without the baffle in, with it in it sounds a bit tinny and cheap.
It doesn't look like the old one at all. It looks like other Indian bikes like the jawa 42, or royal enfield. Sadly the only british thing about the new one is the name
When I was in high school here is the US I worked 2 jobs all summer long between my junior and senior year. I made and saved $900. That was just enough to buy and insure the new 1969 BSA 441 Victor Special that was on the showroom floor at the local BSA dealer! I rode that bike for 2 years and I loved it! Even when it took a chunk of skin and meat out of my right leg when I mis-cued on the compression release starting it! It was not as fast as the Kawasaki's my friends had, but it had the right mojo for me! The thump thump was a song that made me feel better after a bad day! Great bike!! JMHO.. 8) --gary
Took a close look at the Goldie at Colchester Kawasaki on Monday. Very nice and looks even better in the flesh. Will take one out when they launch them properly in a few weeks time apparently.
Nice looking bike , but personally think the enfield engine finnsh is so much better , totally uncluttered and very clean and tidy . Bsa have took the easy option with the rotax engine. Will be reliable but the looks could possibly put some people off time will tell ...
Since owning an RE Interceptor I can attest to the looks of the engine... so much so that I often sit in my garage and admire the look of it. RE nailed it in regard to building their own engine specifically for their unique bikes. The new Classic 350 engine and bike is just as well done and arguably more beautiful than the Interceptor. They invested a ton of money in the air cooled 650 and 350 power-plants and it shows. The Rotax engine in the Gold Star will be a very reliable and good running engine. The engineering is sound and the design had been time tested in various machines. But... it is hard to take an engine off the shelf of another manufacturer and have a cohesive and beautiful marriage of bike and engine. In that regard, RE is on par with the worlds most established and premium brands. They just found a way to price aggressively. Perhaps BSA will take this beautiful frame and bike they designed and put a proper, air cooled, BSA designed and engineered engine in it one day.
I tend to agree, Jim. But perhaps the comparison with the interceptor engine is a bit unfair? BSA are staring out with their first bike, whereas Enfield India have 60 plus years behind them. So it is no surprise that they went with an off the shelf engine for their first bike - it is a business after all. As Biker Nate says, maybe in the future, this platform will get a BSA designed engine with improved aesthetics. I hope they succeed.
R.E spent 10yrs developing the twins & can be proud to say they built their own engine.BSA did take the easier option using the Rotrax engine but it is reliable & has great tourqe.Price is fair but reckon base model should of been £250 cheaper or the same as Royal Enfield.Definitly agree that R.E 650 engine looks better & has a more old school look also being air cooled.The heat shield removed looks so much better & paint job looks great.If I bought one I would swap radiator for thinner black alloy high flow radiator & smaller rear shocks cause rear shocks look oversized.These are things I would do & enjoy customizing bikes,some people prefer keeping it stock.
@@bikernate8902 Only way they can go air cooled is with a twin a big single won't pass the strict regulations hence the radiator.They have a twin in the pipeline & if air cooled probably be oil cooled like R.E has done.R.E needs to increase capacity to 800cc like the original prototype 1970 800cc Interceptor Mk2a that wasn't released.R.E could easily increase capacity.Pity the KX 838 Prototype never went into production as a Vtwin would sell fast & be popular in North America. Hopefully the KX Vtwin is released in future & is redesigned to 1000cc.
@@ruahinesrider the technology is there to make a single cylinder that is indeed air and oil cooled. However, since BSA took direct aim at the Interceptor price was going to play a major roll...with that said the investment to develop their own engine would have been the most expensive way to go... that is why RE has the advantage. RE as an established brand with a long, continuous history was much better suited to do so. In this type of bike, in my opinion lacks originality with an off the shelf engine. I doubt very much this BSA will sell as well as the RE. I would like very much for BSA to succeed and expand their product line. But, I have serious doubt given their approach. Also, the RE 650 engine is very capable of being expanded on as the lower end and the entire structure of the engine is under-stressed. Over built and over engineered are terms that come to mind... this was clearly not done by accident. The RE's are not perfect, but... in this segment, they nailed it. The RE Interceptor and the new Classic line will be relevant and the industry standard for many, many years. If I had to boil it down to why RE hit the mark... it comes down to how every part of an RE engine is celebrated in its design... nothing fake or veiled.
My father used to talk about his 1954 BSA & how complicated it was to start it. Said it always started & he rode it up and down the east coast of the US, in 1958-59. I ride a Bonnie & a BMW GS
First thing I would do is pull off the badges, it's not a BSA, it's a Rotax engined, engineered Indian bike, I removed the badges from my Interceptor 650, now it rides much better......
Great review Dave👍 as usual honest spot on POV on the new BSA gold star 650...BSA has done a great job on the design and look trying it's level best to get as close as possible to the older models.Atleast their attempt to revive a dying iconic brand should be highly appreciated then to just find faults.I guess this is the best they could possibly do keeping the budget in mind and that's sensible not to go overboard on the price.I really don't mind it as an addition in my garage apart from my RE interceptor as both have different characteristics and heritage.A common misconception among people is when the price is high they ignore built quality ...but if it’s a value for money proposition they start finding faults and quality issues.Normal human tendency.....
Totally agree here. I am really taken aback by some of the negativity and snobbishness over this bike by some people. It’s as if they are driven by negativity and pointing out faults. I, for one, am really happy that BSA have been relaunched as a brand, with a new bike that does seem, on the face of it, competitively priced. I look forward to a test ride to form my opinion.
@@sambrooks7862 So was Norton Commando 961(now owned by TVS India),BMW RNineTs and are all the Triumph Bonnivelles from Thailand are all made to look like their original predecessors of the 60s in other words none of them is the real Elvis Presley ...in other words no motorcycle is original which are now either being made in India, Thailand or China....So why is it so difficult to accept it as the original brand(iPhone is made in China too)...or rather let's not revive it and let it be forgotten forever.
I completely understand your concern....all that we are trying to say is...a singer in a band is not humanly possible to bring back to life ...but it is very much possible to bring back a brand and machines by humans...and legendary brands should be revived rather than visiting museum to see them...how many new generation kids know brands like AJS, Vincent,Brough superior,Matchless,or even Norton or BSA.Reviving a brand from bygone era should be encouraged,especially if a company wants invest millions to keep it alive no matter how they do it let them, if we can't do it let someone else try to.
@@sambrooks7862 I completely understand your disagreement , especially if you have known and seen the older original brands in flesh ...and I totally agree that they can never remake the same stuff and bring back the character and soul the older motorcycles used to have..not even close to what they used to be....especially with all the emission norms and Euro 5 norms and stuff...I hope they just try to get as close as possible.End of the day all I'm saying is in the motorcycling world which is filled with plastic fairings and fibre crap...we only have few manufactures who are still trying to produce something which atleast look like retro motorcycles and we don't want to discourage them.
Best thing said in this video, "get out an try one", riding is so much more than what you can see an hear in a video, I know my bike sounds completely different when your actually on the machine, looking forward to see more reviews on the new Goldstar, that small change on the shielding of the exhaust is a good start, was hoping to see a smaller more triumph like radiator, but it looks and sounded great for a first review, loved the comparison to the old version, removed much of the nostalgia bias that any modern retro has to contend with.
