Despite being out of focus, I could still tell it was a new BSA gold star. Its always better to buy a bike nearly new rather than brand new, as you get it a lot cheaper, yet its still pretty much a new bike.
WALLY ! After Wal Handley, who lapped Brooklands at 100 mph in 1937 on a BSA Empire Star! He was awarded a gold star . After which the Empire was renamed Gold Star ❤
I’m 68. I’ve seen 1960’s BSA, Matchless, AJS, Norton &Triumph with spring seats(split seats) some with double engine & so on . Your BSA is very nice . Now most of British Motorbikes are being manufactured in my country Bharat(India). Enjoy riding. All the best to you.🌹
Made in India because the wages are on the floor and health and safety plus long term social care is non-existent. Say the wrong thing and you might find yourself exiled to another country and even find yourself on a kill list. But enjoy your nice cheap unexiting copy of a distant past classic bike developed by the world leaders of motorcycle design.
You do actually sound like a person who needs and relies upon government issued social payments system so I can see why you'd have a problem with India 😄
@@MindfulMotorcyclist Nope. Never had a pound of benefit in my 50 years of working. Been a freelance worker watching our business leadership undercut the UK workers for cheap and tacky overseas labour whilst not spending a penny on apprenticeships, training or inwards investment. BSA, made in India. Triumph, made in Thailand. CCM has an engine made in Austria. Norton suffering from owners more interested in soaking up investor's money to their own benefit and sending the company down when they have finished with its usefullness. The final humiliation being the third world selling us back our heritage in the form of so-called classics neutered of all character that they proport to possess. Thanks for you social profiling though.
Well you're not stupid, we can at least tell that from the grammar and sentence structure. The only way to beat such a system as you describe is to step outside of it, I think you should have left the UK years ago by the sound of your view of where we are now...
I am glad you have been able to get your priorities right and identify the practical nuts and bolts attributes of the bike that make it worth having, and not concentrating on just the frivolous and vacuous distractions such as its appearance such as colours shapes and general appearance.
Maybe the look is the best thing about it. Personally speaking it has a few good points but it does not deserve to be called a Gold Star, all the weight on the front end with a massive radiator, fat pipes etc just does not have the right look IMO. Maybe thats the closest that can be achieved with the current regs.
But my chin bounced on the road and I broke my wrist. I was knocked from one side by a car pulling out. So although I was travelling slowly I went down with some force from collision
I also own a new Gold Star and love it. As a big guy i found the rear shocks not up to my weight so purchased some uprated forks from Tec for £88 and the difference is massive. My local dealer had a £100 first service deal which I recently had and its fair to say the bike gets better after that service. The big single experience is totally different to a twin, its character is brilliant.
Thanks Ian for the comment. I think TEC have run out of shocks and are unable to produce more in the immediate future. At £88 for a good product you can see why. I'll probably stick with standard for now and see how I go. Many good reviews on the TEC items however. You did really well with that first service! Yes I agree the single experience is really special, considering it's 650 and you have the power to do the overtakes and 70mph all while retaining the character. Great move on BSAs part to choose the Rotax engine 😄
We love the BSA; it’s a cracking bike! Presenting to camera is definitely the way foreword, and especially if you mix it up with riding shots in between. Well done my friend 👍🏼
Thanks James for the comment. I think it reflects very highly on you guys how you support and comment on some of the smaller motovlogging channels. I'm a fan of your videos and love the camera work and production that goes into them! Cheers.
I so agree with the way you explained the BSA, It really is about the ride , it's miles away from perfect and we all know the faults but it offers the single characterd engine that none else is offering.
I was riding it today ER and thinking about this comment. The single is just so different, of course I got buzzed by about 20 other riders me going at about 45mph but I was loving it 😂
I think the most important thing about buying any of these "retro" bikes is that you have to judge them on their virtues as a motorcycle, and not by the name on the gas tank. If you like it, you like it. I think I would probably like it. But there's no real connection to the the old BSAs, an Indian company just bought the right to use the name.
Good video, I’m sure you’ll enjoy the BSA and remember it’s YOURS to enjoy and make your own choices. Looking forward to watching things progress - thanks!
Congratulations on the new bike! Unfortunately we don’t have the BSA available in the US yet. I suppose there’s a fine line between flaws and character, and it’ll be fun to see where you draw that line as you familiarize yourself with the machine. Enjoy!
Thanks Simon, yeah I took quite a lot of criticism for the last video at the church. Lets see what happens with this bike but I do really like it, will depend if I have problems crop up 🤞!
After two test rides in both cold and wet and then dry conditions I pulled the pin and bought my GS. I picked up all the "flaws" you did but despite those, everything else made it the bike for me. I've commuted daily on it and in six months have found it easy to ride and enjoy and despite two shattered headlight glasses (replaced quickly under warranty with no hassle) I love the bike.
Thanks Thomas, I knew I recognised the shape somewhere 😁. Thanks for the congrats and nice to hear a refreshing change of opinion from the normal 'keep your bike for years silly, you'll save money' type of comment!
Nothing beats that feeling of getting the bike you want! Nice to see a youngster getting into the retro scene too 😂. I sold my Interceptor last year, great bike, but didn’t quite suit my needs. Interesting to hear why you favour the BSA, highlights that it’s all about riding your own ride! Cheers.
Couldn't agree more Pete! Variety is the spice of life as they say. Out of interest do you think you sold your Inty at the right time? Seems prices have gone down since...
Nice bike ....I had a RE 500cc classic ..bit disappointed really.....but I think the B S A could be what I was hoping the classic was ...got to test ride one soon .
@@MindfulMotorcyclist To an extent I probably did, although if you factor in what I spent on extras (should have sold those separately) it wasn’t a great deal. If RE hadn’t severed its ties with Moto GB maybe the second hand values would be better. Simple maths says that if you sell a bike that you bought new a year later you’re going to take a hit. Although in my case I would have put another 4k miles on it so it probably was good that I sold it last year. One fun bike though, Still miss i!!
I've just returned from a six thousand mile round trip of southern Europe on my Gold Star 650. It performed brilliantly, especially when riding in the Pyrenees and French Alps. I've fitted new rear suspension, which improves ride quality, and I also replaced the baffle with a Tec Engineering baffle, which hasn't appreciably changed exhaust volume but allows the motor to breathe slightly more easily. On motorways the motor entered a sweet spot at 4500rpm and could easily pull up to 150kph when overtaking. Like you, I bought the Highland Green version, which drew a lot of attention from enthusiasts in France, Italy, Sicily and Spain. This is an easy going bike which more than meets my expectations. I'm already planning my next trips.
Well that is a lovely story as this is something I dreamed of doing on mine... also Highland Green at some stage. It's also quite different from the 10 mile every other Sunday type of riding that most of these bikes are subject to. Did you go for Tec shocks? What pannier system did you use and what was your plan in case of a puncture? Thanks!
The best retro motorcycle I ever had was an MZ ETZ301. Retro in that they hardly changed until they folded. Two stroke but surprisingly torquey. I did a winter supply teaching around London. Most days I rode from east London to way out west. It goes without saying the ride to and from work was the highlight of the day. I like this BSA. The Scrambler will be the one I really like. I won't be buying it. Nick J
Thanks for the comment Nick, I am awaiting Motorcycle Live 2023 as I suspect there will be something new on the BSA stand... lets see perhaps more on the scrambler 😊
Great video Sean. Keep ‘em coming. So is there a prize for having guessed correctly what your next bike will be…😉 Good to watch a review of a bike that genuinely highlights the good, the bad and the ugly. Also like the talking to camera vibe - you’re beginning to find your own style which is necessary given the huge number of vloggers out there.
Thanks Nigel, we push on! Decision at least now made and a lead on a trailer beckons! Ummm yes it looks like I did a poor job of concealing my intentions and even concealing the bike during the video as it was 'found out' by quite a few people on here! Thanks for the kind comment as always and hope you are doing well also!
Cool bike. I really like that color. I'm glad you're gonna hold off on mods and such. A lot of people get a bike and immediately start spending money on mods and accessories. I tell people to live with the bike for six months minimum before you go crazy on that stuff. (Unless money is no object.) For most people it's best to make sure it's a bike you're gonna have for a while before dropping a bunch of money on extras. Putting a new exhaust, custom seat and billet master cylinder covers isn't going to add much value to the bike if you end up selling it in a few months. As far as that helmet goes... I also like a closed face helmet but I need a flip up visor. I ride with my visor open a lot of the time and can flip it down or up with one hand when needed.
Thanks for the comment Dave. Yes I am resisting the urge to modify this time round. Time to enjoy something as is, rather than the wallet splurge and busying oneself fitting parts.
I love your bike, BSA isn't available in the USA but as soon as it is I will be getting one. Congrats on your new bike. Only downside is the 7 plus minute introduction on this video, Enjoy your new ride!
