This year, I had the opportunity to take a test ride on the BSA Gold Star, and I have to say, it exceeded all expectations. From the moment I gripped the handlebars, I could feel the connection between rider and machine-a seamless blend of power and precision. The engine hums with a quiet confidence, and as you accelerate, the bike responds with exhilarating smoothness. It's more than just a ride; it's an experience. Every curve, every stretch of road, felt like an extension of myself. This bike is pure class, designed for those who seek more than just transportation-it’s a ride that speaks to the soul.
For a long time, biking industry went all in on on building bikes with higher horse power, creating new speed records. Indian bike makers are now bringing back the pure nature of bikes designed for the pure pleasure of biking at a relaxed speed!
6:21 on the subject of the clock movement, they don't go 'the wrong way' they actually go exactly the same way as any analogue clock, it's simply that they start at the 2 o'clock position rather than the modern 8 o'clock position 😊
Great review thanks Kate. I liked the look of the bike when it was launched, fell in love with the Shadow Black at the NEC last year, and was blown away by the test ride which was the most fun I've had on a bike for years. I ordered my Shadow Black there and then, and it's just had its first service. The sound and torque are addictive and it makes me smile every time I open the throttle. It's also one of the prettiest modern classics in my eyes, and a quality product at a bargain price. Best £6k I ever spent!
Thanks for the review! I bought a Shadow Black recently and have enjoyed 1200 trouble free fun miles including 4 hour trips. Really impressed with the grunt and handling which has been improved further with some 10mm taller Hagon shocks with adjustable damping- these make the bike feel more poised and give it better rebound damping on our bumpy moorland roads.
A great review, Kate. You always bring the human element which other reviews have missed. I love thumping singles cylinder motorcycles. They feel like a heartbeat.
Super review Kate, enjoy hearing how a bike makes you feel and what you feel about it, rather than specs and exhaustive list of features. I agree the Shadow Black looks a great choice. It helps to hide the ugly radiator for one thing. I'd like to see one with the cases painted, stickers removed and bar end mirrors. Yes, it's a retro, not a 'real' BSA but if it looks good and rides well, it is doing its job. ✅😊
I personally don't like blacked out bikes so when a bought my GoldStar i chose the midnight black/chrome version. The starting procedure is because it's a 650 single completely different to starting a twin. The 3 rifle stickers are traditional ones from the 60's, a nod to the companies origins. A number of months ago i remember you going through the specs of a BMW bike that seemed to take you 20 minutes and bored me to tears, no necessary on the big thumper because it hasn't got any tec. which is exactly why i bought it.
If they used actual stickers back then, then that's cool, would just have been ace if it was paint or clear coated but if that's what they did back then, awesome :) I had my own big single for 3 years, could be blipped from the off, no bogging or cut out (I can only go off my own experiences in life haha) lovely bike though, it's handling and character surprised me alot!
I remember buying such crossed rifle stickers for my Road Rocket back in the day when i was doing it up. Its a nod to the fact that it was/is a munitions company.
The stickers on the sidepanels are authentic. What's less authentic is the "pushrod tunnel". You would have seen that on a B31/B33, with the piled arms cast into the aluminium and filled with paint. The pushrod tunnel on the various Gold Stars was much less emphasised.
G'day Kate, luv the vid, great review. Earlier today, I booked a test ride on the 'Goldie' for next Friday 26th July. I'll let you know how it went, but I feel in my water that this will be my next bike. Now to choose the colour, cheers Gman
Wooooah, how did this video pass me by? Just found it, 3 days after it was uploaded..., and i've been waiting for ages for UNK to do this BSA review! This is where it all started. I took my driving test on a Beezer 250 Barracuda "thumper" several moons ago and emigrated thereafter to a twin 650 Lightning. It seems everybody has been raving about the new Gold Star since it's reintroduction...., except me. Now, I would love one of these bikes to enjoy the latter years of my "biking career", but alas, they are not available here in the country where I live..., yet, but are on their way. The prices are estimated to be between £6500.- £8000.- according to which modell you go for. I imagine this Shadow Black, could be the top model, as here the manufacturers seem to wanna cash in on the popularity of blacked out bikes..., so we're talking of around 8000.- that i'm not prepared to pay, for a bike that I have no idea, as to how often, or indeed, how long I will be riding it for. Anyway, no idea why i'm waffling here, so i'll forget my woes, and congratulate "our Kate" for an excellent review and her interesting and honest down to earth review of a bike that would not be one she'd normally consider for everyday riding. And like you, I do love a healthy thumper Grunt! Oh, how interesting it would have been to see and hear UNDad's take on it, after having a bimble on it!