Liquid cooled, because of emissions, because of over heating ect, so exactly how do you explain the royal enfield Intercepter, air and oil cooling no problem, even in India! 🤔
Properly engineered air/oil cooled engines are the only way to make a true classic bike like this. I understand the thinking and engineering of liquid cooled engines... just not what most want in this class of motorcycle. They did a great job with the look of the new Gold Star and I will ride one soon. But, I will stick with RE and pre-water cooled Bonnivelles.
@@stormytempest6521 whats progress taking the easy option. Enfield produce great air oil cooled units bsa could of done the same but it probably would of killed the project due to cost and r&d.. yes no doubt the rotax will be a great engine but it dont look pretty does it....
I'm intrigued, amazed, delighted to read the expert views and opinions of so many people who have no intention of buying, yet feel entitled to suggest restrictions on what others should be able to do. Sadly, so many of the comments are also inaccurate. BSA as a company has never ceased to exist in UK and it's still there. It was last sold in 2016 to the current owners. The new bike is a Gold Star, simply because that is what it is called. (How many totally different cars did Ford call Cortina or Escort?) Sure, it's not a 1950s design, but it is a good stab at what BSA would be building in Birmingham, if Gov & management hadn't conspired to shut it down and if policy to create a service industry based economy hadn't been adopted. So it's made somewhere else, even though the design and engineering development was done here. So what? let's go somewhere else online for an informed discussion on why that might be? As for the engine, it's not the old Rotax engine previously used by various makers; it's a BSA engine derived from the Rotax with various modifications and updates. Do the detracters have any idea what it costs in $ and time to build a new engine suitable for production? As for the price, it's very keen, even in the light of the dodgy state of the £. Comparison with the Royal Enfield or Kawasaki or anything else is not valid, unless they are singles, or unless the purchaser/rider doesn't know enough to know and feel the difference. This report by Alex is sound and fair, given the limited exposure available. If you are not interested, it won't convert you, but if you might be interested, it should make sure you book a test ride. Keep Calm & Share the Joy
I've had quite a few BSA motorcycles in my time but really fancied buying a Royal Enfield Interceptor. I sat on one at a bike show and felt the bike was lost beneath me as it's way to small for me so decided not to buy one. I don't know if the Gold Star will be any bigger, I will have to wait until I see one in the flesh. Good video, keep them coming.
If I have to choose between the two , I always pick a vintage classic , the sound the smell the idea that something can go wrong is what make the ride magical comparisons cannot be made, they are two completely different bikes, the new one is made for people who understand nothing about motorcycles, This is my opinion from an Italian rider who’s love British bikes🙌
Just to be nit-picking. I would have liked to see the engine finning going all the way across like a Goldie, even if it was bolt-on. The sweep back of the header could be a little more like the Goldie, although I'm pleased to see the shielding has been reduced. Hope they make it over here in Australia, it'll be a worthy touring machine, as well as agreeably-priced. I like it....
If you weren't paid by "BSA" to promote this bike, you missed out - they'd have been happy to give you a free one after that sales pitch! Obviously there's a market for these weird semi-replica looky-likie things but that's all they are. Modern Japanese big singles like the Yamaha SRX, the XT500s etc (OK, they're going back a bit but they still count as modern in comparison to Goldies) were good bikes with their own character. These things, and some of the Hinkley Triumphs (not so much the Enfield twins) are trying to be something they're not, and they don't pull it off.
I have an RE Interceptor 650. Also an old Bullet 500. Got the 650 because of the new Goldie's launch date seemed so vague with no news of dealers etc. I hope the production bikes have the BSA side panel lozenge logo attached vertical to the ground rather than to the side panel that slopes back. Minor point maybe but it 'bugs my eye' that detail!!!!!
Great review and really enjoyed the comparison with the original, which is just gorgeous. From what I've read, an awful lot of time, skill and energy went into creating the new bike, and I would defo like to try one out, if they ever make it to Germany.
I guess lot of riders are unhappy with the new BSA gold star 650 as it is not like to 60s model,but neither is Norton Commando 961 nor Triumph bonneville....not even the RE interceptor 650...we can't have the old character in the new ones as the norms have changed also handling the old ones and maintaining them is a pain....these are way more reliable modern machines with character and looks trying to be close as possible to the older ...so I guess we have to learn to accept the change and best part these new motorcycles are affordable and easy on new riders as beginner motorcycles.
Looks a nice bike and I'll be interested to ride one if/when they arrive in West Australia. Pricing is going to be critical, however. Styling wise, I can live with the radiator; they are nothing new on motorcycles; Scott used them back in 1908 and retained them until the company closed in 1968, though some were built as late as 1978. Suzuki had a radiator on their 1971-77 GT750 Water Bottle. Of far more importance is how the bike feels and rides.
Several things which are for me issues. The sound is a bit tame but thats changeable. 12 litre tank would have been lovely if a 16 litre one for touring. The radiator is a tad ugly and maybe the seat height for taller chaps a bit low. And the other thing will be dealerships etc. Time will tell and will have to test ride. Am in the market for a new bike and have a soft spot for all things Brum related! But am leaning towards an Enfield as it stands. Ahh that reminds me no center stand.
I couldn't have a Goldstar. Keeping a Victor on the road had already proven a handful. I'm glad I waited. As an old guy on a fixed income in a third-world country, all I need to do now is hit the lottery. I know where slightly less than 7000 USD is going when I do.
I do like the look of the cut down exhaust. That looked super bulky on the first photos I saw. A set of ace bars and I think the BSA will look sharp. I'm surprised their isn't a clubman trim availableto be honest. Seems odd, but it's not too hard to sort. Good video , as always.
I owned BSA 500 plunger model 1949 and confirm till now no machine to compare it in durable and tough more than a decade that I used to drive around Thailand with happiness
I gladly take the new one over the old one. People see with rose tinted glasses old British bikes. Fortunately they put bread on David’s table, but the unreliability and how the planets have to align for them to run every time you want to use them is nuts. A new RE or a new BSA any day.
Absolutely. Used to go to Pride and Clarkes and every secondhand bike had saw dust under it for the oil drops. British bikes were great in the 60s but compared to modern engineering they were not comparable. Although I would still love a kick starter as a back up and for setting the tappets etc
@@chrisnightingale6417 hi Chris. Sure. I love classic bikes and i love watching David working on them and teaching about them. I am about to start my own first restauration. For me they are more art than transportation. That being said, I wouldn’t like a classic bike as my daily ride. I want to get on a bike that will start and then take me to my destination every time. I love the intricacies of a bike with 4 carbs and spoked wheels, but when my time, sanity and life are on line, I’ll take EFI and tubeless anytime.
Sorry to say but I think I'd take the Enfield over this. It's a bit cheaper and its 270-degree twin sounds much better. Nonetheless, I appreciate the effort to resurrect BSA.
Not too relevant to compare the new one w/ the old Goldie. More relevant to compare it w/ R.E. Interceptor. Anyway, attractive ride for someone looking for classic style, simplicity, etc. I do understand the need for radiator, but BSA should have taken cues from the newer Triumph 900's - those radiators are less obtrusive & they're contoured better to the frame. I look forward to a good, fair assessment of the new 650 soon...