As a Royal Enfield fan I get why you want that single cylinder thump. When I was looking for a classically styled single there was only a Bullet or a Classic 500. Now there's only the Gold Star. You can forgive a bike a lot of niggly things when they look and sound as good as these two bikes. For completeness I have the Classic and a Super Meteor. Had the BSA been available four years ago then the choice of thumper would've been a whole lot harder. Enjoy the bike and I hope you have miles of fun on her. Gloria sounds like a fitting name for her. My Classic is HG Wells as the bike is my time machine. Look forward to seeing more of the bike.
Hi Sean as a seasoned biker and someone who rode the original goldstar, I think you made the wrong choice. I would have definitely gone for a Royal Enfield Twin 650 GT Continental, better build quality better suspension, better handling, a proven platform plus it's a twin and just better all round and looks great with the chrome tank. I do like the look of the BSA but prefer the practicality of the Enfield. Good luck with your choice and I hope you enjoy it.
Fair comment, I don't mind that at all. I wouldn't have the GT650 because of the riding position and I like to do longer rides. It would have been a SM650 if any of the Enfields, perhaps with the touring bars and pegs. A lot of the things you say are actually correct and I mentioned them in the video, suspension and finish on the engine Enfield definitely wins. Anyway nice to have some differing opinions voiced in a friendly way, thank you 😀
The new triumph 400 also looks fantastic for the price. 2k cheaper than the bsa on the road with superior build quality, lower weight and triumph back up (questionable😂). However….. the triumph is of a modern styling and we like what we like.
@@mattdog1982 It does actually, agree with your points but I think it is a bit more modern as you say and the engine will be revvy and high compression to make the power figure. All that said still a nice bike and now pricing has been revealed its a £100 payment if I was to trade in.
I used the Tec Engineering rear suspension units. I have the same Classic rack and use Oxford side panniers in Khaki, which go perfectly with the retro look. My wife joined me in Sicily so I took a cushion to provide extra ride comfort. I carried some extra tools, e.g. a 23mm spanner for the rear axle lock nut, and sprayed the chain at 500 mile intervals. I dreaded the possibility of a puncture, though this is covered by my roadside assistance cover. In the event my only technical problem was caused by a failed charging cable on the Tomtom. Fuel economy was in line with BSA's claims, though consumption rose quickly over 120kph
Ah I looked at the Oxford side panniers, they would be my option as at £100 they are about 15% of the price of the BSA genuine ones. Did you use frames/rails to mount them or did they just throw over? I was thinking of a solution like a small bottle jack to raise the bike but I suppose the wheels are not tubeless so I'd have to go the same route as you and just use the breakdown...
I turned 72 this September. Found myself looking over a 2003 Royal Enfield, Bullet, (nick name Harry) couldn’t resist the opportunity to go back a few decades before it’s too late. (1966leather to boot) So far it’s a wonderful throwback experience. 😂
I hope you enjoy the bike, because I am an old git I don't think the looks and quality are patch on the original gold star and the same applies to the interceptor, but the is where we are in 2023, ride it and enjoy it.
Thanks John appreciate the comment. The old GS bikes are amazing to be honest if I was around for BSAs first outing I would have had one! Thanks for the support.
I was once one of your subscribers however your last 2 vlogs have been your best. Chatting on the bike I don't think work's unless you have footage and talk over the top afterwards at home. Top marks for buying a bike regardless of it's shortcomings, stick with it (I'm not a BSA owner), but will subscribe again because I'm interested in this format and bike.
Thanks for that feedback, very interesting to have someone re-subscribe. I think chopping and changing formats and styles does put people off. I went from a classic cruiser to a chinese adventurer and messed about with all sorts of content. Much better to be consistent, which I will try to do so going forward. Very helpful input so thank you!
If Hagon are making rear shocks for the BSA thats one upgrade worth doing. I'm looking forward to getting a test ride on the Triumph Scrambler 400. £5600 is a good price.
Thanks Splodge for the comment. I'd be tempted to upgrade the rear shocks but only after owning the bike for a while, I'm trying to resist throwing the aftermarket catalogue at a new (to me) motorcycle. Great price on the Triumphs, cheaper than the RE twins 😊
Nice bike. It sounds like you’re learning. No new bike depreciation, no splurging on accessories on a bike you haven’t really gotten familiar with, and not overspending on the purchase. I bought a used Interceptor a year ago and I have put just over 4000 miles on it. I added a backrest for my wife, and a seat cover for me. I also have an older BMW 650 with a Rotax engine that is probably similar to your BSA’s. The 650 in the BMW isn’t as torquey as you would expect for a large single, but it is stone reliable. It has 21000 miles on it and all I do is change the oil. One big advantage to the more modern design of the liquid-cooled engine is much longer valve adjustment intervals. That saves money in the long run. My advice is to hang on to the BSA even if you later decide to get a different bike. I find myself riding my Interceptor more than my other bikes even though they’re faster, smoother, more efficient and more modern. Just be prepared to talk to someone every time you park the bike. I’ve never had a bike gather more interest than my Interceptor. I’m sure the BSA will be the same.
Hi Alvin, interesting comment. Firstly I am learning and I feel much better having gone about it financially this way round. The one thing I do need is some panniers to carry the camera kit so that is an accessory I might have to splurge on... unfortunately. The engine in the BSA is indeed that rotax single from the Funduro 650 BMW, they've just re-done the engine covers and so on to make it look 'classic'. Having read your comment about the valve adjustment I was intrigued so I checked the Meteor 350 (air cooled) versus the BSA (liquid cooled), it's 6000 miles versus 14500 miles, a big different in the intervals and something I didn't consider before. I have a feeling I will hang onto this one, I mean never say never but it's a powerful enough bike that has the classic looks I like. Thanks!
I also bought an Ex demonstrator 650 Gold Star. I have already covered 1000 miles in 2 months. However, the clutch failed and the hazard warning lights didn't work. These problems have both been successfully repaired under warranty by my dealer. I'm putting both issues down to 1st generation manufacturing errors. I paid £5500 for my Star at just under 1000 miles on the clock and the big sell was the colour, Insignia Red. Suspension wise, I don't have any issues. Fit and finish isn't great, especially the welds, but I like its rough and ready appearance. Not had the headlight issue yet, but I'm told my headlight is 2nd generation ? Not sure on that one. I refer to my Star as a seaside bike as it's best at country roads to the coast. Anything else I fall back on my Honda. You can spend all day on the Star easily. I've done 300 miles in one day with no problems. Wind blast is minimal, is doesn't need a screen at all. The Star is nearly a copy of the original, but with modern handling. Good power if you need it. If it remains reliable from now on, I won't be selling.
Thanks Glyn for the comment. The weather is really holding me back at the moment but gosh it's just such a fun bike to ride...Sounds like you have also got a fair appraisal of the GS, it's pros and cons and outside of your warranty issues your happy with the ownership! Thanks for sharing that!
Yeah I guess so, I tend to be skeptical about things however and I suspect the helmet manufacturing industry perhaps finds this 5 year and change your helmet thing a 'convenient' story. Also I'm now a fully fledged plodder, slow acceleration and more cars overtaking me than the other way around, if I was back on my old sports bike then sure I'd probably have a higher threshold of what I would and wouldn't accept. Thanks for your comment Mark
Good choice of bike, regarding the helmet if the visor is attached as you show what happens when you are at the traffic lights and the visor starts to mist up?
Thanks John for the comment. In my experience you get really annoyed at traffic lights, no but jokes aside there is a lot of airflow and it only gets steamed up if you are out of breath having been moving a heavy bike around by hand or something like that... in an emergency you can pop off one of the sides of the visor letting it hang off, not very elegant but it would work.
That's the color I would get - lovely bike! ( except for the huge ugly radiator of course. Can't they take a cue from Triumph on this? I have a T120 Bonneville and the radiator is discreet, almost invisible. ) I also have a RE Classic 350, the "Halcyon Grey" edition. I bought it last November here in Seattle. I rode it home on a chilly but sunny day. My girlfriend texted me when I got home, asking about the ride. I responded "pas de gelures" - French for "no frostbite!" Not knowing what gelures meant, she responded "better get some then!" When she later learned what the word actually meant she cracked up laughing; we ended up naming the bike Gelures!
Thanks Kirk for sharing that naming story, at the moment this bike is the 'Goldie' which I like :). The rad has been updated on some of the newer models, not hugely smaller but at least they've taken some of the market feedback on board. Congrats on your RE Classic, very nice bike and I'm sure you enjoy it a lot!