I assume because they can't sell them. I visit a lot of motorcycle dealers and I have never seen one! Until they can get the distribution sorted out, I think the future looks bleak. Shame
Nice to get your impression as a person not blinkered by the back story. Hopefully this bodes well to indicate it will appeal to younger riders too. After 16 months ownership I can tell you that once run in the engine frees up and is even better. It’s a bike that you can compute, tour or bimble on. 👍
Much cheaper than a Triumph and a bit more expensive than the RE classic or Bullet. However, they are all economical bikes with a similar customer. I think it comes down to looks. I like the idea of this bike, and I see it's available in Spain, but I love the looks of the RE Custom Signals Green and the Sand and after a test ride I'll probably get one next year. However, the engine on the BSA blows the other classics away and is more of a rival for the twin REs. There's only one dealer near Barcelona. Price of a black is 5900 euros and the special edition 7900€ which seems steep for a paint job. The RE custome 350 in green or yellow is 4900€ . That's a 1000 euros for a couple of accessories, petrol, food shopping-... !! Thanks for the review. Good to a see a gal doing them for a change.
Awesome video! I like the bike. Classic lines. Brings back memories of the BSA ads in motorcycle magazines back in the day. You probably can take the stickers off don't you think? Very humorous video as well. Best!
Me too, the B34 Gold Star was dropped from 1964 on for good reason. It was one of those legendary names back then which when you actually owned one (I had one in 1970) you realised that it was outdated junk and the world had moved on since it was created. Nostalgia isn't what it used to be.
Nice one Kate. A well balanced review sharing the good and the could do better. I've owned a few big singles over the (many) years, a 370 Suzuki, Honda 'Dominator 650 and a Yamaha MT-03 to name a few from yester decades and I love them. Admittedly back then I used to have a second bike if I wanted a bit of a hoon but I always enjoyed getting back on a single pot. The sound and the torque is addictive. All of them hated rolling on the throttle below 2K revs just like you found with this bike. I've not ridden a modern classic single though but if funds permit at some point I might seek out a test ride on one of these. If I was pondering a change of something I might consider black wheel spokes but as I've not seen one in the flesh yet that could change and it might be too black. It would be interesting to hear some owners views on longer dual carriage way riding for those times when the twisties are not available or you want to get somewhere on a quicker or a more direct route. Many thanks for sharing.
Was great to see them at the Abr, I think people enjoyed the test rides. For me am waiting to see what R Enf do with Classic 650. If was to get this you would have to try the Interceptor, the W800 and a Guzzi.
Great review but for me, I love the stickers and the gun logo as they give me goosebumps harking back to the glory days of Birmingham Small Arms (BSA) and my early days of my own riding ‘career’. Hey what’s wrong with the welds, they look quality to me!
Haha I'd have liked the clear coated that's all but people love the stickers 😄 and I don't have an issue with the welds, just thought I'd show em as there's a lot and it is a gripe for some people but I never care much for welds, just gotta comment based off general opinions I've heard 😊
American here. This is a beautiful retro bike. I love the simplicity of it. However, I just cant stand the sound of that thumper. BSA has some wonderful parallel twin 650s in their history. Now, if BSA would give us a 2025 Golden Flash and send it to the USA, I'd be all over that! In a flash!
As someone who’s been riding 53 years I like the bike ,I reckon when buying a modern bike you should be given the choice, either with all those electrics ( cruise control, ran ,normal, sport etc) never use them it’s called observation and correct gears and throttle control, or without probably save a bit on the purchase price as well 😐👍👍
Beautiful, beautiful machine !!! It’s the most handsome motorcycle available today. Love that red and gold logo on black gas tank! The “rifles” would look better in red to match the most beautiful red tank logo. Every bike I’ve ever owned, I’ve tried to mimic the low engine speed of Harley Davidsons. My W-650 comes closest to that, without the weight, bulk, and expense of a Harley. I like high torque low relaxing revs. You never mentioned what the revs were at various speeds. You never mentioned the vibrations, or lack there of. It’s a big assed single. Is the motor rubber mounted ??? My W is rubber mounted. Don’t like the “upside down” clocks. Would prefer bar end mirrors like they did on the Jawa. WHAT ARE THE VIBES LIKE ??? Worse than my W ??? And where’s the oil tank located ? It’s a dry sump right ? Is the oil tank easily accessible ? By the way, the “W” stands for WONDERFUL !!!
@@UsernameKate Definitely not a problem Kate. I'm much the same at heart. I took from that you liked a long black thing that sounds like a dirty wet fart. Sounds like my kind of bike 😉
Thanks for this review. I think the black one is the best colour choice, I don't like the shiny chrome! - I hoope I can get a test ride in my country soon. Maby the BSA 650 Goldstar will enter my heart and my garage.
Great video Kate! i have the Legacy and other BSA'S and had no issues in 16 months with it, love the black one very nice looking machine! the welds dont bother me soon get past all that once you own one, the clocks are normal lol they just start at 2 as you know now lol.. haha phil
For practical purposes: The British pound is quite near to the European pound which is 500 grams and thus half a kilo. Comparing 1 kilo to 2 English pounds is therefore good enough for a rough approximation.
