UPDATE: Lukas Distribution now have replied to my email, but just asking for clarity. so, I have replied explaining what I meant. I'll keep you guys posted.
My local dealer in West Lancashire stopped selling new bikes from the 1st of January because they'd messed him about so much. I visited him last week and asked him about BSA discounting the GoldStar. He told me that they had overestimated take-up and brought too many into the country so are now trying to offload these 2023 bikes. I paid 6800 for mine and its now on sale for 5500, the green version was 6500 and its now 4995 this has ruined second hand values, cost me thousands if i wanted to change and annoyed me intensely.
I lost faith with BSA and handed mine back. They lied about the headlight rim on the three occasions it caused the glass to shatter. Each time they insisted I was the only one with the problem and that it wouldn't happened again (until it did and did so again). Funny that they are now going to do it as a matter of course. The lack of promised accessories despite countless promises too was frustrating. Shame as I enjoyed riding my bike when it was ok and really wanted to love it. Can't trust them as a brand or company and went back to Royal Enfield.
I have an honest contact person who works for an official 'BSA' a dealership in Northamptonshire who told me many months ago that the dealership were dumping the BSA brand because of the number of warranty claims, for all the reasons outlined in the comments. The bike rides great, but the engineering and build quality are falling short of the mark. I hope BSA can get it sorted. It's a very pretty motorcycle, and deserves success. Mind you, despite all the faults, the new Gold Star is probably more reliable that anything that came out of Small Heath. BSA made in India. Royal Enfield made in India. I chose the latter. An RE Interceptor; fun, usable and reliable. A future classic. (maybe). Love and peace.
I had my bike done and the dealer was quite open and honest with me. They said the free oil change etc was in fact a recall disguised as a freebie. I am very happy with my bike now and I think BSA are being sensible by sorting any bikes already sold or built waiting for sale rather than bringing out another model / variant of the Gold Star.
I bought the legacy version last year owned it for 2 months and traded it in for a triumph it’s been sold by that dealer twice since I traded it in I didn’t feel comfortable with it cutting out
I wanted to like the BSA but conceptually it never quite hung together. The flaws underline the unfinished nature of the bike. Hopefully the parent company persevere with the brand and sort out the issues.
Bridge Motorcycles in Exeter have relegated their “New BSA “ sales display area to a poorly lit part of their used motorcycle showroom .- Actions speak louder than words . I think many dealers and customers have lost interest.
Seeing the heavy discounts then my ride at the ABR. now there’s no upcoming updates, no accessories/dealer fit mods etc. mmm. The bike I had really high hopes for might just be the make I actually worry won’t be here . If I’m right it’s a tragedy.
I don't think the Interceptor has been updated since 2018 either apart from alloy wheel options, metal switchgear and adjustable levers, but then it does seem to run ok!
Rather than electrical probs, that can be fixed, my main worry is dealers and associated mechanics, as they use Peugeot scooter dealers for some reason, at least in Spain. I hope that by the time we buy one the network will be better and the new bike teething problems sorted. Also, the initial launch price has dropped even in Spain, so there are some positives. 👍🏼😃 BTW, try and sip your coffee at the end of a sentence 😂
I had the health check recall done on Monday along with a friend who also has a new BSA. I had cutting out issues previously and my bike had an ECU flash update last October but the service coordinator at my dealer said my bike was down to have the latest flash as part of the health check. My friend asked if his needed it done as his bike has never cut out in 3500 miles. The service lady said the latest flash was not just for cutting out issues so my friend agreed to have his done as well. Only ridden my bike 40 miles since but idle revs are as they were before either update and my bike seems to be running smoother than before so I’m well pleased. I timed the health check just right at 7480 miles so saved me changing the oil and filter for the 7500 mile service.