Interesting !! I completely agree with the open face thing and wouldn't want an open face ,but that's just me I would never preach on that one .The helmet you have bought is also an interesting one don't know the make but how do you lift the visor ? I have worn sunglasses with my Arai with a clear and can lift the visor but usually when I am stood at junctions but not when on the move then I might crack the visor a bit but not much more . Interesting choice a single a BSA and your choice of course ! but hey enjoy the ride I hope it serves you well it will be interesting to see how it performs and how the reliability goes . I am 60 + and I still don't want a single 🤣 the weight of my four might become an issue at some point soon but we will see 😉👌👍
Thanks for the comment. There is a style/function compromise with this lid as you cannot lift the visor at all on the bike, you either ride with it on or off. So far I haven't found that too annoying. I guess a single you either love or hate it 😁
@@MindfulMotorcyclist 👍Indeed although I don't exactly hate singles it's more the lack of performance against modern day cars ,I think I just prefer to be able to get away from them quickly if needed 😉 Thanks for your reply 👌
@@crumblymal8479 Fair comment, I see more and more motorists are disrespectful these days so I can see the appeal. Try doing a 3-point turn in your car and when you reverse back into your side of the road you will find that 50% of the time a driver waiting in the opposite direction for you to finish you maneuver take the opportunity to speed past you 😂😂
Until the 1970s no-one had full face helmets and I never saw a motorcyclist with facial injuries. Having come off many times when younger I never felt any danger to my face.
NIce looking motorbike and well done on the purchase! There is nothing wrong in being a consumer so long as it doesn't consume you. Buying used is often the way to go to get the best value for your money. To be honest, not a one of us truly needs a motorbike. We want one. And there is nothing wrong with that. Congratulations from America on your new motorbike, sir! SS
Many congratulations on your new steed and well done with your excellent honest video, make a change from the shill approach of many vloggers out there. Like you, I own a RE350 single (Classic not Meteor) and fancied something bigger. I did try the BSA which was good, though I found the ride a bit pogo like and like you wasn’t that enamoured with the host of niggles. Luckily for me there is one other retro alternative out there to the Interceptor that is even more retro than it or the BSA namely the Kawasaki W800, a 360 degree air cooled parallel twin no less. I found a pre-reg Cafe (my personal preference) @ 30% off with zero miles back in March and absolutely love it; 4200 miles and counting! Enjoy your bike and stick with your new format, it really suits you.
Simon, that's such a nice comment. That really is appreciated and will keep me motivated hearing such feedback. Kawasaki W800 is very very detailed and high quality bike, I think you chose very well!
I've got a RE Continental GT 650 and I really like the BSA. I think that they made a mistake jumping straight in with the Gold Star name. I think that they should have come in with a cooking model then built up to a more special Goldie.
It isn't and never will be a goldstar and 60 years on from the original it has poorer performance. The bsa goldstar was the ultimate race bike in its day and would still lap the Isle of mann quicker than this mahindra
I have to say it’s a lovely bike but you could see what it was in the very first shot the tank and the engine casing is a give away even when it’s out of focus
you are a very honest bloke . I like your new to you B S A . the colour looks great , i also like your new helmet . can you let me know in a reply please the make and model of your bike coat as i think that also is very nice . till next time keep safe .
Hi John, thanks very much for the comment, much appreciated. The jacket is an Oxford Churchill apparently... It's really nice and has become my go-to top garment recently.
Its actually more of a teal to be completely honest but of all the bikes colours, red and black have a tank stripe that I can't really get behind and Legacy edition is a bit more expensive. The 'green' with gold pinstripe is just so Lotus I really like it (note that is the only thing in common with the Lotus brand 😂)
Excellent review, l test rode one a while ago and liked it but l thought the price new was a bit steep compared to the Royal Enfields but i'm still looking. What about Greta for a name
Hi Mark, £6.8k OTR was too high for me, I needed it to be a little lower too. There's a few 2nd hand ones now, its winter so prices will fall and bike prices are in freefall anyway, would be a good time to look!
I saw one at the Scottish motorcycle show. Am very short, 5 foot 4, and short 27 inch inside leg. I can get tippy tip toes on it, about same as my Meteor. I really like the look, of the BSA. I never thought re the cases not being polished, that me much nicer. Would like to actually test drive one. But for now, I love my modded and specked up Meteor, and Rebel 500. ( which I can flat foot 😊) Going by letters on your number plate……Name her “Eulla”
Thanks Mark. A few have tried to polish the engine cases but I'm probably not going down that route, you would have to polish then lacquer and I still don't think you would end up with an RE level look. Rebel 500 and M350, lovely pair of bikes and congrats, looks like a Fireball from your profile image 😊. I'll raise Eulla with Suzie 😁, as funnily enough my mother has always had a habit of naming cars after the letters in their number plates!
Thanks, appreciate that. You can buy a nice set of enclosed Hagons which would also sort out the damping. I'm trying to restrain the spend on this bike this time around however 😂
@@MindfulMotorcyclist it’s hard not too I have an 04 r1200 gs paid £3500 with 11000 miles wasn’t going to buy extras but things on eBay tempt you trying to restrain myself to only essential things
Sean congratulations on your Gold Star ⭐️ very well done 😊 Love the video really professional and Heh I have no issues at all with mine at all!! You’ve done the best thing and what a great saving.. love the colour was my 2nd choice I’m the same in no way am I putting extras on apart from luggage eventually… I don’t like those big wind Shields myself tho the little ones aren’t too bad! You see when I ride the new BSA nothing bothers me because riding the old BSA’s gives you the old experience which is really fun to me but riding the new Gold Star is just a pleasure and I don’t feel any bumps or problems because they are so far advanced in comparison, 😊😊😊 Missed your videos brilliant job 😊😊 Regards Phil
Even blurred out I can see it's a BSA Goldstar. But is it a real one? No. Oh well. where is that? Looks remarkably like St Martha's church. I may have to to up there and check.
@@MindfulMotorcyclist Thought I recognised it, took photos of the odd bike there when have been selling one, nice back drop and great view, only live half an hour away. I had a good look at the BSA's last week at Fowlers, they are good looking bikes, the tank badge being iconic!
Nope, I said they trade blows in different areas. Interceptor is better handling, engine looks nicer, BSA overall looks better, is more authentic, engine characterful. I mean the one plus for the Interceptors now is the crashing secondhand prices £3.5k and falling. If price is an issue then you'd buy the Inty for sure.
@@MindfulMotorcyclist Royal Enfield price is market saturation 😀 The BSA has to many cam shafts and not enough cylinders 😁 it is nice to see another good looking retro bike.
@@DANTHETUBEMAN Perhaps go and check out my BSA vs Interceptor vid (where I said the BSA was 90% and the Inty was 100%) or my 2021 & 2022 Inty reviews all very positive. Nothing against an Interceptor here so you'll find no argument 😂😂
Very happy Andy, speaking of happy bunnies I drove past Ducati Worcester and saw a red Diaval with 4 lateral exhaust tips... the coincidence was too much, it must be your new Akro?
Everyone to their own. The only comment I’ll make regarding the BSA is I think it’s overpriced. The Interceptor and Continental GT are twins with all the associated costs re: engine parts, exhausts etc. The BSA as a single should be considerably cheaper than the RE’s yet it’s not. It should really be compared to the Royal Enfield Classic 350 and priced accordingly (with a suitable premium for the larger engine). Anyway, that said I hope you enjoy it and it serves you well - ride safe.
Yes when the bike was first announced I had £5.5k in mind, when it came in £1000 more expensive I must admit I was disappointed. So I waited and paid what I believe the bike is worth. Comparisons with RE are hard because RE makes the engine in house and they have the economy of scale, so BSA perhaps can't match this. Lets see how they do going forward, Triumph have recently released a lower price point bike so BSA could follow... I do like the Rotax character and I guess using such an established motor waves any reliability concerns about the engine at least! Thanks!
We could tell it was the BSA. Probably going to get some stick from the big single crowd, but you carefully dodged talking about the Kawasaki W800, which is the most authentic retro bike around. Air-cooled, 5-speed, big twin cylinder, 360° firing order, with the exception of fuel injection, disc brakes, and ABS, it could be straight out of the 60’s but with modern refinement. In fact when I’ve been parked up its drawn a few admirers thinking it’s a full restoration job. Just my opinion.
Nothing against the W800, amazing very very detailed and authentic machine. Just isn't for me and despite frequent discounts due to it's difficulty to sell at dealers it's more than I wanted to spend at £8499. Lovely bike however and even Exeter Rider said I should get one! Didn't me to dodge it by the way, I didn't talk about the T100 either!
@@MindfulMotorcyclist thanks for the honest reply, it is pricey, I got mine a couple of years ago now, but I’ve had so many bikes over the years I really wanted to settle on a keeper. So the money for me was worth investing as the build quality is great, and the bevel drive means no cam chain or belts. And it looks smashing, plus with the emissions, I don’t expect it will be available for much longer in its current air-cooled form, and I expect Kawasaki to drop it from the range rather than go water cooled.