Just discovered your channel and love it. As a biker from Bolton it's nice to see some familiar sights. Bit like Peter Kay car share. I'm building a special bike you might want to test ride and do a video on.
Kate hi just came across your channel and absolutely loving it. I’m in the process of getting a new bike first one for years I’m looking at a royal Enfield but have also seen bsa are back in your opinion which was your favourite between the royal Enfield interceptor and the bsa ? Keep up the good work Trev
Good video you did it very well nice looking bike I would go for that one like all black, I own a 43 year old Honda super dream 250N lots of chrome to clean. 😢
I loved my 67 650 BSA and someday may put it back together (probably not but I like to think so.) while I like the accents if they brought back that iconic seat I just may trade in my little Yammie.
Really interesting review, they have had a lot of criticism for the plasticy casings with nasty stickers instead of being ally with the logo cast in, a lot complain about the tractor radiator but it's water cooled so it is what it is. I quite like the styling though not keen on the ugly rear light cluster, the idiot light you mentioned is made to mimic the ammeter which would have been fitted on the original BSAs, a nice touch. How does it compare to the Enners ?😊
I’m toying in buying one of these, but my choices are mixed up with Royal Enfield interceptor, Moto Guzzi V7 Stone,…. Even though my original remit coming back to motorcycling after a two decade layoff previously to that riding pretty much constantly for 30 years … I was fancying a nostalgic looking motorcycle and preferably a single…. The royal Enfield singles are just too small wanting a bit more punch….. that said I always liked twins having had two BSA twins and a BMW from 1980 (still have this bike)…. I think it really depends what shows up when I’m ready to buy and take it from there really… thank you for your review. It’s one of the sweetest ones you’ve done and it did make me chuckle when you were referring to leaving the testosterone at home.😀
Came really close to buying a new Gold Star last year but ended up with an Interceptor instead.they also make a version without the chrome or spoke wheels but I wanted the chrome one. Slightly regret that now as forever polishing it! I never got to test the BSA but as you've ridden both which do you prefer?
@@UsernameKate To be frank. In the late 70ies early 80ties there was a period when black was also the rage in the sense that everything that used to be chrome was suddenly painted black. Even car hoods where painted semigloss black to make them look rally-like. So I am also not impartial to black but more as a contrast to bright colours or to hide dubious details in plain sight. Like those silver covers! 😉
Yeah, good value for the money, the plasticky bits on the engine are jarring, when you compare it to the Enfield interceptor, which is a nice metal looking lump. Overall its a good effort tho'. The ace, for me tho' is its a big single thumper, they are not common, they have torque and character. I would buy one in Highland Green, its a nice colour, in the showroom. Unfortunately, i have two bikes(triumph /royal enfield.) cant afford a third. Thanks for the video.
It seems to be a fashion to buy up the rights to use old British motorcycle manufacturer names - you can currently buy new Triumph's (tho' they've been going again for 30 years now of course) Norton's, BSA, AJS, Brough Superior's, Enfield (though they never really stopped of course) and I'm sure I'm forgetting a few too. Good to see them all back on British roads
Don’t know if it’s just in the valleys of south Wales I’ve not seen this one or the earlier version , yet I see dozens of Enfield bikes all sorts, sounds decent enough looks good should have red lettering BSA like you said all black casings 👍🏻
I agree that the “rifles” should be in red, it would be a nice complement to the most beautiful red tank logo. Wish the shiny engine covers were black also.
Small error in identification: you are not presenting a BSA Gold Star. You are showing a 470 lb. Mahindra. What does it share with the wonderful DBD 34? The tank badges.
Mahindra bought the licences of BSA, Jawa, … so what? the BSA 650 is a replica from the origine with a modified bmw f 650 rotax engine. so what? Battle for the best Brit(ish) retro! BSA Gold Star VS Royal Enfield Intercepter 650 | MCN Review
I'm MEchanical eNgineer , I am eagerly waiting for 2024 New Colour eMERAld Chrome Royal N-field Classic 350cc Motor-Cycle which has : 1) 🤩LED Headlight✅ 2) 🤩LED Turn indicators✅ 3) 🤩LED Tail light 4)✅Gear Position indicator 5) Fuel Gauge 6) 💚Authentic Royal N-field Twin Pilot LED Lamps 🤩 on Headlight 7) Authentic Royal N-field Thump if connected with after Market🧡INDORE SILENCER🤔 It's a Head Turner🤩
Hi Kate. I didn’t even know it could be had in black. Guess who picked one up in Katestealthblack. Not too impressed by the tubby styling though. The original was much more elegant and you know I like my ladies lean. 😁
How is following safety run-in period cheap? Any possible justification for that one ? I can understand stickers could've been embedded. But safety run-in instructions in manual doesn't mean anything is cheap.