The over all gearing depends on use. As other people have said, the video is a sales pitch and not completely honest. Different uses of the Goldie required different specs and to compare a racing bike with a lets face it a tourer and not exactly very quick either is silly. In fact one also has to realise that the new bike is also 50% bigger and yet slower. I have a Yammy 535 virago it is according to the blurb more powerful, more economic, faster and has many other things going for it. I had a new RE 500 for a couple of years, and that did not cut it either. I think that rebuilding one of my Yammies would be a better value for money!
Interesting review and well done BSA for getting rid of that horrible chunky exhaust cover. As you said it's built on a budget and looking at the switch gear and some other bits you can see that. I'll be sticking with my Kawasaki W800 which I personally think is the most genuine of the retro bikes and has a high build quality
Great to finally see more of this bike. Two things for me is surely they could have designed a better cleaner looking radiator. And if they went to the trouble of making it water cooled, then why not more power and torque so it would sit better with the competition? But I will reserve final judgment until I see one up close
@@_AnanasIEgenJuice_ thanks. I forgot to take that into account. Maybe they should have kept the Gold Star name for a higher spec non A2 version and called this one a Lightning or something?
Great looking bike & I agree could of been even better with a Triumph style radiator thin black alloy high flow radiator & associated plumbing. I would buy one at this price & would put a thin black alloy high flow radiator like Triumphs on.I would also swap the oversized rear shocks for more in proportion with bike of this style.I think customizing it will make a good bike a great bike.Has more tourqe than stock R.E twin but slip on's with extra £500 will increase tourqe & shed weight. Also be interesting to see how far 12Liter tank gets bike & considering you want to leave at least 3.5-4L in tank at fill up.
Excellent video. I like the new Gold Star. Some decades ago, I owned a BB34 Gold Star. I never kick started it. Too tricky, and potentially ankle breaking. Push as fast as possible with the clutch in. Jump on side saddle. Clutch out. Then clutch in while you, how shall we say "put your leg over". Then off you went.
I wonder who the target buyer is. Younger guys would never have heard of the original BSA Gold Star, and guys that actually rode them in the 1960s would be around 80 by now. Still, there’s plenty of retro Enfields and Triumphs around I suppose. I’m 72 and it wouldn’t have enough power for me, that’s why I love my Z900RS lol.
its silly to compare the Rotax Gold Star to the original. The race equipped Gold Star from the 1960's was a race bike. Using milder cams, 389 Monobloc carb and a standard ratio gearbox makes it perfectly fine for normal road use. I've raced 1950's BSA's with the vintage racing club and they are fine on the track. I've also ridden standard 1950's BSA's on the road. They are fine - especially when you remember how old they are. The starting procedure is not a problem and is not difficult, just a characteristic of the bike. Theres a bloke, in his 70's, on our road has an original and takes it out regularly in the summer. Sounds great. Obviously if you want a modern bike with all its pampering features buy one, but you can't compare them to the original classics.
Excellent and well informed review of the new Gold Star, thank you. It’s an intriguing bike with positives and negatives. Can’t say I’m totally won over with the style and I think it’s slightly porky. Not fitting a centre stand and rear grab handle is not good and it sounds no better than the Hunter 350 with the baffles in place - but nice with them out. As I have previously said, the engine looks a corker, it rides, brakes and steers and has a two years warranty. Would I wish to part with my electric start Yamaha SRX 600? No, because it does everything and more I want from a 600 single.
It is a good thing they are pitching it abroad. BSA as a brand is more associated with a Bicycle brand in India. I used to ride one as a kid and it was called BSA SLR. I never had a motorcycle brand BSA in my horizon until Mahindra revived it. Norton on the other hand, when and if TVS comes out with a New Norton I am looking forward to
This sort of highlights why the name was not a great fit (other than for marketing - where it was). One is a lovely (really) gentle and easy commuter/tourer for everyone - and the other one is a road-capable expert-level race bike. It's kind of like re-releasing the Lightning as a chopper - it makes no sense. It's the exact opposite of what it was. I get it BSA - name recognition, and nobody will buy a new retro race bike for the track (or at least not enough for mass production), but the name, ahhhh the name ... If they used "G-Star 2" or "Gold GT" or something ... Anyway, to end on a happy note - this looks like a lovely bike and congrats to BSA.
The new one is a modern B33. Low powered, run of the mill performance and ride all day ease. The husqvarna vitpilen is the modern equivalent of a Goldstar.
Firstly it’s nothing like the original in either looks or concept so stop making the comparison and concentrate on what it’s like to ride. To me it looks awkward to ride. The upright arms bent stance make it look cramped and the handlebar looks silly. The exhaust needs more upswept silencer, hate the guard that hides the cat branch connections. Seat looks like it was made in the 50s. Are there enough old bikers wanting a bit of nostalgia? Not in the long term. I understood what the original was for . I can’t say the same about this bike. I think the Interceptor is a much more relevant modern machine and just can’t see the BSA taking any sales from it. Oh dear, I seem to be so negative about it. Actually like the tank as it’s a version of my favourite BSA tank/badge!
Can't beat that sound of the old Goldstar, yes I agree with other comments that this is really on about selling the new one., but shouldn't really compare the old v new.
![BSA Goldstar ‖ First Ride Review On UK Roads [4K]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/rLPCzOSP2zo/mqdefault.jpg)
I work with an older gentleman who used to ride an original Gold Star in the late 1960s. After a series of more modern bikes, he managed to find and buy another. As you say, they are hard to ride and I don't think his really sees the light of day very often. However, it was a present to himself and a strong reminder of his younger days. It makes me happy when he talks about it and his antics in a bygone era of motorcycling.
My first motorcycle was a brand new 1962 BSA 350 single, bought in El Cajon California, a suburb of San Diego. I have been very partial to singles ever since and hope to shop this new 650 here in the Phoenix, Az. area . Enjoyed this post very much , Thank You.
@@frankmarkovcijr5459 I could not keep it as within 2 thousand miles the rod bearing was squealing. Warranty repaired.another 800 miles same thing. Grudgingly repaired at dealer. Sold it. About y
@@frankmarkovcijr5459 yes hard to believe even motorcycles have catalytic converters now, and a simple straight forward bike is long gone.
The old Goldie was built for a time, where the traffic wasn't as maddening as it now. It does sound marvellous though. The new one doesn't sound bad either. Starting is definitely a pain, its a work in itself. Had one of those Royal Enfield Lean Burn with the manual compression, and boy the kickback can be brutal. Gives you machismo feeling, but its a pain when in stop and go traffic.
In their own contemporary literature, BSA were quite open about the Clubman Gold Star as not being suitable for road use.
The Gold Star DBD 34 is a highly tuned production racer. It is not really a road bike. A better comparison would be a CB 34, with flat handlebars, standard footrests and a road gear cluster.
@@pashakdescilly7517 Or better still for general road use, the BSA 350 cc B31 or 500cc B33
I love the look of the new BSA. I agree the single has more torque than the twin of the interceptor but what I disagree with is the interceptor doesn’t need man handling when cornering and certainly doesn’t feel heavy on the move. You say it isn’t a rival to the interceptor but then you compare everything against it. I hope it’s as popular as the interceptor as I'd love to see both on our roads in the UK.