For £4000 you could have bought a low mileage air cooled Triumph T100 pre 2016 which is air/oil cooled and is far more authentic than a water cooled budget built BSA with a tried and trusted pedigree
@@PatrickWhitaker-ls2cs Everytime you comment, it raises the profile of this video with the algorithm and helps earns me a coffee, keep going and I'll have enough to buy the 10 year old bonny you're talking about. Now that is worth a smilie 😂😂
Yes, sadly I'll not disagree, there are bits on it that need to be polished or tweaked. It's a bike you buy with your heart not your head mainly because it's the only big thumper available and it looks so good!
It's people who 'feed the dealer' with their new purchases that fuel a healthy used bike economy for those who for whatever reason do not want a brand new machine...
A nice looking bike and a credible effort at replicating a classic given the constraints of modern vehicle construction. You've already mentioned it, however, it's that awful radiator, it looks like it was designed and built by a toddler, so let's hope BSA listen to criticisms and address that. Otherwise, nice ride.
Funnily enough, BSA have done just that, radiators on the bikes shipping now we suspect a tad more svelte. Mine is an early one so still has the 'bigger' rad.
Thanks Don for the comment. Unfortunately this is because of Euro 5 bikes have to run very very lean and this means hot 🔥. Stainless steel discoloration, even chrome plating will discolour is now unavoidable. Owners keep on top of it by polishing with Autosol. You can keep polishing bare stainless steel, you can't with chrome. Thanks 👍
Thanjs for your reply. I remember the Japanese in the 60's, 70's and 80's etc used to double skin the downpipes so they didn't blue, whether same would work now or not I'm not sure.
l have never bought a brand new vehicle. My wife has on 3 occasions however which l have helped pay off. But l have bought a test bike from a dealer with 40km on the odometer at a saving of Aus $3,500. I have also realised that toward the end of the financial year in June, all previous financial years floor stock especially test bikes are being run out. This good news if you are in the market for a near new bike, and can be patient enough to wait a year or so after first release. These bikes often come with a warranty also, but a few people have had their leg over them before you, so if that is an issue, this knowledge is not for you. Incidentally, l hate the smell of the inside of a new vehicle, it makes me feel ill. I think it is all the plastics and glues, that are off gassing l think. For a while my wifes new LDV smelled like a tin of Tuna.
Thanks Big Red for the comment, my last two bikes were brand new. After this I decided never again, if only because of the initial devaluation. I will buy nearly new (like this one) or good old secondhand in future. Here in the UK there were deals available in summer too, I expect many bikers pick up a new machine in March for the new registration and then there is a summer lull.
I guess the fact they discontinued it meant it was out of the running. Also it's got 29hp instead of the 45hp the BSA has. Finally it's nice to be different, many channels have a RE bikes including the 500. Cheers
That will be lovely, it seems RE went off the boil a touch with the bullet 350 launch as commentators thought it is too similar to the Classic reborn. I think the Classic 650 and or scrambler 650 will sell well... The classic 350 is the best looking RE in my eyes so that with the twin will be lovely.
Well, as others have said you could tell it was a BSA…. Far be it from me to tell you how to spend your money as your happy so that’s what counts. Any insight as to why the bike fitted with a screen and rack then given up so quickly? I can only guess that it proved not fit for the purpose the person bought it for, what ever that may have been. Looks like a Gretchen to me….
Hi JW, I did mess that bit up a little, next time I will have to cover the bike in a sheet and have my glamorous assistant Suzie remove it!! I don't know why the bike was given up so quickly but I do have the previous owners details in handbook so I might politely reach out and ask that very question!
@@MindfulMotorcyclist I have to say you got a great deal on a basically new bike. The fact that so many recognized the bike shows it’s already made an impact with a great form.
Despite being out of focus, I could still tell it was a new BSA gold star.
Its always better to buy a bike nearly new rather than brand new, as you get it a lot cheaper, yet its still pretty much a new bike.
Too good at identifying bikes! I'll have to make it harder next time 😀
WALLY ! After Wal Handley, who lapped Brooklands at 100 mph in 1937 on a BSA Empire Star! He was awarded a gold star . After which the Empire was renamed Gold Star ❤
Thanks for the info!
Good name and story bud. 👍
I’m 68. I’ve seen 1960’s BSA, Matchless, AJS, Norton &Triumph with spring seats(split seats) some with double engine & so on . Your BSA is very nice . Now most of British Motorbikes are being manufactured in my country Bharat(India). Enjoy riding. All the best to you.🌹
Thank you for the nice message! Really appreciated and interested to hear what bike you have now?
Made in India because the wages are on the floor and health and safety plus long term social care is non-existent. Say the wrong thing and you might find yourself exiled to another country and even find yourself on a kill list.
But enjoy your nice cheap unexiting copy of a distant past classic bike developed by the world leaders of motorcycle design.
You do actually sound like a person who needs and relies upon government issued social payments system so I can see why you'd have a problem with India 😄
@@MindfulMotorcyclist Nope. Never had a pound of benefit in my 50 years of working. Been a freelance worker watching our business leadership undercut the UK workers for cheap and tacky overseas labour whilst not spending a penny on apprenticeships, training or inwards investment.
BSA, made in India. Triumph, made in Thailand. CCM has an engine made in Austria. Norton suffering from owners more interested in soaking up investor's money to their own benefit and sending the company down when they have finished with its usefullness. The final humiliation being the third world selling us back our heritage in the form of so-called classics neutered of all character that they proport to possess.
Thanks for you social profiling though.
Well you're not stupid, we can at least tell that from the grammar and sentence structure. The only way to beat such a system as you describe is to step outside of it, I think you should have left the UK years ago by the sound of your view of where we are now...
I am glad you have been able to get your priorities right and identify the practical nuts and bolts attributes of the bike that make it worth having, and not concentrating on just the frivolous and vacuous
distractions such as its appearance such as colours shapes and general appearance.
Thanks BigRed!
Maybe the look is the best thing about it. Personally speaking it has a few good points but it does not deserve to be called a Gold Star, all the weight on the front end with a massive radiator, fat pipes etc just does not have the right look IMO. Maybe thats the closest that can be achieved with the current regs.
Came off my bike and landed on my chin- so glad I was wearing full face so good call with your new helmet
How fast were you going?
About 3mph!
But my chin bounced on the road and I broke my wrist. I was knocked from one side by a car pulling out. So although I was travelling slowly I went down with some force from collision
That screen will come in handy in the English winter cheers from down under
I won't be here for the English winter, I am smart enough to know that's not a good idea 😊😊
I also own a new Gold Star and love it. As a big guy i found the rear shocks not up to my weight so purchased some uprated forks from Tec for £88 and the difference is massive. My local dealer had a £100 first service deal which I recently had and its fair to say the bike gets better after that service. The big single experience is totally different to a twin, its character is brilliant.
Thanks Ian for the comment. I think TEC have run out of shocks and are unable to produce more in the immediate future. At £88 for a good product you can see why. I'll probably stick with standard for now and see how I go. Many good reviews on the TEC items however. You did really well with that first service! Yes I agree the single experience is really special, considering it's 650 and you have the power to do the overtakes and 70mph all while retaining the character. Great move on BSAs part to choose the Rotax engine 😄
We love the BSA; it’s a cracking bike!
Presenting to camera is definitely the way foreword, and especially if you mix it up with riding shots in between.
Well done my friend 👍🏼
Thanks James for the comment. I think it reflects very highly on you guys how you support and comment on some of the smaller motovlogging channels. I'm a fan of your videos and love the camera work and production that goes into them! Cheers.
I so agree with the way you explained the BSA, It really is about the ride , it's miles away from perfect and we all know the faults but it offers the single characterd engine that none else is offering.
I was riding it today ER and thinking about this comment. The single is just so different, of course I got buzzed by about 20 other riders me going at about 45mph but I was loving it 😂
I think the most important thing about buying any of these "retro" bikes is that you have to judge them on their virtues as a motorcycle, and not by the name on the gas tank. If you like it, you like it. I think I would probably like it. But there's no real connection to the the old BSAs, an Indian company just bought the right to use the name.
Nice way to view it Barry, thanks for the comment.
Personally, I think that’s the most beautiful looking engine I’ve seen. Can’t wait till the scrambler comes out.
Well I won't disagree with that, I do own the bike after all. Happy to stand corrected 👍😊😁
Good video, I’m sure you’ll enjoy the BSA and remember it’s YOURS to enjoy and make your own choices. Looking forward to watching things progress - thanks!
Thanks Rob, appreciate the comment. It's still in the running in phase so very gentle riding (40-60mph) but it's such a charming little thing. Thanks!
Congratulations on the new bike! Unfortunately we don’t have the BSA available in the US yet. I suppose there’s a fine line between flaws and character, and it’ll be fun to see where you draw that line as you familiarize yourself with the machine. Enjoy!