@@UsernameKatei can look at the portion of the video again , but honestly all engines are different & designed in a way , not every engine is made for throttle blipping. Throttle blipping are done on higher end vehicles with lower clutch tolerance. Old gen single cylinders dont require throttle blipping , unless one never maintains it. You just quoted it to be cheap , so i had to ask for it. Imo it is better to respect the engine nature , rather than comparing it with other bikes. Take this in a positive light. The only thing i found about the review quite questionable.
Yes of course I would respect its procedure but all you have in life is your own experiences. And my experiences of big singles are fast warm up and lil revs without issues or cutting out. So when something does it and you arent used to experiencing that, of course its going to feel worse made if it cant cope with an odd blip. But its an inexpensive bike with this trait which many are used to and happy with. It's just not my own 'personal' single experience that I am used to, hence my comment :)
@UsernameKate Jawa/Yezdi have been nasty with low end torque & stalling issues. Presently BSA have the same parent company. Fueling is the main culprit , not everyone can master it with short period of time. Mainly when they are at the stage of revival with new age components. But again BSA has a short stroke engine among the singles which again is slightly weird when you factor in Royal enfields (long stroke) and old BSA possessing square format. So the behaviour is still evident. Well , obviously it was a good conservation while i am not even close to the motorcycle & it is possible to have experienced the vehicle better in person among you all who did. You have earned a subscriber, Goodluck!
Hi Kate hope your well good video run down on the bsa it’s not for me but yes it’s a nice little bike but it needs bar end mirrors on I’d change them but the price is always the same you get what you pay for I’d rather pay little bit over twice the money and have a T120 bonnie more quality and a beautiful classic bike in my eyes and loads more grunt take care ride safe one question are you and Mike going to do more off road videos soon they are so good bye for now
Are there BSA sales figures? l live 10 minutes walk from a dealer and on the main road into biking nirvana, the Yorkshire dales, yet l've never seen one on the road.
I prefer the chrome of the standard model, especially the red and chrome. It reminds me of my second bike I ever owned which was a 1970 BSA Thunderbolts 650 twin. I loved that bike even with its many quirks and problems. I thought that usb port was a hydraulic clutch reservoir.
This year, I had the opportunity to take a test ride on the BSA Gold Star, and I have to say, it exceeded all expectations. From the moment I gripped the handlebars, I could feel the connection between rider and machine-a seamless blend of power and precision. The engine hums with a quiet confidence, and as you accelerate, the bike responds with exhilarating smoothness. It's more than just a ride; it's an experience. Every curve, every stretch of road, felt like an extension of myself. This bike is pure class, designed for those who seek more than just transportation-it’s a ride that speaks to the soul.
For a long time, biking industry went all in on on building bikes with higher horse power, creating new speed records.
Indian bike makers are now bringing back the pure nature of bikes designed for the pure pleasure of biking at a relaxed speed!
6:21 on the subject of the clock movement, they don't go 'the wrong way' they actually go exactly the same way as any analogue clock, it's simply that they start at the 2 o'clock position rather than the modern 8 o'clock position 😊
Haha the BSA was tricking me 🤣 it's a funny illusion on the ole eyes
@@UsernameKate well ya not the first one on that miss Kate 🤣👍🏻
Great review thanks Kate. I liked the look of the bike when it was launched, fell in love with the Shadow Black at the NEC last year, and was blown away by the test ride which was the most fun I've had on a bike for years. I ordered my Shadow Black there and then, and it's just had its first service. The sound and torque are addictive and it makes me smile every time I open the throttle. It's also one of the prettiest modern classics in my eyes, and a quality product at a bargain price. Best £6k I ever spent!
So glad to hear you love your Goldstar. Amazing to hear from an owner!
Thanks for the review! I bought a Shadow Black recently and have enjoyed 1200 trouble free fun miles including 4 hour trips. Really impressed with the grunt and handling which has been improved further with some 10mm taller Hagon shocks with adjustable damping- these make the bike feel more poised and give it better rebound damping on our bumpy moorland roads.
Love that!! Glad you're enjoying it 😊
I’m confused between Shadow black and Midnight 😮💨
Black is looking so good
A great review, Kate. You always bring the human element which other reviews have missed.
I love thumping singles cylinder motorcycles. They feel like a heartbeat.
Ah, I appreciate that!
Super review Kate, enjoy hearing how a bike makes you feel and what you feel about it, rather than specs and exhaustive list of features. I agree the Shadow Black looks a great choice. It helps to hide the ugly radiator for one thing. I'd like to see one with the cases painted, stickers removed and bar end mirrors. Yes, it's a retro, not a 'real' BSA but if it looks good and rides well, it is doing its job. ✅😊
Great looking Goldstar! Best color scheme I've seen.
Love this channel. Can’t get enough.
Great job, Kate!
Thanks so much!!