Hopefully "no updates for 2025" doesn't mean that the parent company are slowly losing interest in "the BSA project" !!! Good to hear that they are at least focusing on sorting out their existing customers' problems though, Hopefully, in the end, everyone ends up with the bike that they expected the new Gold Star to be. Cheers Andy, Garry
A real shame, if bsa don't step up to the plate, with this bike and sort issues and not just the bike, its support to the dealers, acknowledging its lack of spares and repair problems. It seems a potentially good bike will, have its reputation ruined if these things aren't sorted. Personally, the sound of this big single is lovely and in a market swamped with twins, it stands out. Tho' now, for the wrong reasons.
I'd guess no '25 model is because they have lots of unsold existing production run bikes. Or it could be something more sinister, I hope not. If I were BSA, I'd release a scrambler, but the talk of dealerships dropping the brand is an ominous sign.
I had great hope's for this bike and very excited at the thought of buying one. How disappointed am I. Had a test ride, not bad , a bit like my old C15 250 which is not a bad thing as I loved my old bsa. But what is all this stuff on the Internet. Duff this, faulty that. Use some of the 4 million quid our government gave you to put these thing's right before you completely stuff the brand.
Er, I can't seem to find that 4million quid... I think you will find that a lot of the stuff on the Internet is hearsay or Chinese whispers. If you want to know what IS going on and how healthy BSA is, watch tomorrow's video!
@CornishMotorcycleDiaries I definitely will. It would be great if all the problems were sorted. I seem to remember every time I went out on my c15 there was always oil to wipe up.
I always get the impression that dealers tend to tell you what they want you to hear. Bearding the lion in his den may be more productive. Saying send us the rack and we'll respray it sounds nonsensical. Are BSA growing tired of the British market? 🤔
I think BSA need to demonstrate they tackle problems for the wider world market. As such, we probably count as research here in the lil'ol UK. I think what the dealer wanted was not to do anything until; he could get me in and charge for a service. I'm aware of that!
Think the motorcycle market is brutal. Moto Guzzi no longer being sold in Sheffield as one recent example, so as much as I like them I shan’t be buying another one because the next dealer is miles away. We’ve lost lots of dealers around me over the last decade or so and Norton have obviously been struggling, apparently losing nearly £7k on every one they sell.
Hmm, be interesting to see if your dealer continues with the Franchise. I've heard that a lot of dealers are ditching BSA because of all the unresolved issues they have with the company/importers. I personally know of two who have thrown the towel in because of the quality issues with the Gold Star and the lack of technicalsupport from the factory, the effect it's having on their reputation with their customers and the unrealistic sales targets set by BSA - not good! I do know someone who has the Gold Star and is delighted with it but their growing reputation must surely put people off from splashing out on a new bike. There are some bargains out there at the moment with brand new ones advertised for £4995 on the road. I suppose it depends whether or not you can weather the storm and wait for the parts supply to improve and BSA get their act together with the technical support and resolutions, it's gone on far too long. Hope you get yours sorted sooner rather than later. Subscribed and look forward to your updates.🙂👍
I bought the legacy version last year owned it for 2 months and traded it in for a triumph it’s been sold by that dealer twice since I traded it in I didn’t feel comfortable with it cutting out
UPDATE: Lukas Distribution now have replied to my email, but just asking for clarity. so, I have replied explaining what I meant. I'll keep you guys posted.
Still no clarity, but much is afoot. I'll post a video soon.
My local dealer in West Lancashire stopped selling new bikes from the 1st of January because they'd messed him about so much. I visited him last week and asked him about BSA discounting the GoldStar. He told me that they had overestimated take-up and brought too many into the country so are now trying to offload these 2023 bikes. I paid 6800 for mine and its now on sale for 5500, the green version was 6500 and its now 4995 this has ruined second hand values, cost me thousands if i wanted to change and annoyed me intensely.
Royal Enfield are now offering a great range of bikes, need I say more?
Don't float my boat, horses for courses as they say...
I lost faith with BSA and handed mine back.
They lied about the headlight rim on the three occasions it caused the glass to shatter. Each time they insisted I was the only one with the problem and that it wouldn't happened again (until it did and did so again).