What the majority of people dont seem to understand is we like the hard work when we ride our BSA's. Thats the whole point! Its just as much about the process of starting it, keeping it started, collecting the bits that fall off during the ride, keeping it started in traffic, limping it home when it inevitably fails... BSA arent just a ride like some lame ass Harley.. Its a full on experience that forces you to know the quirks of your particular machine. That is the charm of these old bikes, and that is what will always be the best bit for me.KNOW YOUR BIKE.
Well, it uses the name Gold Star but is nothing like the old Gold Star at all, apart from being a single cylinder. The old one was specifically developed and sold for use in the Manx Grand Prix races that took place on the Isle of Man sometime in September, and was for amateurs, and was not part of the World Championships. Of course neither are the TT Races now, but they were, back in the day.
I have ridden the old Gold Star. A friend of mine owned it and called it a Caveman's motorbike, and that is the best description of it, it is totally uncivilised but a joy to ride once you have started it. Starting was quite involved but provided you knew the procedure was fairly easy to do.
I expect the new "Gold Star" is a very nice bike, but it is not a racer as the old one was.
The technology in the modern bike makes it so much easier to use than a vintage bike. Electronic fuel injection, water cooling and a counter balanced motor make the new bike efficient and dependable for all riding conditions be it city or country. That’s the ticket. If these bikes can come close to Japanese dependability? It’s a winner!! Great video!!!
If your measure of how great a motorcycle is is how easy it is to 'use' then I guess so, yes.
This has attracted a lot of whining, mostly people moaning that basically it's not the original... Some even suggesting that the channel has sold out to evil corporate greed 😲. There has been a lot of interest in this bike, so thanks for showing it.
Its not the original,its oil tight and reliable
@@BanjoLuke1 a fantastic reply 👍
@@BanjoLuke1 That's it really. They bought a brand and then instantly decided to trade on it's most famous name completely regardless of the history they're trying to invoke. The Gold Star was all, and only, about speed, this recycled BMW Funduro decidedly isn't.
As a Mahindra it makes a lot more sense than a BSA and would probably get a much warmer welcome as a bloody good try. Marketing sucks.
@@stevematthews641 Nice! Lol!
It definitely looks like a motorcycle that can be a commuter or a base of something you can customise and grow with to make it look well, even more "classic".
I'm interested to see what progresses with aftermarket parts, tune up kits and exhaust systems once these get out in the world. I'm sure there's a sleeping beast under all that emission gear.
Great video as always Dave. I'll take the old one but of course the new one's going to be much easier. I'll be curious to see how they do!
Love your videos 🙌
Its a very nicely styled homage to a BSA Goldstar
Is it *really* a Goldstar?
Dave's off beam with his assertion 'everyone expects it to be vibey because its a single'.
Well, not if you've ridden the sorts of Rotax singles fitted to BMWs amongst others for the past 20 odd years you don't.
Anyway acid test but who else is with Bart and would take the original in preference to this pleasant newcomer?
Damn sure I'd rather have the old original.
@@babboon5764 The old Gold Star was great to look at but a pig to drive for everyday type motoring, it was far more suited for use on the race track, For everyday riding, the new version is far better, easier to ride and of course way cheaper to buy !
@@johnjackson3847 Kind of yeah ... that's no doubt true of many.
There's a beautifully crafted new Norton Commando just coming to market that's rated way more refined than the original.
But ........
Well, I guess its down to what you're aiming for with the bike.
@@babboon5764 I had many of these old British bikes in the 1960s to 70s. One of them was a mid1950s BSA 350cc B31 ( related to the gold star ) good old British single and believe it or not, they were out of fashion in the mid 60s and I paid only £15 for my one, nowadays you would pay around £6000 plus. My brother was a Triumph man and he won many production races on his own Triumph Trophy that he converted to Bonneville specifications. He later on changed to racing Hondas.
When you hear an old Goldie it's magical.
🤩
The old Goldie, nice to look at and hear, but a pig to start and ride in normal road conditions. Not practical for modern day roads and traffic. The old British bikes also leaked a lot of oil and the electrics were unreliable, especially the ignition and charging systems. Brakes not that good and lot of vibration as well in the old big four strokes. Modern motorcycles are so much improved and far more reliable.
Magic too when the traffic cop pulls you over and asks if you've nicked granddad's bike, then gives you a ticket for that raucous exhaust.
And then you have to restart the damn thing.
Will remind you that the original goldie clubman was NOT recommend for road use! It's stated on the original sales brochure.I have
The modern interpretation is definitely a huge upgrade. Reliability, economy, and performance leave the vintage BSA’s in the dust. In my youth I had ridden a 1970 Lightning. I wasn’t that experienced but between the right hand shift, poor brakes, and sour handling, the bike was a head-turner but terrifying to ride. I love vintage bikes but motorcycles truly have become so greatly improved over time. Cheers to your channel and review!
It's not a 'huge upgrade' it's just a new bike to be styled vaguely like an old bike. It has ZERO character unlike the old bike. Still they'll launch and then folk will get bored and second hand they might be worth a punt as a commuter.
Rarther have a B31 than this bike' but then again i use my 61 AJS 350 all year' rain or snow.
"the right hand shift, poor brakes, and sour handling,"?
I don't think you ever had a 1970 BSA Lightning.
Handling? On rails
Brakes?
TLS front brake stopped you like a brick wall.
Right hand shift?
So were all Brit bikes, what a pleasure to brake and change gear DIAGONALLY.
A natural movement, like swinging your left arm forward with your right leg when walking.
A very good review, Dave. I think anyone who says this is a hard sell is being unfair. You make it perfectly clear that it won’t be for everyone and that people should reserve judgement until they have actually seen and ridden one. The price seems reasonable too.
still not quite convinced but will defer judgement until I've ridden one. Think I would've prefered a twin, but then I'm a Meriden man at heart
So the last 30 seconds of the video pretty much says it all, 'test ride it and make up ya own mind' could have saved 13 minutes of paid sales pitch, or if not paid manufacturer pressure 😎
Just look at them, the old one was beautiful and sounds fantastic.
Great review as always, Dave. Very informative. Sounds like a lovely bike!
The old one sounds sooooo good.
If it's liquid cooled it's a thoroughly modern bike with a retro design.
The truely retros are the Royal Enfields, Kawasaki w800, and some of the air-cooled Harleys!
The old 60's British bikes looked so "perfect" right out of the crate. The new interpretation of those classic motorcycles are probably way better functionally but they don't have the same appeal as a restored original for me.
I still prefer the Royal Enfield engine looks much nicer.
The RE 650 engine is a work of art... I go into my garage often just to look at it.
RE’s 350 and 500 singles look the retro part without radiators. I hope they re-introduce an improved (less vibration) 500 or even go head to head with BSA with a 650. Hopefully, no radiator. I could live with a discreet oil cooler as on the Interceptor.
Great review Dave👍 as usual honest spot on POV on the new BSA gold star 650.BSA has done a great job on the design and look trying it's level best to get as close as possible to the older models.Atleast their attempt to revive a dying brand should be highly appreciated then to just find faults.I guess this is the best they could possibly do keeping the budget in mind and that's sensible not to go overboard on the price.I really don't mind it as an addition in my garage apart from my RE interceptor as both have different characteristics and heritage.