Thanks for bringing us this vlog Kate! The bike is beautiful in black and I'd buy one. Still not released in OZ sadly
I personally don't like blacked out bikes so when a bought my GoldStar i chose the midnight black/chrome version. The starting procedure is because it's a 650 single completely different to starting a twin. The 3 rifle stickers are traditional ones from the 60's, a nod to the companies origins. A number of months ago i remember you going through the specs of a BMW bike that seemed to take you 20 minutes and bored me to tears, no necessary on the big thumper because it hasn't got any tec. which is exactly why i bought it.
If they used actual stickers back then, then that's cool, would just have been ace if it was paint or clear coated but if that's what they did back then, awesome :) I had my own big single for 3 years, could be blipped from the off, no bogging or cut out (I can only go off my own experiences in life haha) lovely bike though, it's handling and character surprised me alot!
I remember buying such crossed rifle stickers for my Road Rocket back in the day when i was doing it up. Its a nod to the fact that it was/is a munitions company.
Mag nicht ganze Schwarz viel zu dunkel 😢 Soll etwas mehr Chrom sein.❤
Do you think your complaint is less boring than the tech explanation?
@@ianhalliwell8604BSA = Birmingham Small Arms (Small arms being rifles and pistols)
Rode this and the RE Bullet 350, now it’s a tough choice! Both great bikes. Love your review Kate.
The stickers on the sidepanels are authentic. What's less authentic is the "pushrod tunnel". You would have seen that on a B31/B33, with the piled arms cast into the aluminium and filled with paint. The pushrod tunnel on the various Gold Stars was much less emphasised.
G'day Kate, luv the vid, great review. Earlier today, I booked a test ride on the 'Goldie' for next Friday 26th July. I'll let you know how it went, but I feel in my water that this will be my next bike.
Now to choose the colour, cheers Gman
I always enjoy your videos this one was no exception.
Wooooah, how did this video pass me by? Just found it, 3 days after it was uploaded..., and i've been waiting for ages for UNK to do this BSA review!
This is where it all started. I took my driving test on a Beezer 250 Barracuda "thumper" several moons ago and emigrated thereafter to a twin 650 Lightning.
It seems everybody has been raving about the new Gold Star since it's reintroduction...., except me. Now, I would love one of these bikes to enjoy the latter years of my "biking career", but alas, they are not available here in the country where I live..., yet, but are on their way. The prices are estimated to be between £6500.- £8000.- according to which modell you go for. I imagine this Shadow Black, could be the top model, as here the manufacturers seem to wanna cash in on the popularity of blacked out bikes..., so we're talking of around 8000.- that i'm not prepared to pay, for a bike that I have no idea, as to how often, or indeed, how long I will be riding it for. Anyway, no idea why i'm waffling here, so i'll forget my woes, and congratulate "our Kate" for an excellent review and her interesting and honest down to earth review of a bike that would not be one she'd normally consider for everyday riding. And like you, I do love a healthy thumper Grunt!
Oh, how interesting it would have been to see and hear UNDad's take on it, after having a bimble on it!
Definitely the best colour and agree about the engine casings,great video.👍🏻
Thanks for a very balanced review. Very enjoyable and informative. I have now subscribed to the channel and found you on FB!
Thanks David!
Great review. BSA have knocked £1000 off all models except this one. £5500 now makes a nice bike also good value.
I assume because they can't sell them. I visit a lot of motorcycle dealers and I have never seen one! Until they can get the distribution sorted out, I think the future looks bleak. Shame
@@SheldonElectricalsRemember it’s early days, the marque will take off, remember the early days of Triumph.
Nice to get your impression as a person not blinkered by the back story. Hopefully this bodes well to indicate it will appeal to younger riders too. After 16 months ownership I can tell you that once run in the engine frees up and is even better. It’s a bike that you can compute, tour or bimble on. 👍
Love that you're enjoying your bike. Its what it's all about!
Much cheaper than a Triumph and a bit more expensive than the RE classic or Bullet. However, they are all economical bikes with a similar customer. I think it comes down to looks. I like the idea of this bike, and I see it's available in Spain, but I love the looks of the RE Custom Signals Green and the Sand and after a test ride I'll probably get one next year. However, the engine on the BSA blows the other classics away and is more of a rival for the twin REs. There's only one dealer near Barcelona. Price of a black is 5900 euros and the special edition 7900€ which seems steep for a paint job. The RE custome 350 in green or yellow is 4900€ . That's a 1000 euros for a couple of accessories, petrol, food shopping-... !! Thanks for the review. Good to a see a gal doing them for a change.
New to your channel Kate - many thanks for a wonderfully refreshing review.
Always loved the BSA Gold star.
Awesome video! I like the bike. Classic lines. Brings back memories of the BSA ads in motorcycle magazines back in the day. You probably can take the stickers off don't you think? Very humorous video as well. Best!
The best color to customize is "ShadowBlack"
Great bike and review, i would ptefer to call it a Rotax with a small bsa sticker somewhere but thats just me🤓.
Triple Black for the win!
Kate we love your dulcet tones. I remember BSA's from late 1960's. All the best from Australia.