Funny that they are now going to do it as a matter of course.
The lack of promised accessories despite countless promises too was frustrating.
Shame as I enjoyed riding my bike when it was ok and really wanted to love it.
Can't trust them as a brand or company and went back to Royal Enfield.
I have an honest contact person who works for an official 'BSA' a dealership in Northamptonshire who told me many months ago that the dealership were dumping the BSA brand because of the number of warranty claims, for all the reasons outlined in the comments.
The bike rides great, but the engineering and build quality are falling short of the mark. I hope BSA can get it sorted. It's a very pretty motorcycle, and deserves success.
Mind you, despite all the faults, the new Gold Star is probably more reliable that anything that came out of Small Heath.
BSA made in India. Royal Enfield made in India. I chose the latter. An RE Interceptor; fun, usable and reliable. A future classic. (maybe).
Love and peace.
I had my bike done and the dealer was quite open and honest with me. They said the free oil change etc was in fact a recall disguised as a freebie. I am very happy with my bike now and I think BSA are being sensible by sorting any bikes already sold or built waiting for sale rather than bringing out another model / variant of the Gold Star.
Yes, I agree
Well I hope they carry in because I think it’s the nicest looking retro bike out there.
I bought the legacy version last year owned it for 2 months and traded it in for a triumph it’s been sold by that dealer twice since I traded it in
I didn’t feel comfortable with it cutting out
Sounds reminiscent of BSA in the 60's. My D14/4 went back to the factory twice in the 2yrs I owned it.
I wanted to like the BSA but conceptually it never quite hung together. The flaws underline the unfinished nature of the bike. Hopefully the parent company persevere with the brand and sort out the issues.
Bridge Motorcycles in Exeter have relegated their “New BSA “ sales display area to a poorly lit part of their used motorcycle showroom .- Actions speak louder than words . I think many dealers and customers have lost interest.
Seeing the heavy discounts then my ride at the ABR. now there’s no upcoming updates, no accessories/dealer fit mods etc.
mmm. The bike I had really high hopes for might just be the make I actually worry won’t be here . If I’m right it’s a tragedy.
I don't think the Interceptor has been updated since 2018 either apart from alloy wheel options, metal switchgear and adjustable levers, but then it does seem to run ok!
Rather than electrical probs, that can be fixed, my main worry is dealers and associated mechanics, as they use Peugeot scooter dealers for some reason, at least in Spain. I hope that by the time we buy one the network will be better and the new bike teething problems sorted. Also, the initial launch price has dropped even in Spain, so there are some positives. 👍🏼😃 BTW, try and sip your coffee at the end of a sentence 😂
Thanks
I had the health check recall done on Monday along with a friend who also has a new BSA.
I had cutting out issues previously and my bike had an ECU flash update last October but the service coordinator at my dealer said my bike was down to have the latest flash as part of the health check.
My friend asked if his needed it done as his bike has never cut out in 3500 miles. The service lady said the latest flash was not just for cutting out issues so my friend agreed to have his done as well.
Only ridden my bike 40 miles since but idle revs are as they were before either update and my bike seems to be running smoother than before so I’m well pleased.
I timed the health check just right at 7480 miles so saved me changing the oil and filter for the 7500 mile service.
Think I might go ahead and get it all done now. I got the feeling the dealer was stalling me.
Hopefully "no updates for 2025" doesn't mean that the parent company are slowly losing interest in "the BSA project" !!!
Good to hear that they are at least focusing on sorting out their existing customers' problems though,
Hopefully, in the end, everyone ends up with the bike that they expected the new Gold Star to be.
Cheers Andy,
Garry
I was told (secretly) by my local dealer, to avoid these bikes, as they had a laundry list of faults. What a terrible shame :(
A real shame, if bsa don't step up to the plate, with this bike and sort issues and not just the bike, its support to the dealers, acknowledging its lack of spares and repair problems. It seems a potentially good bike will, have its reputation ruined if these things aren't sorted. Personally, the sound of this big single is lovely and in a market swamped with twins, it stands out. Tho' now, for the wrong reasons.