270 crank on a twin sounds great, but at this size a thumper is a smarter choice. Torque until Sunday, and a more powerful derestricted option also available.
Let's try to celebrate 🍾🍾🍾the revival of one the most iconic brand BSA for today and keep the criticism for another day...Try to get a ride on the BSA Gold Star🍻🍻🍻
We have to remember it is only a homages to the original on that I think its great .does not look as good or sound as good but modern is easier to live with and with my aging hips and knees I think it's a great bike
Mate excellent job at presenting this machine! I commend the developers and hope it sells well, I now have another bike on the list to buy 😉
Love the new BSA, hopefully it will be available in the Netherlands for a good price
This sounded like you were making a lot of excuses for the bike. This is a direct rival for the Royal Enfield 650s, they managed to get an air cooled motor out and make it emissions compliant. Of course it's an easier daily ride than an old BSA, how does it compare with its main rival?
The water cooled BSA engine will be capable of putting out much more power, I am surprised they are restricting it so much with only 49hp to start.
R.E stopped making 500 cause they didn't want to go water-cooled.It is harder to get a big single through emissions testing.BSA have a twin in the making hopefully it air-cooled & oil cooled but Jawa, Yezdi are water cooled bikes so twin probably be water-cooled too hopefully it air-cooled,oil cooled.Since it water-cooled BSA will bring out a more powerful tuned model to make the most of this model & a 55bhp model is possible.BSA has also got nice looking panniers & bike has pannier rails & sump plate stock.
Great looking bike & customizing it will improve look.I think it's fantastic their is another British heritage bike on the market & be awesome to see BSA & R.E & Triumphs on a group ride.
@@ruahinesrider HERE HERE.🇬🇧
Honestly, you can't compare a single and a twin.
@@shardlake how much more power?
It is the good old Rotax 650cc water cooled single.... it is 47-50 hp for few decades already.
Nice to see the bike compared to the classic. I don’t care for radiators on retro-styled bikes but that’s the future. It would not be a deal breaker, just a visual adjustment.
SPOT ON BRUCE.🇬🇧
I love your words Bruce ... visual adjustment = turn a blind eye :)
This may well prove to be a great bike, and any engineer in the market for a proprietary powerplant will tell you that Rotax make great engines. It may not be important to many people (I'm not even saying it should be) but what this bike doesn't have is any heritage whatsoever. There's a huge difference between "BSA" and arguably their biggest competitor Royal Enfield in this department. People love to say "Oh RE are Indian now, wish they were still British blah blah" but they are genuinely the same company they were when they started in 1901. The RE name was never up for sale, and there's a real family tree back to their first bike. BSA is just a name purchased and put on a new bike with no company lineage back to the original gold star. It doesn't even matter much really, but I think people should consider the bike in this context.
Ridden an Indian lately? How about a Schwinn? Think those Craftsman tools are the same ones your dad or grandad got at Sears?
Face it, this is the age of branding, and brands are passed around from corporation to corporation. And corporations merge and sell off groups to other corporations. I never thought I'd see a Chinese Volvo, but here we are.
@@47f0 Yeah I know this is the way of the world, but I think examples like Volvo are different to BSA/Indian. Volvo the company was sold, as in it has had different parent companies, but they never fully shut up shop, sacked all employees and stopped designing/building cars for decades. Whilst ownership changed, and I'm sure that had an impact on the direction of the products they made, it's still the real Volvo. BSA completely stopped existing in any practical sense, and is now just a name that someone has purchased and put on a completely unrelated product. Which I think is fine and shouldn't detract from the new gold star as a bike. I like the look of the new bike, and the semantics of ownership are normally kinda irrelevant, except I feel slightly different about it in this case since the "heritage" seems to be the main point of their marketing. Ie: Calling it the gold star, doing press launches of it alongside a classic fold star, having the BSA logo all over merchandise, and using the "BSA is back" slogan...when actually it's "back" in name only. If the heritage is going to be your main advertising point, I think it needs to be genuine. All that said, life's not about arguments on the internet. I'm excited about the bike just as you are and am keen to see or ride one!
Well, you know, even BSA is Indian now
My question still is WHY. Why resurrect a machine that had been out of production for 10 years when the original BSA folded? If I were an investor in this venture, I would have started where BSA stopped in 1972/73. Sorry, no sale.
"BSA is just a name purchased and put on a new bike with no company lineage back to the original..."
So is Triumph.
Apart from the radiator, exhaust note and paint on the engine everything looks nice!
Can’t wait for this bike to come to the U.S. Cosmetically, BSA needs to re-do the radiator to look like what Triumph does on the Bonneville. On the BSA the radiator looks like it came off a Ford model T. One thing I really want to know about any review of a bike, what’s the maintenance interval, regular routine, and the major ones. What the general cost of ownership, mpg, etc…
Will there be a Dealer network? Warranty? What brand tires are they starting out with? Accessories?
I can't wait until they come to the states! I think it will be a winner. Remember it's a brand new bike!
Love it, looks so much like the old one and keeps the modern additions very subtle. Think they could have done a better job blending in the radiator, the one fitted looks a bit like an afterthought. Sound way better without the baffle in, with it in it sounds a bit tinny and cheap.
Looks like the old one. Yep that was their aim. Wouldn't you prefer a real (original) one though? Far more lithe looking.
@@dave6467 oh yeah, I'd definitely prefer an older one
@@keithstewart1979 You mean a real one. LOL
What?...#shouldhavegonetosppecsavers
It doesn't look like the old one at all. It looks like other Indian bikes like the jawa 42, or royal enfield. Sadly the only british thing about the new one is the name
When I was in high school here is the US I worked 2 jobs all summer long between my junior and senior year. I made and saved $900. That was just enough to buy and insure the new 1969 BSA 441 Victor Special that was on the showroom floor at the local BSA dealer! I rode that bike for 2 years and I loved it! Even when it took a chunk of skin and meat out of my right leg when I mis-cued on the compression release starting it! It was not as fast as the Kawasaki's my friends had, but it had the right mojo for me! The thump thump was a song that made me feel better after a bad day! Great bike!! JMHO.. 8) --gary
Took a close look at the Goldie at Colchester Kawasaki on Monday. Very nice and looks even better in the flesh. Will take one out when they launch them properly in a few weeks time apparently.
Nice looking bike , but personally think the enfield engine finnsh is so much better , totally uncluttered and very clean and tidy . Bsa have took the easy option with the rotax engine. Will be reliable but the looks could possibly put some people off time will tell ...
Since owning an RE Interceptor I can attest to the looks of the engine... so much so that I often sit in my garage and admire the look of it. RE nailed it in regard to building their own engine specifically for their unique bikes. The new Classic 350 engine and bike is just as well done and arguably more beautiful than the Interceptor. They invested a ton of money in the air cooled 650 and 350 power-plants and it shows. The Rotax engine in the Gold Star will be a very reliable and good running engine. The engineering is sound and the design had been time tested in various machines. But... it is hard to take an engine off the shelf of another manufacturer and have a cohesive and beautiful marriage of bike and engine. In that regard, RE is on par with the worlds most established and premium brands. They just found a way to price aggressively. Perhaps BSA will take this beautiful frame and bike they designed and put a proper, air cooled, BSA designed and engineered engine in it one day.