Thanks Barry!
Me too, the B34 Gold Star was dropped from 1964 on for good reason. It was one of those legendary names back then which when you actually owned one (I had one in 1970) you realised that it was outdated junk and the world had moved on since it was created. Nostalgia isn't what it used to be.
Nice to see you riding through Adlington and Chorley
Nice one Kate. A well balanced review sharing the good and the could do better. I've owned a few big singles over the (many) years, a 370 Suzuki, Honda 'Dominator 650 and a Yamaha MT-03 to name a few from yester decades and I love them. Admittedly back then I used to have a second bike if I wanted a bit of a hoon but I always enjoyed getting back on a single pot. The sound and the torque is addictive. All of them hated rolling on the throttle below 2K revs just like you found with this bike. I've not ridden a modern classic single though but if funds permit at some point I might seek out a test ride on one of these. If I was pondering a change of something I might consider black wheel spokes but as I've not seen one in the flesh yet that could change and it might be too black. It would be interesting to hear some owners views on longer dual carriage way riding for those times when the twisties are not available or you want to get somewhere on a quicker or a more direct route. Many thanks for sharing.
honda verza 150 modelnya dibikin kayag gini cakep nih.. minim feature.. modern classic.. tapi udah injeksi..
Not in this video, but I love the noises you make when a big bug splats your visor. Too funny! Keep it up, Kate!
Nice review beautiful bike happy you liked it😉
Waaaow I am Amazed , what is more beautiful She athe bike , her voice the accent ❤❤❤
Love it in the black 👍😎
Was great to see them at the Abr, I think people enjoyed the test rides.
For me am waiting to see what R Enf do with Classic 650. If was to get this you would have to try the Interceptor, the W800 and a Guzzi.
Yeah! Their stand was ace! Loved seeing the original Goldstar on display 😍
Thanks
Thank you so much!!
BSA Birmingham small arms , hence the guns. Stickers are just like thevoriginals
Sounds just like my old BMW F650 - it has essentially the same Rotax engine
Few changes, Euro 6 compliance, Fuel injection, different flatter torque curve
Thanks for the great review Kate.
Thanks for the kind comment 😊
Great review but for me, I love the stickers and the gun logo as they give me goosebumps harking back to the glory days of Birmingham Small Arms (BSA) and my early days of my own riding ‘career’. Hey what’s wrong with the welds, they look quality to me!
Haha I'd have liked the clear coated that's all but people love the stickers 😄 and I don't have an issue with the welds, just thought I'd show em as there's a lot and it is a gripe for some people but I never care much for welds, just gotta comment based off general opinions I've heard 😊
American here. This is a beautiful retro bike. I love the simplicity of it. However, I just cant stand the sound of that thumper. BSA has some wonderful parallel twin 650s in their history. Now, if BSA would give us a 2025 Golden Flash and send it to the USA, I'd be all over that! In a flash!
As someone who’s been riding 53 years I like the bike ,I reckon when buying a modern bike you should be given the choice, either with all those electrics ( cruise control, ran ,normal, sport etc) never use them it’s called observation and correct gears and throttle control, or without probably save a bit on the purchase price as well 😐👍👍
Great review Kate, looks like a nice bike.
Thanks Tom!
Beautiful, beautiful machine !!! It’s the most handsome motorcycle available today. Love that red and gold logo on black gas tank! The “rifles” would look better in red to match the most beautiful red tank logo. Every bike I’ve ever owned, I’ve tried to mimic the low engine speed of Harley Davidsons. My W-650 comes closest to that, without the weight, bulk, and expense of a Harley. I like high torque low relaxing revs. You never mentioned what the revs were at various speeds. You never mentioned the vibrations, or lack there of. It’s a big assed single. Is the motor rubber mounted ??? My W is rubber mounted. Don’t like the “upside down” clocks. Would prefer bar end mirrors like they did on the Jawa. WHAT ARE THE VIBES LIKE ??? Worse than my W ??? And where’s the oil tank located ? It’s a dry sump right ? Is the oil tank easily accessible ? By the way, the “W” stands for
WONDERFUL !!!
As far as the bike not liking blipping the throttle in the 1960s here in the states, BSA was said to stand for bastard stalled again!
🫣🫢
The BSA blacked out looks very different from the chrome. I know it's just blacked out but it gives it a different look. Nice review.
Thanks so much!
I do love your turn of phrase moments 🤣
🤣🤣 slightly uncouth at times but I mean well
@@UsernameKate Definitely not a problem Kate. I'm much the same at heart.
I took from that you liked a long black thing that sounds like a dirty wet fart. Sounds like my kind of bike 😉
I really like this bike. Wish it was available in Florida 😅
Great review Kate, I'm a RE man, but after taking this out at the ABR, I was very impressed 👌
Shadow Black - hmmm i can see what they were doing there, a bit tongue in cheek hopefully rather than just borrowing another bikes legend... 👍🏽
Thank you so much for the super thanks 😊 appreciate your comment!