Things are not that black. Hopefully tomorrow's video will clarify that.
I'd guess no '25 model is because they have lots of unsold existing production run bikes. Or it could be something more sinister, I hope not. If I were BSA, I'd release a scrambler, but the talk of dealerships dropping the brand is an ominous sign.
My local dealer have dumped them ...owe him loads of money and treated him appallingly... i think the writing is on the wall for the brand .
Can you do a video on peoples use of indicators, and their lack of use? Real life footage with your observations would be great. Thank you
Probably most useful to me as I'm hopeless, especially with non-self cancelling ones, lol...😁
Said from the start…one-trick pony for a very limited market...gone in three years...there won't be a riding season next year (for BSA/Mahindra)...
I had great hope's for this bike and very excited at the thought of buying one. How disappointed am I. Had a test ride, not bad , a bit like my old C15 250 which is not a bad thing as I loved my old bsa. But what is all this stuff on the Internet. Duff this, faulty that. Use some of the 4 million quid our government gave you to put these thing's right before you completely stuff the brand.
Er, I can't seem to find that 4million quid... I think you will find that a lot of the stuff on the Internet is hearsay or Chinese whispers. If you want to know what IS going on and how healthy BSA is, watch tomorrow's video!
@CornishMotorcycleDiaries I definitely will. It would be great if all the problems were sorted. I seem to remember every time I went out on my c15 there was always oil to wipe up.
3:10 'get it all done in one foul swoop'. Enjoyed that! Sadly, I think Birmingham Small Arms have shot themselves in the foot.
no new models , are they resting on their laurels ?
Why the desire for a new model of retro bike? Makes no sense. They need to support the product though.
I always get the impression that dealers tend to tell you what they want you to hear. Bearding the lion in his den may be more productive. Saying send us the rack and we'll respray it sounds nonsensical. Are BSA growing tired of the British market? 🤔
I think BSA need to demonstrate they tackle problems for the wider world market. As such, we probably count as research here in the lil'ol UK. I think what the dealer wanted was not to do anything until; he could get me in and charge for a service. I'm aware of that!
Proper coffee!
Think the motorcycle market is brutal. Moto Guzzi no longer being sold in Sheffield as one recent example, so as much as I like them I shan’t be buying another one because the next dealer is miles away. We’ve lost lots of dealers around me over the last decade or so and Norton have obviously been struggling, apparently losing nearly £7k on every one they sell.
Guys want to buy cheap bikes...expect problems
More attention (I can't believe it!) paid to BSA and their line of loser, poser, overweight, overpriced motorcycles.
Sounds like a typical dealer blag to me. I'm sure he knows a lot more than he's telling you
Hmm, be interesting to see if your dealer continues with the Franchise. I've heard that a lot of dealers are ditching BSA because of all the unresolved issues they have with the company/importers. I personally know of two who have thrown the towel in because of the quality issues with the Gold Star and the lack of technicalsupport from the factory, the effect it's having on their reputation with their customers and the unrealistic sales targets set by BSA - not good! I do know someone who has the Gold Star and is delighted with it but their growing reputation must surely put people off from splashing out on a new bike. There are some bargains out there at the moment with brand new ones advertised for £4995 on the road. I suppose it depends whether or not you can weather the storm and wait for the parts supply to improve and BSA get their act together with the technical support and resolutions, it's gone on far too long. Hope you get yours sorted sooner rather than later. Subscribed and look forward to your updates.🙂👍
Thanks for the detailed response se, just what I was looking for.
buy a triumph
Why would you even buy a motorcycle from China?
Bsa are Indian 🙄
I bought the legacy version last year owned it for 2 months and traded it in for a triumph it’s been sold by that dealer twice since I traded it in
I didn’t feel comfortable with it cutting out