I tend to agree, Jim. But perhaps the comparison with the interceptor engine is a bit unfair? BSA are staring out with their first bike, whereas Enfield India have 60 plus years behind them. So it is no surprise that they went with an off the shelf engine for their first bike - it is a business after all. As Biker Nate says, maybe in the future, this platform will get a BSA designed engine with improved aesthetics. I hope they succeed.
R.E spent 10yrs developing the twins & can be proud to say they built their own engine.BSA did take the easier option using the Rotrax engine but it is reliable & has great tourqe.Price is fair but reckon base model should of been £250 cheaper or the same as Royal Enfield.Definitly agree that R.E 650 engine looks better & has a more old school look also being air cooled.The heat shield removed looks so much better & paint job looks great.If I bought one I would swap radiator for thinner black alloy high flow radiator & smaller rear shocks cause rear shocks look oversized.These are things I would do & enjoy customizing bikes,some people prefer keeping it stock.
@@bikernate8902 Only way they can go air cooled is with a twin a big single won't pass the strict regulations hence the radiator.They have a twin in the pipeline & if air cooled probably be oil cooled like R.E has done.R.E needs to increase capacity to 800cc like the original prototype 1970 800cc Interceptor Mk2a that wasn't released.R.E could easily increase capacity.Pity the KX 838
Prototype never went into production as a Vtwin would sell fast & be popular in North America.
Hopefully the KX Vtwin is released in future & is redesigned to 1000cc.
@@ruahinesrider the technology is there to make a single cylinder that is indeed air and oil cooled. However, since BSA took direct aim at the Interceptor price was going to play a major roll...with that said the investment to develop their own engine would have been the most expensive way to go... that is why RE has the advantage. RE as an established brand with a long, continuous history was much better suited to do so. In this type of bike, in my opinion lacks originality with an off the shelf engine. I doubt very much this BSA will sell as well as the RE. I would like very much for BSA to succeed and expand their product line. But, I have serious doubt given their approach. Also, the RE 650 engine is very capable of being expanded on as the lower end and the entire structure of the engine is under-stressed. Over built and over engineered are terms that come to mind... this was clearly not done by accident. The RE's are not perfect, but... in this segment, they nailed it. The RE Interceptor and the new Classic line will be relevant and the industry standard for many, many years. If I had to boil it down to why RE hit the mark... it comes down to how every part of an RE engine is celebrated in its design... nothing fake or veiled.
My father used to talk about his 1954 BSA & how complicated it was to start it. Said it always started & he rode it up and down the east coast of the US, in 1958-59. I ride a Bonnie & a BMW GS
First thing I would do is pull off the badges, it's not a BSA, it's a Rotax engined, engineered Indian bike, I removed the badges from my Interceptor 650, now it rides much better......
I think they did a great job on the DBD inspired styling... guess I'll just have to get used to that radiator :)
Great review Dave
Like it
I have 4 Bsa’s
Looking forward to seeing it in the flesh and testing it
No negative comments from me at the moment 👍👍
Great review Dave👍 as usual honest spot on POV on the new BSA gold star 650...BSA has done a great job on the design and look trying it's level best to get as close as possible to the older models.Atleast their attempt to revive a dying iconic brand should be highly appreciated then to just find faults.I guess this is the best they could possibly do keeping the budget in mind and that's sensible not to go overboard on the price.I really don't mind it as an addition in my garage apart from my RE interceptor as both have different characteristics and heritage.A common misconception among people is when the price is high they ignore built quality ...but if it’s a value for money proposition they start finding faults and quality issues.Normal human tendency.....
Totally agree here. I am really taken aback by some of the negativity and snobbishness over this bike by some people. It’s as if they are driven by negativity and pointing out faults. I, for one, am really happy that BSA have been relaunched as a brand, with a new bike that does seem, on the face of it, competitively priced. I look forward to a test ride to form my opinion.
@@sambrooks7862 So was Norton Commando 961(now owned by TVS India),BMW RNineTs and are all the Triumph Bonnivelles from Thailand are all made to look like their original predecessors of the 60s in other words none of them is the real Elvis Presley ...in other words no motorcycle is original which are now either being made in India, Thailand or China....So why is it so difficult to accept it as the original brand(iPhone is made in China too)...or rather let's not revive it and let it be forgotten forever.
I completely understand your concern....all that we are trying to say is...a singer in a band is not humanly possible to bring back to life ...but it is very much possible to bring back a brand and machines by humans...and legendary brands should be revived rather than visiting museum to see them...how many new generation kids know brands like AJS, Vincent,Brough superior,Matchless,or even Norton or BSA.Reviving a brand from bygone era should be encouraged,especially if a company wants invest millions to keep it alive no matter how they do it let them, if we can't do it let someone else try to.
@@sambrooks7862 I completely understand your disagreement , especially if you have known and seen the older original brands in flesh ...and I totally agree that they can never remake the same stuff and bring back the character and soul the older motorcycles used to have..not even close to what they used to be....especially with all the emission norms and Euro 5 norms and stuff...I hope they just try to get as close as possible.End of the day all I'm saying is in the motorcycling world which is filled with plastic fairings and fibre crap...we only have few manufactures who are still trying to produce something which atleast look like retro motorcycles and we don't want to discourage them.
@@sambrooks7862 Likewise it was a nice chat...good discussion we had🙂. You too Ride Safe👍Thanks & Cheers
Best thing said in this video, "get out an try one", riding is so much more than what you can see an hear in a video, I know my bike sounds completely different when your actually on the machine, looking forward to see more reviews on the new Goldstar, that small change on the shielding of the exhaust is a good start, was hoping to see a smaller more triumph like radiator, but it looks and sounded great for a first review, loved the comparison to the old version, removed much of the nostalgia bias that any modern retro has to contend with.
Liquid cooled, because of emissions, because of over heating ect, so exactly how do you explain the royal enfield Intercepter, air and oil cooling no problem, even in India! 🤔
Properly engineered air/oil cooled engines are the only way to make a true classic bike like this. I understand the thinking and engineering of liquid cooled engines... just not what most want in this class of motorcycle. They did a great job with the look of the new Gold Star and I will ride one soon. But, I will stick with RE and pre-water cooled Bonnivelles.
Exactly he was talking absolute bollocks. Talking it up for the sake of bsa..
@@JIMWSMITH Jim Lad.... with respect, its called progress, regards.
@@stormytempest6521 whats progress taking the easy option. Enfield produce great air oil cooled units bsa could of done the same but it probably would of killed the project due to cost and r&d.. yes no doubt the rotax will be a great engine but it dont look pretty does it....
@Retired Bore love to see one of those- but one that ordinary folk can buy , not like certain Brit brands...
I'm intrigued, amazed, delighted to read the expert views and opinions of so many people who have no intention of buying, yet feel entitled to suggest restrictions on what others should be able to do.
Sadly, so many of the comments are also inaccurate. BSA as a company has never ceased to exist in UK and it's still there. It was last sold in 2016 to the current owners.