@@UsernameKateyou're very welcome, it will just about buy you half a cup of coffee !! 😄
Probably for the best, a full cup has my eye twitchin 🤪
Thanks for this review. I think the black one is the best colour choice, I don't like the shiny chrome! - I hoope I can get a test ride in my country soon. Maby the BSA 650 Goldstar will enter my heart and my garage.
Great video Kate! i have the Legacy and other BSA'S and had no issues in 16 months with it, love the black one very nice looking machine!
the welds dont bother me soon get past all that once you own one, the clocks are normal lol they just start at 2 as you know now lol.. haha phil
For practical purposes: The British pound is quite near to the European pound which is 500 grams and thus half a kilo. Comparing 1 kilo to 2 English pounds is therefore good enough for a rough approximation.
Just discovered your channel and love it. As a biker from Bolton it's nice to see some familiar sights. Bit like Peter Kay car share.
I'm building a special bike you might want to test ride and do a video on.
Nice one Kate 👍
Thanks John!
Kate hi just came across your channel and absolutely loving it. I’m in the process of getting a new bike first one for years I’m looking at a royal Enfield but have also seen bsa are back in your opinion which was your favourite between the royal Enfield interceptor and the bsa ? Keep up the good work Trev
Good video you did it very well nice looking bike I would go for that one like all black, I own a 43 year old Honda super dream 250N lots of chrome to clean. 😢
Lovely bike, I hope they come to nz. Great review, thanks
Always split between black and chrome, for the same reasons as well. Are these available abroad or are they for the UK market only?
As usual great video. But your criticism of the Riffles, do you know what BSA actually means?
No no no, you misunderstood. I love the rifles. I would like them to not be stickers and to be clear coated.
Hi do you get hold of stickers? If so, how much? Just need a couple for my Hunter thank you
When I first saw the gauges I'm like DAMN! Look at Kate topping that little BSA out right off the bat! 🙂 LOL!
I loved my 67 650 BSA and someday may put it back together (probably not but I like to think so.) while I like the accents if they brought back that iconic seat I just may trade in my little Yammie.
Really interesting review, they have had a lot of criticism for the plasticy casings with nasty stickers instead of being ally with the logo cast in, a lot complain about the tractor radiator but it's water cooled so it is what it is. I quite like the styling though not keen on the ugly rear light cluster, the idiot light you mentioned is made to mimic the ammeter which would have been fitted on the original BSAs, a nice touch. How does it compare to the Enners ?😊
Very good poss may get one
Great review Kate! Unfortunately the BSA will not be available down under
Boooo
“Willy waving…” hilarious 😆
🫣🫣🫣
I think it's a smart looker Kate, I'd certainly rather have that over the models that are 500/1000 more!
I’m toying in buying one of these, but my choices are mixed up with Royal Enfield interceptor, Moto Guzzi V7 Stone,….
Even though my original remit coming back to motorcycling after a two decade layoff previously to that riding pretty much constantly for 30 years … I was fancying a nostalgic looking motorcycle and preferably a single…. The royal Enfield singles are just too small wanting a bit more punch….. that said I always liked twins having had two BSA twins and a BMW from 1980 (still have this bike)…. I think it really depends what shows up when I’m ready to buy and take it from there really… thank you for your review. It’s one of the sweetest ones you’ve done and it did make me chuckle when you were referring to leaving the testosterone at home.😀
Im in the same boat and i don't know what to choose lol
Came really close to buying a new Gold Star last year but ended up with an Interceptor instead.they also make a version without the chrome or spoke wheels but I wanted the chrome one. Slightly regret that now as forever polishing it! I never got to test the BSA but as you've ridden both which do you prefer?
I feel like I'd have to ride them back to back before throwing out an opinion on that. Just been a while since I rode the inty 😊
Thanks Mahindra and Ashok Leyland group for reviving these classic bikes 🏍
22:00 min. “Silver covers! Eeek” You’ve got a one track mind, Kate! 😂
Black it alllll out 🤣 be safe be seen WHERE?? 🤣
@@UsernameKate To be frank. In the late 70ies early 80ties there was a period when black was also the rage in the sense that everything that used to be chrome was suddenly painted black. Even car hoods where painted semigloss black to make them look rally-like. So I am also not impartial to black but more as a contrast to bright colours or to hide dubious details in plain sight. Like those silver covers! 😉
I like simple bikes and cars
Just great to hear you say ‘Willy Waving’ 😂😂😂😂😂
Take a ride to Dover and back and see how you feel?
Any word about when these will be available in the States?
Oh I'm not sure!
Yeah, good value for the money, the plasticky bits on the engine are jarring, when you compare it to the Enfield interceptor, which is a nice metal looking lump. Overall its a good effort tho'. The ace, for me tho' is its a big single thumper, they are not common, they have torque and character. I would buy one in Highland Green, its a nice colour, in the showroom. Unfortunately, i have two bikes(triumph /royal enfield.) cant afford a third. Thanks for the video.
