BSA Gold Star 650 VERSUS Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 Which should you buy? 10 points to consider!
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 11 ก.ย. 2024
- Here is my 10 point guide as to which of these motorcycles, The Gold Star or Interceptor is the right bike for you!
PayPal Donations. threelittlefishes@live.co.uk
PATREON. / stuartfillingham
#bsagoldstar650 #royalenfieldinterceptor650
We the consumer benefit greatly, from having these two wonderful bikes to choose from! Head, heart, gut and experience come into separating these machines! Thank you Uncle Stu for spending the time, energy and effort to do that for us enthusiasts! Superb content! All in one take!
Greetings from the Dominican Republic,🇩🇴🇩🇴 I have a RE interceptor 650 Mark2 and it is great, it has 17,000 kilometers and no problems.
I feel like the Interceptor is far superior in every respect, with the caveat that I haven’t seen or ridden the BSA. 😂
Another great video thank you. Will you be keeping both the interceptor and the BSA? Out of all your bikes which do you ride most and which is your favourite. If you could only have one or two bikes which would they be.
After seeing the video I’m glad I went with the Interceptor!
A good effort in showing the strengths & weaknesses of both models. When I got my Interceptor, the BSA hadn’t been released, so I didn’t have to deal with this conundrum, thankfully. In my opinion, this vid really highlights the need of a buyer to test ride each bike , to identify which one best suits their requirements from a motorcycle. Unless one can afford & wants to have one of each.
Brave and difficult video, so well done. Your new found passion for the BSA was seeping through a little. We are all human.
Neither bike is on my radar as I have downsized below that.
The Interceptor has a revvy engine that lacks the grunt of a late 50s Redich 700, the plank seat doesn't appeal and the rediculess sticking up silencers are totally unacceptable.
The BSA at a glance seems to have done well optically, but it has a Rotax engine. I ran a BMW F650GS for a couple of years. No thanks.
The BSA seems to have some threaded hard points. This is a huge bonus wrongfully omitted from 98% of bikes.
I added a Honda Grom to my stable recently and it is festooned with hard points for stunting accessories (not at 67). What an eye opener. As a retired tech, making and adding racks and rails is so easy.
Both bikes look great but both are missing a few points.
Good video, thanks.
I had one of the bmw 650 gs few yrs ago great little machine but riding both you can't compare the engines they are like day and night the rotax fitted to the bsa feels smother and more powerful felt a lot weaker in the bmw
Glad its not just me that noticed this!
Could you do another video in a years time ? Let us know how you feel a year on after the honeymoon period is over . I do find you to be very genuine and fair in your reviews i really want a bsa but im waiting to see how they do long term before i commit . Have to say i love my interceptor and in my opinion would take a good bike to beat it .
Was looking at the BSA at the weekend but as you say the quality of finish is not as it should be, but you have convinced me to stick with my Interceptor which is a great bike.
It is funny that yesterday I've decided to order my first bike today and I could not decide between these two bikes. I wake up today and see this video from you. Even though it made my decision making even harder 😀 I'm really thankful for your insight and effort to make this (and in one take!). I think there is no bad decision between these two bikes and I will go for the Interceptor purely based on my emotions I felt when I saw both of them in person. Thank you Stuart and wish you all the best.
That’s a fair and honest comparison, Stuart! Would love to see a follow-up once the Classic / Bullet 650 Twins come out. I feel they will fix many of the issues with the Interceptor / GT Twins.
The BSA hasn't hit our showroom floors yet ( Minnesota ) and no one knows of anyone taking on the machines. It'll take a lot to pry my Interceptor from my .... and based on this review I'd keep the Ceptor'.... even though I'm a fan of big one kung thumpers. 😎
Ohh, Uncle Stu', do I detect a touch of the new broom syndrome?
Nope! I like fish and chips but i dont only eat fish and chips!
Appreciate the honest (as usual) review. Nice to see the BSA getting some love from your channel (and Mindful Motorcyclist), the mainstream press seem to pretty much ignore it.
Thank you.
What an excellent analysis.
I just bought a Gold Star, myself, and agree with your opinions. The Interceptor I owned, three years ago, is missed, in certain ways, but the BSA's engine excites me in a way the Royal Enfield never did.
Where did you buy the BSA ? I googled BSA America and only came up with 1 location.