The new bike is a Gold Star, simply because that is what it is called. (How many totally different cars did Ford call Cortina or Escort?) Sure, it's not a 1950s design, but it is a good stab at what BSA would be building in Birmingham, if Gov & management hadn't conspired to shut it down and if policy to create a service industry based economy hadn't been adopted. So it's made somewhere else, even though the design and engineering development was done here. So what? let's go somewhere else online for an informed discussion on why that might be?
As for the engine, it's not the old Rotax engine previously used by various makers; it's a BSA engine derived from the Rotax with various modifications and updates. Do the detracters have any idea what it costs in $ and time to build a new engine suitable for production?
As for the price, it's very keen, even in the light of the dodgy state of the £.
Comparison with the Royal Enfield or Kawasaki or anything else is not valid, unless they are singles, or unless the purchaser/rider doesn't know enough to know and feel the difference.
This report by Alex is sound and fair, given the limited exposure available. If you are not interested, it won't convert you, but if you might be interested, it should make sure you book a test ride.
Keep Calm & Share the Joy
Thanks for the review, very interesting snd look forward to seeing more on the Goldie!
Thanks for adding the dyno chart, that gives a good idea about the engine performs
I've had quite a few BSA motorcycles in my time but really fancied buying a Royal Enfield Interceptor. I sat on one at a bike show and felt the bike was lost beneath me as it's way to small for me so decided not to buy one. I don't know if the Gold Star will be any bigger, I will have to wait until I see one in the flesh.
Good video, keep them coming.
Old Beezers have soul man ✌️❤
I still think that the original is more stylish, even though the new one is easier to ride.
If I have to choose between the two , I always pick a vintage classic , the sound the smell the idea that something can go wrong is what make the ride magical
comparisons cannot be made, they are two completely different bikes, the new one is made for people who understand nothing about motorcycles, This is my opinion from an Italian rider who’s love British bikes🙌
Oh it sounds amazing, looks amazing and it must feel comfortable while riding as well 😍 love it.
This thing looks so awsome! it s so great to finaly see it rolling!
Nice attempt at a modernised copy, but there is NO substitute for the original Goldie!
Just to be nit-picking. I would have liked to see the engine finning going all the way across like a Goldie, even if it was bolt-on. The sweep back of the header could be a little more like the Goldie, although I'm pleased to see the shielding has been reduced.
Hope they make it over here in Australia, it'll be a worthy touring machine, as well as agreeably-priced. I like it....
If you weren't paid by "BSA" to promote this bike, you missed out - they'd have been happy to give you a free one after that sales pitch! Obviously there's a market for these weird semi-replica looky-likie things but that's all they are. Modern Japanese big singles like the Yamaha SRX, the XT500s etc (OK, they're going back a bit but they still count as modern in comparison to Goldies) were good bikes with their own character. These things, and some of the Hinkley Triumphs (not so much the Enfield twins) are trying to be something they're not, and they don't pull it off.
Nice review thanks
I have an RE Interceptor 650. Also an old Bullet 500. Got the 650 because of the new Goldie's launch date seemed so vague with no news of dealers etc.
I hope the production bikes have the BSA side panel lozenge logo attached vertical to the ground rather than to the side panel that slopes back. Minor point maybe but it 'bugs my eye' that detail!!!!!
Great review and really enjoyed the comparison with the original, which is just gorgeous. From what I've read, an awful lot of time, skill and energy went into creating the new bike, and I would defo like to try one out, if they ever make it to Germany.
Thanks for a review , finally 😀, I’m changing my mind again.
I guess lot of riders are unhappy with the new BSA gold star 650 as it is not like to 60s model,but neither is Norton Commando 961 nor Triumph bonneville....not even the RE interceptor 650...we can't have the old character in the new ones as the norms have changed also handling the old ones and maintaining them is a pain....these are way more reliable modern machines with character and looks trying to be close as possible to the older ...so I guess we have to learn to accept the change and best part these new motorcycles are affordable and easy on new riders as beginner motorcycles.
Looks a nice bike and I'll be interested to ride one if/when they arrive in West Australia. Pricing is going to be critical, however. Styling wise, I can live with the radiator; they are nothing new on motorcycles; Scott used them back in 1908 and retained them until the company closed in 1968, though some were built as late as 1978. Suzuki had a radiator on their 1971-77 GT750 Water Bottle. Of far more importance is how the bike feels and rides.
Right mate
Look at that old bsa go!! With all the vibrations and engine character must feel absolutely thrilling!
Several things which are for me issues. The sound is a bit tame but thats changeable. 12 litre tank would have been lovely if a 16 litre one for touring.
The radiator is a tad ugly and maybe the seat height for taller chaps a bit low. And the other thing will be dealerships etc.
Time will tell and will have to test ride. Am in the market for a new bike and have a soft spot for all things Brum related! But am leaning towards an Enfield as it stands.
Ahh that reminds me no center stand.
Nice to hear you view on it,yer I think it’s going to be a success👌
Sounded like a sales pitch for the “new” bike! I’d have the old one every time,pick your roads/ journeys and you’ll be fine on it!
Great review. Straight to the point. No fluff. 👍
Great review from someone who knows his stuff. Brilliant.
I couldn't have a Goldstar. Keeping a Victor on the road had already proven a handful. I'm glad I waited. As an old guy on a fixed income in a third-world country, all I need to do now is hit the lottery. I know where slightly less than 7000 USD is going when I do.
Wow....that old girl LOOKS GORGEOUS..and SOUNDS GREAT... .......new models are good too .........good report...
I do like the look of the cut down exhaust. That looked super bulky on the first photos I saw. A set of ace bars and I think the BSA will look sharp. I'm surprised their isn't a clubman trim availableto be honest. Seems odd, but it's not too hard to sort. Good video , as always.
Clubman trim will most likely come later.
Excellent narration - great presentation 👍 😎
BMW also uses Bombardier Rotax engines on its thumpers. They’re highly reliable.
I owned BSA 500 plunger model 1949 and confirm till now no machine to compare it in durable and tough more than a decade that I used to drive around Thailand with happiness
I gladly take the new one over the old one. People see with rose tinted glasses old British bikes. Fortunately they put bread on David’s table, but the unreliability and how the planets have to align for them to run every time you want to use them is nuts. A new RE or a new BSA any day.
Absolutely.
Used to go to Pride and Clarkes and every secondhand bike had saw dust under it for the oil drops.
British bikes were great in the 60s but compared to modern engineering they were not comparable.
Although I would still love a kick starter as a back up and for setting the tappets etc
Out of interest can I ask why you watch a Classic Motorcycle Channel if you don’t like Classic Motorcycles?
@@chrisnightingale6417 hi Chris. Sure. I love classic bikes and i love watching David working on them and teaching about them. I am about to start my own first restauration. For me they are more art than transportation. That being said, I wouldn’t like a classic bike as my daily ride. I want to get on a bike that will start and then take me to my destination every time. I love the intricacies of a bike with 4 carbs and spoked wheels, but when my time, sanity and life are on line, I’ll take EFI and tubeless anytime.
@@rodintoulouse3054 Hi Rod, sorry I got the wrong impression. Fair enough. Good luck with your restoration and all the best 👍
Sorry to say but I think I'd take the Enfield over this. It's a bit cheaper and its 270-degree twin sounds much better. Nonetheless, I appreciate the effort to resurrect BSA.