Can you confirm (4) valves and (2) spark plugs?
It seems to be a fashion to buy up the rights to use old British motorcycle manufacturer names - you can currently buy new Triumph's (tho' they've been going again for 30 years now of course) Norton's, BSA, AJS, Brough Superior's, Enfield (though they never really stopped of course) and I'm sure I'm forgetting a few too. Good to see them all back on British roads
Francis-Barnett and Ariel too.
@@aunoates6617I'd missed those coming back, I need to pay more attention 😊
@@aunoates6617Ariel red hunter.
It’s quite alright, i used to think Gibson Les Paul guitars were French.
I like the headlight and shrouded forks, proper nod to old British tackle.
Can I ask what brand and make jeans you are wearing. Great review as always.
Don’t know if it’s just in the valleys of south Wales I’ve not seen this one or the earlier version , yet I see dozens of Enfield bikes all sorts, sounds decent enough looks good should have red lettering BSA like you said all black casings 👍🏻
I think BSAs dealer network is growing so maybe we will see more in the future
I agree that the “rifles” should be in red, it would be a nice complement to the most beautiful red tank logo. Wish the shiny engine covers were black also.
"Leave the willy waving down the pub!" 😂😂😂
Small error in identification: you are not presenting a BSA Gold Star. You are showing a 470 lb. Mahindra. What does it share with the wonderful DBD 34? The tank badges.
Mahindra bought the licences of BSA, Jawa, … so what?
the BSA 650 is a replica from the origine with a modified bmw f 650 rotax engine. so what?
Battle for the best Brit(ish) retro! BSA Gold Star VS Royal Enfield Intercepter 650 | MCN Review
Does it has tubeless tyres?
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Shadow Black looks much better, they should do that colour scheme on all the engines.
In the time the original the acronym USB would probably have stoop for Universal Sports Baffle. 😁
It's a great bike, the only negative is the management team of BSA and Mahindra.
Hi Kate. I didn’t even know it could be had in black. Guess who picked one up in Katestealthblack. Not too impressed by the tubby styling though. The original was much more elegant and you know I like my ladies lean. 😁
Looks like a good bike and i do like the original styled clocks.
They do look elegant for sure!
How is following safety run-in period cheap? Any possible justification for that one ? I can understand stickers could've been embedded. But safety run-in instructions in manual doesn't mean anything is cheap.
I think you've misinterpreted me
@@UsernameKatei can look at the portion of the video again , but honestly all engines are different & designed in a way , not every engine is made for throttle blipping. Throttle blipping are done on higher end vehicles with lower clutch tolerance. Old gen single cylinders dont require throttle blipping , unless one never maintains it. You just quoted it to be cheap , so i had to ask for it. Imo it is better to respect the engine nature , rather than comparing it with other bikes. Take this in a positive light. The only thing i found about the review quite questionable.
Yes of course I would respect its procedure but all you have in life is your own experiences. And my experiences of big singles are fast warm up and lil revs without issues or cutting out. So when something does it and you arent used to experiencing that, of course its going to feel worse made if it cant cope with an odd blip. But its an inexpensive bike with this trait which many are used to and happy with. It's just not my own 'personal' single experience that I am used to, hence my comment :)
@UsernameKate Jawa/Yezdi have been nasty with low end torque & stalling issues. Presently BSA have the same parent company. Fueling is the main culprit , not everyone can master it with short period of time. Mainly when they are at the stage of revival with new age components. But again BSA has a short stroke engine among the singles which again is slightly weird when you factor in Royal enfields (long stroke) and old BSA possessing square format. So the behaviour is still evident. Well , obviously it was a good conservation while i am not even close to the motorcycle & it is possible to have experienced the vehicle better in person among you all who did. You have earned a subscriber, Goodluck!
Appreciate you!
How would you compare this to the RE Interceptor?
I'd have to ride em back to back
What sort of pubs do you go too ? 😮
Hi Kate hope your well good video run down on the bsa it’s not for me but yes it’s a nice little bike but it needs bar end mirrors on I’d change them but the price is always the same you get what you pay for I’d rather pay little bit over twice the money and have a T120 bonnie more quality and a beautiful classic bike in my eyes and loads more grunt take care ride safe one question are you and Mike going to do more off road videos soon they are so good bye for now
Are there BSA sales figures? l live 10 minutes walk from a dealer and on the main road into biking nirvana, the Yorkshire dales, yet l've never seen one on the road.
I prefer the chrome of the standard model, especially the red and chrome. It reminds me of my second bike I ever owned which was a 1970 BSA Thunderbolts 650 twin. I loved that bike even with its many quirks and problems.
I thought that usb port was a hydraulic clutch reservoir.
I'd love a chrome and coloured tank but I'd love everything else all black 😊
That's where we adore English women's reviews