Thank you, that is a really nice comment. Lets hope the 'flaws' don't come out of the woodwork for me 😳
don't worry about changing or keeping ,; your only here once , and the critics can't do anything about that ;;;; you did well for that price ;;
Thanks Simon, yeah I took quite a lot of criticism for the last video at the church. Lets see what happens with this bike but I do really like it, will depend if I have problems crop up 🤞!
You're soo right.... 'it's always the single'. Well done, travel safe and have a whole heap of fun. Thanks for posting.
Yep, single just feels so right!
After two test rides in both cold and wet and then dry conditions I pulled the pin and bought my GS.
I picked up all the "flaws" you did but despite those, everything else made it the bike for me.
I've commuted daily on it and in six months have found it easy to ride and enjoy and despite two shattered headlight glasses (replaced quickly under warranty with no hassle) I love the bike.
Nice to hear Peter and thank you for commenting, I hope my ownership experience goes as well!
The helmet looks like one a lego figure has... Congratulations on the new bike, hope you enjoy it. Always fun to swap and change bikes often
Thanks Thomas, I knew I recognised the shape somewhere 😁. Thanks for the congrats and nice to hear a refreshing change of opinion from the normal 'keep your bike for years silly, you'll save money' type of comment!
Nice bike and honest criticisms. I suggest Gladys, Gabby, or Grace as proper retro names to match the retro vibe.
Thank you ABC!
Grace, has that 40's ring to it.@@MindfulMotorcyclist
Gertrude, obviously. 😊
I'm 79, my first prooer road bike, in 1962, was a 250cc BSA C15 in red. Loved it for 20 years.
Gertrude! That's a strong contender for sure. Thanks Philip for the comment.
Nothing beats that feeling of getting the bike you want! Nice to see a youngster getting into the retro scene too 😂. I sold my Interceptor last year, great bike, but didn’t quite suit my needs. Interesting to hear why you favour the BSA, highlights that it’s all about riding your own ride! Cheers.
Couldn't agree more Pete! Variety is the spice of life as they say. Out of interest do you think you sold your Inty at the right time? Seems prices have gone down since...
Nice bike ....I had a RE 500cc classic ..bit disappointed really.....but I think the B S A could be what I was hoping the classic was ...got to test ride one soon .
@@MindfulMotorcyclist To an extent I probably did, although if you factor in what I spent on extras (should have sold those separately) it wasn’t a great deal. If RE hadn’t severed its ties with Moto GB maybe the second hand values would be better. Simple maths says that if you sell a bike that you bought new a year later you’re going to take a hit. Although in my case I would have put another 4k miles on it so it probably was good that I sold it last year. One fun bike though, Still miss i!!
I've just returned from a six thousand mile round trip of southern Europe on my Gold Star 650. It performed brilliantly, especially when riding in the Pyrenees and French Alps. I've fitted new rear suspension, which improves ride quality, and I also replaced the baffle with a Tec Engineering baffle, which hasn't appreciably changed exhaust volume but allows the motor to breathe slightly more easily. On motorways the motor entered a sweet spot at 4500rpm and could easily pull up to 150kph when overtaking. Like you, I bought the Highland Green version, which drew a lot of attention from enthusiasts in France, Italy, Sicily and Spain. This is an easy going bike which more than meets my expectations. I'm already planning my next trips.
Well that is a lovely story as this is something I dreamed of doing on mine... also Highland Green at some stage. It's also quite different from the 10 mile every other Sunday type of riding that most of these bikes are subject to. Did you go for Tec shocks? What pannier system did you use and what was your plan in case of a puncture? Thanks!
The best retro motorcycle I ever had was an MZ ETZ301. Retro in that they hardly changed until they folded. Two stroke but surprisingly torquey. I did a winter supply teaching around London. Most days I rode from east London to way out west. It goes without saying the ride to and from work was the highlight of the day.
I like this BSA. The Scrambler will be the one I really like. I won't be buying it. Nick J
Thanks for the comment Nick, I am awaiting Motorcycle Live 2023 as I suspect there will be something new on the BSA stand... lets see perhaps more on the scrambler 😊
Great video Sean. Keep ‘em coming. So is there a prize for having guessed correctly what your next bike will be…😉 Good to watch a review of a bike that genuinely highlights the good, the bad and the ugly. Also like the talking to camera vibe - you’re beginning to find your own style which is necessary given the huge number of vloggers out there.
Thanks Nigel, we push on! Decision at least now made and a lead on a trailer beckons! Ummm yes it looks like I did a poor job of concealing my intentions and even concealing the bike during the video as it was 'found out' by quite a few people on here! Thanks for the kind comment as always and hope you are doing well also!
Cool bike. I really like that color. I'm glad you're gonna hold off on mods and such. A lot of people get a bike and immediately start spending money on mods and accessories. I tell people to live with the bike for six months minimum before you go crazy on that stuff. (Unless money is no object.) For most people it's best to make sure it's a bike you're gonna have for a while before dropping a bunch of money on extras. Putting a new exhaust, custom seat and billet master cylinder covers isn't going to add much value to the bike if you end up selling it in a few months.
As far as that helmet goes... I also like a closed face helmet but I need a flip up visor. I ride with my visor open a lot of the time and can flip it down or up with one hand when needed.
Thanks for the comment Dave. Yes I am resisting the urge to modify this time round. Time to enjoy something as is, rather than the wallet splurge and busying oneself fitting parts.
I love your bike, BSA isn't available in the USA but as soon as it is I will be getting one. Congrats on your new bike. Only downside is the 7 plus minute introduction on this video,
Enjoy your new ride!
Hi Richard, hope you do get one!
As a Royal Enfield fan I get why you want that single cylinder thump. When I was looking for a classically styled single there was only a Bullet or a Classic 500. Now there's only the Gold Star. You can forgive a bike a lot of niggly things when they look and sound as good as these two bikes. For completeness I have the Classic and a Super Meteor. Had the BSA been available four years ago then the choice of thumper would've been a whole lot harder.
Enjoy the bike and I hope you have miles of fun on her. Gloria sounds like a fitting name for her. My Classic is HG Wells as the bike is my time machine. Look forward to seeing more of the bike.
Thanks, appreciate this comment. You've got a couple of nice machines in the stable, if I could pick any two RE it would be these two!
Hi Sean as a seasoned biker and someone who rode the original goldstar, I think you made the wrong choice. I would have definitely gone for a Royal Enfield Twin 650 GT Continental, better build quality better suspension, better handling, a proven platform plus it's a twin and just better all round and looks great with the chrome tank. I do like the look of the BSA but prefer the practicality of the Enfield. Good luck with your choice and I hope you enjoy it.
Fair comment, I don't mind that at all. I wouldn't have the GT650 because of the riding position and I like to do longer rides. It would have been a SM650 if any of the Enfields, perhaps with the touring bars and pegs. A lot of the things you say are actually correct and I mentioned them in the video, suspension and finish on the engine Enfield definitely wins. Anyway nice to have some differing opinions voiced in a friendly way, thank you 😀
The new triumph 400 also looks fantastic for the price. 2k cheaper than the bsa on the road with superior build quality, lower weight and triumph back up (questionable😂). However….. the triumph is of a modern styling and we like what we like.
@@mattdog1982 It does actually, agree with your points but I think it is a bit more modern as you say and the engine will be revvy and high compression to make the power figure. All that said still a nice bike and now pricing has been revealed its a £100 payment if I was to trade in.
@@MindfulMotorcyclist you're loving your bsa and getting out on it. That's all that counts.
I used the Tec Engineering rear suspension units. I have the same Classic rack and use Oxford side panniers in Khaki, which go perfectly with the retro look. My wife joined me in Sicily so I took a cushion to provide extra ride comfort. I carried some extra tools, e.g. a 23mm spanner for the rear axle lock nut, and sprayed the chain at 500 mile intervals. I dreaded the possibility of a puncture, though this is covered by my roadside assistance cover. In the event my only technical problem was caused by a failed charging cable on the Tomtom. Fuel economy was in line with BSA's claims, though consumption rose quickly over 120kph
Ah I looked at the Oxford side panniers, they would be my option as at £100 they are about 15% of the price of the BSA genuine ones. Did you use frames/rails to mount them or did they just throw over? I was thinking of a solution like a small bottle jack to raise the bike but I suppose the wheels are not tubeless so I'd have to go the same route as you and just use the breakdown...
I turned 72 this September. Found myself looking over a 2003 Royal Enfield, Bullet, (nick name Harry) couldn’t resist the opportunity to go back a few decades before it’s too late. (1966leather to boot) So far it’s a wonderful throwback experience. 😂
Congratulations on your new bike! My Dad is also looking at a mid 2000s bike which is the Triumph America! Glad you are enjoying yours...