Not too relevant to compare the new one w/ the old Goldie. More relevant to compare it w/ R.E. Interceptor. Anyway, attractive ride for someone looking for classic style, simplicity, etc. I do understand the need for radiator, but BSA should have taken cues from the newer Triumph 900's - those radiators are less obtrusive & they're contoured better to the frame. I look forward to a good, fair assessment of the new 650 soon...
Finally! The real deal Arrives! Perfect timing I'm looking to replace my 2008 U.S spec 500 AVL Royal Enfield..I love singles.
The over all gearing depends on use. As other people have said, the video is a sales pitch and not completely honest. Different uses of the Goldie required different specs and to compare a racing bike with a lets face it a tourer and not exactly very quick either is silly. In fact one also has to realise that the new bike is also 50% bigger and yet slower. I have a Yammy 535 virago it is according to the blurb more powerful, more economic, faster and has many other things going for it. I had a new RE 500 for a couple of years, and that did not cut it either. I think that rebuilding one of my Yammies would be a better value for money!
When will the Goldstar be available in the USA?
Interesting review and well done BSA for getting rid of that horrible chunky exhaust cover. As you said it's built on a budget and looking at the switch gear and some other bits you can see that. I'll be sticking with my Kawasaki W800 which I personally think is the most genuine of the retro bikes and has a high build quality
Thanks for this!
Like the concept and most of the finished product but £6500-7000 is a lot for what you can buy elsewhere
My guy is breaking into pieces at 2:10 must really love that baffle lmao .
Great to finally see more of this bike. Two things for me is surely they could have designed a better cleaner looking radiator. And if they went to the trouble of making it water cooled, then why not more power and torque so it would sit better with the competition? But I will reserve final judgment until I see one up close
I think they wanted to keep it A2 friendly, and the costs low, hence there power figures.
Its 100% to keep it within A2 limits. If A2 didnt exist all these 45-48 hp bikes would probably be running 55-60 hp
@@_AnanasIEgenJuice_ thanks. I forgot to take that into account. Maybe they should have kept the Gold Star name for a higher spec non A2 version and called this one a Lightning or something?
Great looking bike & I agree could of been even better with a Triumph style radiator thin black alloy high flow radiator & associated plumbing.
I would buy one at this price & would put a thin black alloy high flow radiator like Triumphs on.I would also swap the oversized rear shocks for more in proportion with bike of this style.I think customizing it will make a good bike a great bike.Has more tourqe than stock R.E twin but slip on's with extra £500 will increase tourqe & shed weight.
Also be interesting to see how far 12Liter tank gets bike & considering you want to leave at least 3.5-4L in tank at fill up.
@@ruahinesrider hello from a fellow RE rider in NZ!
Excellent video. I like the new Gold Star. Some decades ago, I owned a BB34 Gold Star. I never kick started it. Too tricky, and potentially ankle breaking. Push as fast as possible with the clutch in. Jump on side saddle. Clutch out. Then clutch in while you, how shall we say "put your leg over". Then off you went.
Thanks for your nice comments Glenn, bit of an art to starting them eh!
I wonder who the target buyer is. Younger guys would never have heard of the original BSA Gold Star, and guys that actually rode them in the 1960s would be around 80 by now. Still, there’s plenty of retro Enfields and Triumphs around I suppose. I’m 72 and it wouldn’t have enough power for me, that’s why I love my Z900RS lol.
I have a 650 Enfield which I love but would certainly consider a BSA in the future.
Radiator is truly gobbing. I don't think people will get used to it. Looks like it came off a MK3 Cortina. RE 650's get away with air cooling somehow!
Air and oil cooling, but if it works in India nuff said
The new bikes look nice, slightly thinner mudguard would look better. But the old Gold Star sounds so so much better!
Awesome Review 😌💖👍 I want a Gold Star Now!
I read a few motorcycles books and they all mention that the BSA Gold Star DBD34 was the best handling motorcycle in the 50s and mid 60s.
it looks slightly like a goldstar ..... and thats it !
its silly to compare the Rotax Gold Star to the original. The race equipped Gold Star from the 1960's was a race bike. Using milder cams, 389 Monobloc carb and a standard ratio gearbox makes it perfectly fine for normal road use. I've raced 1950's BSA's with the vintage racing club and they are fine on the track. I've also ridden standard 1950's BSA's on the road. They are fine - especially when you remember how old they are. The starting procedure is not a problem and is not difficult, just a characteristic of the bike. Theres a bloke, in his 70's, on our road has an original and takes it out regularly in the summer. Sounds great.
Obviously if you want a modern bike with all its pampering features buy one, but you can't compare them to the original classics.
Just needs clip ons and the classic Goldie swept back exhaust and silencer to achieve perfection!
Clip ons.......and an aching back ! Oh yes the good old days !
It's a first year effort. I see a big market for replacement radiators that look better
Excellent and well informed review of the new Gold Star, thank you. It’s an intriguing bike with positives and negatives. Can’t say I’m totally won over with the style and I think it’s slightly porky. Not fitting a centre stand and rear grab handle is not good and it sounds no better than the Hunter 350 with the baffles in place - but nice with them out. As I have previously said, the engine looks a corker, it rides, brakes and steers and has a two years warranty. Would I wish to part with my electric start Yamaha SRX 600? No, because it does everything and more I want from a 600 single.
It is a good thing they are pitching it abroad. BSA as a brand is more associated with a Bicycle brand in India. I used to ride one as a kid and it was called BSA SLR. I never had a motorcycle brand BSA in my horizon until Mahindra revived it. Norton on the other hand, when and if TVS comes out with a New Norton I am looking forward to
This sort of highlights why the name was not a great fit (other than for marketing - where it was). One is a lovely (really) gentle and easy commuter/tourer for everyone - and the other one is a road-capable expert-level race bike. It's kind of like re-releasing the Lightning as a chopper - it makes no sense. It's the exact opposite of what it was. I get it BSA - name recognition, and nobody will buy a new retro race bike for the track (or at least not enough for mass production), but the name, ahhhh the name ... If they used "G-Star 2" or "Gold GT" or something ... Anyway, to end on a happy note - this looks like a lovely bike and congrats to BSA.
The new one is a modern B33. Low powered, run of the mill performance and ride all day ease. The husqvarna vitpilen is the modern equivalent of a Goldstar.
Firstly it’s nothing like the original in either looks or concept so stop making the comparison and concentrate on what it’s like to ride. To me it looks awkward to ride. The upright arms bent stance make it look cramped and the handlebar looks silly. The exhaust needs more upswept silencer, hate the guard that hides the cat branch connections. Seat looks like it was made in the 50s. Are there enough old bikers wanting a bit of nostalgia? Not in the long term. I understood what the original was for . I can’t say the same about this bike. I think the Interceptor is a much more relevant modern machine and just can’t see the BSA taking any sales from it. Oh dear, I seem to be so negative about it. Actually like the tank as it’s a version of my favourite BSA tank/badge!
Couldn’t agree more
Come on. There's definitely a resemblance. To say they're nothing alike makes me question whether you have a drug problem.
Can't beat that sound of the old Goldstar, yes I agree with other comments that this is really on about selling the new one., but shouldn't really compare the old v new.