I hope you enjoy the bike, because I am an old git I don't think the looks and quality are patch on the original gold star and the same applies to the interceptor, but the is where we are in 2023, ride it and enjoy it.
Thanks John appreciate the comment. The old GS bikes are amazing to be honest if I was around for BSAs first outing I would have had one! Thanks for the support.
Good choice mate. I enjoyed my rides out on the BSA demo, unsure whether I would buy one though. I might take the demo out again in the spring.
You'd have to change your name Ian! Well not from Ian but to the shorter version IanhughesBSA! haha
@@MindfulMotorcyclist 🤣 true
the second iteration will iron out all the shortcomings, the benefit is the 650 cc single whihc enfield dont provide anymore since the bullet 500
Indeed, its the single isn't it! Such a defining part of this motorcycle!
I was once one of your subscribers however your last 2 vlogs have been your best. Chatting on the bike I don't think work's unless you have footage and talk over the top afterwards at home. Top marks for buying a bike regardless of it's shortcomings, stick with it (I'm not a BSA owner), but will subscribe again because I'm interested in this format and bike.
Thanks for that feedback, very interesting to have someone re-subscribe. I think chopping and changing formats and styles does put people off. I went from a classic cruiser to a chinese adventurer and messed about with all sorts of content. Much better to be consistent, which I will try to do so going forward. Very helpful input so thank you!
If Hagon are making rear shocks for the BSA thats one upgrade worth doing. I'm looking forward to getting a test ride on the Triumph Scrambler 400. £5600 is a good price.
Thanks Splodge for the comment. I'd be tempted to upgrade the rear shocks but only after owning the bike for a while, I'm trying to resist throwing the aftermarket catalogue at a new (to me) motorcycle. Great price on the Triumphs, cheaper than the RE twins 😊
congratulations, nice choice of colour enjoy and ride safely.
i have tested it about it about a month ago It is great motorcycle 👍
Thanks Ran! It's amazing to me that the green is the cheapest colour, for me it's my favourite and should be a 'premium' colour really!
Nice bike. It sounds like you’re learning. No new bike depreciation, no splurging on accessories on a bike you haven’t really gotten familiar with, and not overspending on the purchase. I bought a used Interceptor a year ago and I have put just over 4000 miles on it. I added a backrest for my wife, and a seat cover for me. I also have an older BMW 650 with a Rotax engine that is probably similar to your BSA’s. The 650 in the BMW isn’t as torquey as you would expect for a large single, but it is stone reliable. It has 21000 miles on it and all I do is change the oil. One big advantage to the more modern design of the liquid-cooled engine is much longer valve adjustment intervals. That saves money in the long run. My advice is to hang on to the BSA even if you later decide to get a different bike. I find myself riding my Interceptor more than my other bikes even though they’re faster, smoother, more efficient and more modern. Just be prepared to talk to someone every time you park the bike. I’ve never had a bike gather more interest than my Interceptor. I’m sure the BSA will be the same.
Hi Alvin, interesting comment. Firstly I am learning and I feel much better having gone about it financially this way round. The one thing I do need is some panniers to carry the camera kit so that is an accessory I might have to splurge on... unfortunately. The engine in the BSA is indeed that rotax single from the Funduro 650 BMW, they've just re-done the engine covers and so on to make it look 'classic'. Having read your comment about the valve adjustment I was intrigued so I checked the Meteor 350 (air cooled) versus the BSA (liquid cooled), it's 6000 miles versus 14500 miles, a big different in the intervals and something I didn't consider before. I have a feeling I will hang onto this one, I mean never say never but it's a powerful enough bike that has the classic looks I like. Thanks!
l could tell which bike it was straight away, because of the "timing cover" angle.
I also bought an Ex demonstrator 650 Gold Star. I have already covered 1000 miles in 2 months. However, the clutch failed and the hazard warning lights didn't work. These problems have both been successfully repaired under warranty by my dealer. I'm putting both issues down to 1st generation manufacturing errors. I paid £5500 for my Star at just under 1000 miles on the clock and the big sell was the colour, Insignia Red. Suspension wise, I don't have any issues. Fit and finish isn't great, especially the welds, but I like its rough and ready appearance. Not had the headlight issue yet, but I'm told my headlight is 2nd generation ? Not sure on that one. I refer to my Star as a seaside bike as it's best at country roads to the coast. Anything else I fall back on my Honda. You can spend all day on the Star easily. I've done 300 miles in one day with no problems. Wind blast is minimal, is doesn't need a screen at all. The Star is nearly a copy of the original, but with modern handling. Good power if you need it. If it remains reliable from now on, I won't be selling.
Thanks Glyn for the comment. The weather is really holding me back at the moment but gosh it's just such a fun bike to ride...Sounds like you have also got a fair appraisal of the GS, it's pros and cons and outside of your warranty issues your happy with the ownership! Thanks for sharing that!
Oh No !! A second hand helmet WHAT ! surely the first rule of gear broken🥴
Enjoy the bike looks great 😀
Yeah I guess so, I tend to be skeptical about things however and I suspect the helmet manufacturing industry perhaps finds this 5 year and change your helmet thing a 'convenient' story. Also I'm now a fully fledged plodder, slow acceleration and more cars overtaking me than the other way around, if I was back on my old sports bike then sure I'd probably have a higher threshold of what I would and wouldn't accept. Thanks for your comment Mark
Sure, notwithstanding helmet comment, looking forward to further content ref this bike 👍😀
Nice bike that rack looks well retro 60 s and wouldn't buy second hand helmet mate hope u enjoy the bike in nice weather ... 😊
Thanks Arthur that's a kind comment, appreciated!
Good choice of bike, regarding the helmet if the visor is attached as you show what happens when you are at the traffic lights and the visor starts to mist up?
Thanks John for the comment. In my experience you get really annoyed at traffic lights, no but jokes aside there is a lot of airflow and it only gets steamed up if you are out of breath having been moving a heavy bike around by hand or something like that... in an emergency you can pop off one of the sides of the visor letting it hang off, not very elegant but it would work.
Regarding tank paint, suggesting a small amount of PPF might give a bit of peace of mind. Great choice, I'd love one!
Thanks BB, great idea.
That's the color I would get - lovely bike! ( except for the huge ugly radiator of course. Can't they take a cue from Triumph on this? I have a T120 Bonneville and the radiator is discreet, almost invisible. )
I also have a RE Classic 350, the "Halcyon Grey" edition. I bought it last November here in Seattle. I rode it home on a chilly but sunny day. My girlfriend texted me when I got home, asking about the ride. I responded "pas de gelures" - French for "no frostbite!" Not knowing what gelures meant, she responded "better get some then!" When she later learned what the word actually meant she cracked up laughing; we ended up naming the bike Gelures!
Thanks Kirk for sharing that naming story, at the moment this bike is the 'Goldie' which I like :). The rad has been updated on some of the newer models, not hugely smaller but at least they've taken some of the market feedback on board. Congrats on your RE Classic, very nice bike and I'm sure you enjoy it a lot!
Interesting !! I completely agree with the open face thing and wouldn't want an open face ,but that's just me I would never preach on that one .The helmet you have bought is also an interesting one don't know the make but how do you lift the visor ? I have worn sunglasses with my Arai with a clear and can lift the visor but usually when I am stood at junctions but not when on the move then I might crack the visor a bit but not much more . Interesting choice a single a BSA and your choice of course ! but hey enjoy the ride I hope it serves you well it will be interesting to see how it performs and how the reliability goes . I am 60 + and I still don't want a single 🤣 the weight of my four might become an issue at some point soon but we will see 😉👌👍
Thanks for the comment. There is a style/function compromise with this lid as you cannot lift the visor at all on the bike, you either ride with it on or off. So far I haven't found that too annoying. I guess a single you either love or hate it 😁
@@MindfulMotorcyclist 👍Indeed although I don't exactly hate singles it's more the lack of performance against modern day cars ,I think I just prefer to be able to get away from them quickly if needed 😉 Thanks for your reply 👌
@@crumblymal8479 Fair comment, I see more and more motorists are disrespectful these days so I can see the appeal. Try doing a 3-point turn in your car and when you reverse back into your side of the road you will find that 50% of the time a driver waiting in the opposite direction for you to finish you maneuver take the opportunity to speed past you 😂😂
Until the 1970s no-one had full face helmets and I never saw a motorcyclist with facial injuries. Having come off many times when younger I never felt any danger to my face.
I was right!! I knew it!!😂😂😂 Have to say it looks great Sean 👍 and a really informative video too 👍 👏
Give this man a medal! I tried to be coy and you saw right through it 😂
@@MindfulMotorcyclist😂😂😂SO my name suggestion is "Gretna" ...as in Gretna Green 😊
@@2wheeledwillie395 Strong contender Willie!
@@MindfulMotorcyclist Suzies got to like it....isn't that where yr taking her soon??!! 😉🤫🤫
A good retro name is Gladys!!
NIce looking motorbike and well done on the purchase! There is nothing wrong in being a consumer so long as it doesn't consume you. Buying used is often the way to go to get the best value for your money. To be honest, not a one of us truly needs a motorbike. We want one.
And there is nothing wrong with that. Congratulations from America on your new motorbike, sir!
SS
Thanks SS, much appreciate the comment especially from a viewer in the US!
@@MindfulMotorcyclist You are most welcome, my young friend!
SS
Looking forward to your long term experiences with this bike I can’t even get a test ride on one! 😂
Thanks for the comments TBW, I'm surprised you can't get a ride on one? There's a demo unit near me at Midwest Moto in the Midlands...
Many congratulations on your new steed and well done with your excellent honest video, make a change from the shill approach of many vloggers out there.
Like you, I own a RE350 single (Classic not Meteor) and fancied something bigger. I did try the BSA which was good, though I found the ride a bit pogo like and like you wasn’t that enamoured with the host of niggles.
Luckily for me there is one other retro alternative out there to the Interceptor that is even more retro than it or the BSA namely the Kawasaki W800, a 360 degree air cooled parallel twin no less. I found a pre-reg Cafe (my personal preference) @ 30% off with zero miles back in March and absolutely love it; 4200 miles and counting!
Enjoy your bike and stick with your new format, it really suits you.
Simon, that's such a nice comment. That really is appreciated and will keep me motivated hearing such feedback. Kawasaki W800 is very very detailed and high quality bike, I think you chose very well!
I've got a RE Continental GT 650 and I really like the BSA.
I think that they made a mistake jumping straight in with the Gold Star name.
I think that they should have come in with a cooking model then built up to a more special Goldie.
Thanks VV for the comment. Perhaps you're right, will be interesting to see where they go next with respect to another model and what name is used!
It isn't and never will be a goldstar and 60 years on from the original it has poorer performance. The bsa goldstar was the ultimate race bike in its day and would still lap the Isle of mann quicker than this mahindra
@@sambrooks7862 Oh dear, he's not a fan!
I have to say it’s a lovely bike but you could see what it was in the very first shot the tank and the engine casing is a give away even when it’s out of focus
Dammit, you guys are too good at identifying motorcycles 😂
It is a great looking bike... 👍
Thanks, nice of you to give such a compliment!
Love it. Good choice .. and a bargain...I would name the BSA Gertrude..
Thanks Kevin! Appreciate it.
Nice one MM. Keep 'er lit. Best wishes from the Belfast Castlereagh hills.
Thanks Tom, appreciate the comment!
Grace is a good name for her . Enjoy your new bike !!! atb
Thanks for the nice comment and support!
you are a very honest bloke . I like your new to you B S A . the colour looks great , i also like your new helmet . can you let me know in a reply please the make and model of your bike coat as i think that also is very nice . till next time keep safe .
Hi John, thanks very much for the comment, much appreciated. The jacket is an Oxford Churchill apparently... It's really nice and has become my go-to top garment recently.
@@MindfulMotorcyclist thanks for the reply. i will find oxford churchill bike coats .
Had to smile....." Green"...The color I would like too.
Its actually more of a teal to be completely honest but of all the bikes colours, red and black have a tank stripe that I can't really get behind and Legacy edition is a bit more expensive. The 'green' with gold pinstripe is just so Lotus I really like it (note that is the only thing in common with the Lotus brand 😂)
Very enjoyable video, well presented
Thank you Peter, much appreciated 👍
The blurring of your new bike was like using cling film for camouflage😂
😂- I only make a mistake once, next time I'll just keep it completely out of shot!!!
Great reveal! Glad you got the bike you wanted, and are content to its minor niggles. Ride safe pal! Stevie.
Thanks SBM, really appreciate the comment.
I like classic soon in the Philippines..
I doubt this will be exported to the Philippines I'm afraid it's too big cc so prices and tax too high...
Excellent review, l test rode one a while ago and liked it but l thought the price new was a bit steep compared to the Royal Enfields but i'm still looking. What about Greta for a name
Hi Mark, £6.8k OTR was too high for me, I needed it to be a little lower too. There's a few 2nd hand ones now, its winter so prices will fall and bike prices are in freefall anyway, would be a good time to look!
I saw one at the Scottish motorcycle show. Am very short, 5 foot 4, and short 27 inch inside leg. I can get tippy tip toes on it, about same as my Meteor. I really like the look, of the BSA.
I never thought re the cases not being polished, that me much nicer.
Would like to actually test drive one. But for now, I love my modded and specked up Meteor, and Rebel 500. ( which I can flat foot 😊)
Going by letters on your number plate……Name her “Eulla”
Thanks Mark. A few have tried to polish the engine cases but I'm probably not going down that route, you would have to polish then lacquer and I still don't think you would end up with an RE level look. Rebel 500 and M350, lovely pair of bikes and congrats, looks like a Fireball from your profile image 😊. I'll raise Eulla with Suzie 😁, as funnily enough my mother has always had a habit of naming cars after the letters in their number plates!
@@MindfulMotorcyclist it was just an initial thought. The other of the cuff be “Ruby” as it’s green.
Really like that colour just needs fully enclosed rear shocks to finish it off
Thanks, appreciate that. You can buy a nice set of enclosed Hagons which would also sort out the damping. I'm trying to restrain the spend on this bike this time around however 😂
@@MindfulMotorcyclist it’s hard not too I have an 04 r1200 gs paid £3500 with 11000 miles wasn’t going to buy extras but things on eBay tempt you trying to restrain myself to only essential things
Good one - if they come to Australia - Gertrude ? 😂 suggest removing the back rack and get saddle bags for better looks
A few people have mentioned not liking the bike rack, I'm going to keep it on for now until an alternative comes along!
yep - there are some lovely leather panniers available :) @@MindfulMotorcyclist
@@tomstockell9481 funnily enough I looked in the dealership today and man the genuine panniers are so nice, if a little expensive!
Sean congratulations on your Gold Star ⭐️ very well done 😊
Love the video really professional and
Heh I have no issues at all with mine at all!!
You’ve done the best thing and what a great saving..
love the colour was my 2nd choice I’m the same in no way am I putting extras on apart from luggage eventually…
I don’t like those big wind Shields myself tho the little ones aren’t too bad!
You see when I ride the new BSA nothing bothers me because riding the old BSA’s gives you the old experience which is really fun to me but riding the new Gold Star is just a pleasure and I don’t feel any bumps or problems because they are so far advanced in comparison, 😊😊😊
Missed your videos brilliant job 😊😊
Regards
Phil
Thanks Phil, really appreciate the comment. I'm glad to be in the New Goldstar club.
@@MindfulMotorcyclist
Youl love it great choice 👌👌
I quite like the look of the BSA panniers, I saw them up close today and gosh they are nice, expensive but such high quality...
Congratulation's and many happy miles.
Thanks Mark that's kind 😊
Gorgeous bike
Thanks GC, always nice to hear someone compliment a bike you've just bought 😊
Even blurred out I can see it's a BSA Goldstar. But is it a real one? No. Oh well.
where is that? Looks remarkably like St Martha's church. I may have to to up there and check.
Thanks Clive. It's St Mary's church on the B4042 on the way to Stourport. Sits on a nice elevated position with views multiple sides...
Nice bike. looks lovely ... that church near Abberley Worcestershire by any chance?
It's on the B4042 towards Stourport, but yes you're right it's in Worcestershire. Thanks for the comment.
@@MindfulMotorcyclist Thought I recognised it, took photos of the odd bike there when have been selling one, nice back drop and great view, only live half an hour away. I had a good look at the BSA's last week at Fowlers, they are good looking bikes, the tank badge being iconic!
what is the jacket you are wearing if you don't mind me asking?
This is the Oxford Churchill, full details in the next video...
Love the bsa, would of bought one if I wasn't leaving the UK. Has to be Gwen after the best omelette maker in Wales
Thanks for the comment. Where are you going? We are trying to leave too! 😊😊
@@MindfulMotorcyclist going to Tasmania as soon as visa is granted. Where are you going?
@@Tomahawkfalcone No where as exciting as that, Spain is our first stop then the Balkans...
@@MindfulMotorcyclist that's exciting mate. Keep the channel going, good reviews 👍
You just made the case for the Royal Enfield interceptor being the best bike. 😅
Nope, I said they trade blows in different areas. Interceptor is better handling, engine looks nicer, BSA overall looks better, is more authentic, engine characterful. I mean the one plus for the Interceptors now is the crashing secondhand prices £3.5k and falling. If price is an issue then you'd buy the Inty for sure.
@@MindfulMotorcyclist Royal Enfield price is market saturation 😀
The BSA has to many cam shafts and not enough cylinders 😁
it is nice to see another good looking retro bike.
@@DANTHETUBEMAN Perhaps go and check out my BSA vs Interceptor vid (where I said the BSA was 90% and the Inty was 100%) or my 2021 & 2022 Inty reviews all very positive. Nothing against an Interceptor here so you'll find no argument 😂😂
@@MindfulMotorcyclist
2 good bikes 🤠
The bsa is 80% as good as the Continental GT Enfield. 😁
Too generous, perhaps BSA only 70% as good 😂
the perfect bike doesn,t exist , we buy what we like and what keeps us happy (for a while) hope you enjoy it 👍
Wise words Paul. Yes still enjoying this bike, I hope to keep it for a longer time and not falling into the new bike trap again!
Come and visit us in the Algarve. We'll give you a few days of epic biking in the empty mountains...
We are planning on coming down to the Algave in the spring, and considering whether it is a place to relocate too!
Goldie name probably ❤
Now I know what a happy bunny looks like 🙂
Very happy Andy, speaking of happy bunnies I drove past Ducati Worcester and saw a red Diaval with 4 lateral exhaust tips... the coincidence was too much, it must be your new Akro?
@@MindfulMotorcyclist Yes!
Everyone to their own. The only comment I’ll make regarding the BSA is I think it’s overpriced. The Interceptor and Continental GT are twins with all the associated costs re: engine parts, exhausts etc. The BSA as a single should be considerably cheaper than the RE’s yet it’s not. It should really be compared to the Royal Enfield Classic 350 and priced accordingly (with a suitable premium for the larger engine). Anyway, that said I hope you enjoy it and it serves you well - ride safe.
Yes when the bike was first announced I had £5.5k in mind, when it came in £1000 more expensive I must admit I was disappointed. So I waited and paid what I believe the bike is worth. Comparisons with RE are hard because RE makes the engine in house and they have the economy of scale, so BSA perhaps can't match this. Lets see how they do going forward, Triumph have recently released a lower price point bike so BSA could follow... I do like the Rotax character and I guess using such an established motor waves any reliability concerns about the engine at least! Thanks!
Nice bike, would have been nice to here it run though.
Keep that for the owners review video in a few months, this was just a update vid...
We could tell it was the BSA. Probably going to get some stick from the big single crowd, but you carefully dodged talking about the Kawasaki W800, which is the most authentic retro bike around. Air-cooled, 5-speed, big twin cylinder, 360° firing order, with the exception of fuel injection, disc brakes, and ABS, it could be straight out of the 60’s but with modern refinement. In fact when I’ve been parked up its drawn a few admirers thinking it’s a full restoration job. Just my opinion.
Nothing against the W800, amazing very very detailed and authentic machine. Just isn't for me and despite frequent discounts due to it's difficulty to sell at dealers it's more than I wanted to spend at £8499. Lovely bike however and even Exeter Rider said I should get one! Didn't me to dodge it by the way, I didn't talk about the T100 either!
@@MindfulMotorcyclist thanks for the honest reply, it is pricey, I got mine a couple of years ago now, but I’ve had so many bikes over the years I really wanted to settle on a keeper. So the money for me was worth investing as the build quality is great, and the bevel drive means no cam chain or belts. And it looks smashing, plus with the emissions, I don’t expect it will be available for much longer in its current air-cooled form, and I expect Kawasaki to drop it from the range rather than go water cooled.
Headlight bucket and front mudguard need chroming...😊
Well I wont be doing that but lets see if BSA release a special version sometime soon... cheers
Congratulations.😎
Thank you 😁, appreciate the comment
I vote for the name Gretchen
Nice looking bike
Thank you Ian for the comment.
For £4000 you could have bought a low mileage air cooled Triumph T100 pre 2016 which is air/oil cooled and is far more authentic than a water cooled budget built BSA with a tried and trusted pedigree
Yep, I could also have bought 3,160 cans of diet coke or 2 tickets to personally meet Kylie Minogue 😂
Glad you put your own smilie in, helped me realise you thought it was funny, P.S. I'm right about the Bonneville, you'll see.
@@PatrickWhitaker-ls2cs Everytime you comment, it raises the profile of this video with the algorithm and helps earns me a coffee, keep going and I'll have enough to buy the 10 year old bonny you're talking about. Now that is worth a smilie 😂😂
@MindfulMotorcyclist you can by me a few beers when the plastic beeza is recycled back into a fridge in considerably less than 10 years
☕💷
It's a beautiful bike but their build quality is not there.
Yes, sadly I'll not disagree, there are bits on it that need to be polished or tweaked. It's a bike you buy with your heart not your head mainly because it's the only big thumper available and it looks so good!
Used bike.. great idea 👍🏻
Used helmet .. not so good.. unless you only value you head at £60…
It's people who 'feed the dealer' with their new purchases that fuel a healthy used bike economy for those who for whatever reason do not want a brand new machine...
Thanks Bib, thats a great point and it seems many of the haters on the original video have gone to ground. Where are you now haters? 😂😂
A nice looking bike and a credible effort at replicating a classic given the constraints of modern vehicle construction. You've already mentioned it, however, it's that awful radiator, it looks like it was designed and built by a toddler, so let's hope BSA listen to criticisms and address that. Otherwise, nice ride.
Funnily enough, BSA have done just that, radiators on the bikes shipping now we suspect a tad more svelte. Mine is an early one so still has the 'bigger' rad.
@@MindfulMotorcyclist Maybe treat yourself to the newer version at some time in the future, if it fits. 😉
Nice review! How bout Gurt or Gurtie
Thank you Doug for the kind comment!
Needs a much better quality exhaust, it discolours very quickly and then looks absolutely terrible imho of course.
Thanks Don for the comment. Unfortunately this is because of Euro 5 bikes have to run very very lean and this means hot 🔥. Stainless steel discoloration, even chrome plating will discolour is now unavoidable. Owners keep on top of it by polishing with Autosol. You can keep polishing bare stainless steel, you can't with chrome. Thanks 👍
Thanjs for your reply. I remember the Japanese in the 60's, 70's and 80's etc used to double skin the downpipes so they didn't blue, whether same would work now or not I'm not sure.
Its a BSA Gold
Yes it is 😁
If you want to change bike often never buy new. Let someone else eat the initial depreciation.
That's what I did this time round! Much happier!
l have never bought a brand new vehicle. My wife has on 3 occasions however which l have helped pay off. But l have bought a test bike from a dealer with 40km on the odometer at a saving of Aus $3,500. I have also realised that toward the end of the financial year in June, all previous financial years floor stock especially test bikes are being run out. This good news if you are in the market for a near new bike, and can be patient enough to wait a year or so after first release. These bikes often come with a warranty also, but a few people have had their leg over them before you, so if that is an issue, this knowledge is not for you. Incidentally, l hate the smell of the inside of a new vehicle, it makes me feel ill. I think it is all the plastics and glues, that are off gassing l think. For a while my wifes new LDV smelled like a tin of Tuna.
Thanks Big Red for the comment, my last two bikes were brand new. After this I decided never again, if only because of the initial devaluation. I will buy nearly new (like this one) or good old secondhand in future. Here in the UK there were deals available in summer too, I expect many bikers pick up a new machine in March for the new registration and then there is a summer lull.
8:40 apologies
You could have gone with the classic 500.
I guess the fact they discontinued it meant it was out of the running. Also it's got 29hp instead of the 45hp the BSA has. Finally it's nice to be different, many channels have a RE bikes including the 500. Cheers
@@MindfulMotorcyclist I understand. As a classic lover I am eagerly waiting for the classic 650.
That will be lovely, it seems RE went off the boil a touch with the bullet 350 launch as commentators thought it is too similar to the Classic reborn. I think the Classic 650 and or scrambler 650 will sell well... The classic 350 is the best looking RE in my eyes so that with the twin will be lovely.
From🇮🇳
Well, as others have said you could tell it was a BSA…. Far be it from me to tell you how to spend your money as your happy so that’s what counts. Any insight as to why the bike fitted with a screen and rack then given up so quickly? I can only guess that it proved not fit for the purpose the person bought it for, what ever that may have been. Looks like a Gretchen to me….
Hi JW, I did mess that bit up a little, next time I will have to cover the bike in a sheet and have my glamorous assistant Suzie remove it!! I don't know why the bike was given up so quickly but I do have the previous owners details in handbook so I might politely reach out and ask that very question!
@@MindfulMotorcyclist I have to say you got a great deal on a basically new bike. The fact that so many recognized the bike shows it’s already made an impact with a great form.
@@JW-ym5yb There certainly seems to be more people admiring the bike than haters at this point in time!
Gwen the Goldstar…..
Where is the church?
Hi David, its on the B4042 from Bromyard to Stourport...