Checkboxes sometimes does not work, specially with that similar in class and price bike.. You can like the feel of one over the other and no checkboxes will make you change your mind. Bikes are more of a feel thing, you know this.
comparing them based on emotion would be a dishonest representation.
@@nearlypastit2385 Exactly. I made the mistake to buy the classic on looks, not feel .. I rode it for an year and exchange it.
@@nearlypastit2385 small city scooter, to work with .. Nothing special .. I am selling it off to a friend at the end of the month and on a hunt for a new bike.
All true, but in addition to the emotional aspects, it’s important to understand the objective components.
My favourite bike is not very good in most departments. It’d still be my final possession to give up voluntarily. I’ve owned my example since 1978.
Stu spot on about pillion comfort! I did cure mine by using a passenger footrest locator which works very well and I'd recommend to all. I so much want to love the BSA but it looks blobby compared to RE.
The lack of a centerstand is a miss on the BSA, especially when compared to Royal Enfield who is just about the last manufacturer that still give their bikes centerstands. The original Gold Star had a centerstand like all bikes back then, so it's strange that Mahinda didn't give it one.
not really. it doesnt have one due to the emmissions controls mandated by law. i did explain that in a previous video.
@@stuartfillingham I know, but Royal Enfield has been able to solve it on all their bikes, surely Mahindra could have too? Chain maintenance without a centerstand and the silencer in the way must be a bit tiresome?
Brilliant & honest review Stu, I’ve got an interceptor & I absolutely love it & have no plans at all to get rid of. Good luck to BSA There presence on the bike market again can only be a good thing!
Agree.. wouldn't have a bike without one
Lack of a centre stand on the BSA hampers maintenance and also impacts touring, a big factor for me. Great revue, thanks.
Always an honest and most trusted independent review. Which should be always considered before making the purchase - for me I would pick the BSA after listening to the pros and cons! Nice balanced work Stuart. Thanks
Interesting comparison, seems like in reality it all comes down to the intangibles that can't be measured. Given the choice, which we don't have here in Aus at the moment, just the personal nostalgia associated with the Goldies tank badge would swing it for me. Thankfully authenticity seems to be mainly about design and appearance, the old oil leaks and unreliability haven't been included to make them "properly" authentic. 🙂
Didn't know about the secondary oil filter in the INT. I don't think the RE dealer who has been doing my servicing has ever removed the bottom of the engine to clean that, and the bike still runs perfectly. Thanks for the interesting comparison.
always that element of doubt though! one day it may clog and it will be game over for the engine!
I couldn't find any mention of the internal oil screen cleaning in the Periodical Maintenance section of my 2023 INT650 Owner's Manual.
You have to qualify virtually every remark with 'this is my opinion only', otherwise I guess you'll be swamped with abuse!! Keep up the great work!
This is where an old expression springs to mind, you can please some of the people all of the time, etc etc!! Unfortunately it doesn’t make my decision any easier, but you’ve given it your best shot 🤭 many thanks for your in-depth analysis an looking for to your next vid. 👍
I would love to see the BSA be sold in the US. I think whichever bike, between the Gold Star 650 and the rumored Classic 650, make it here first will get my dollar. Thanks for the videos, they have been extremely informative and entertaining. Cheers!
From what I have read the BSA should be available in the U.S. within the next few months.
@@nathanhenry. They had a booth at AIMExpo and at least one other convention. There just isn't any interest from distributors. With RE moving 8000 units annually in NA, an alternate may not be that attractive if you're in business to move raw units.
Yes i like the BSA 650, would i buy one. Yes when they start fitting a centre stand and fit a led headlight. So i will stick with my Super Meteor 650 and Scram.
Equipment is what equipment does. The LED headlight on Interceptor is basically useless.
I agree. If you insist on led on a modern classic you are hopelessly missing the point!
Yeah, Nah, I got one of the first BSA 650's in NZ. I LOVE it. Just done the 1000 kms service and wow, its loosening up so much.
Thought I wanted a RE Meteor, which is a nice bike but the Goldstar, I cant stop & fuel up without someone talking to me about it.
I suppose for me familiarity breeds contempt. I didn't have an actual DBD but I used to ride a 1954 BSA B31, the cooking version. To me this thing looks like a Bollywood representation of a Gold Star, good enough to fool race spectators but not those who rode the original bikes.
As a meteor owner I can confirm that they work the same way. Stop anywhere for longer than two minutes and old boys sidle up and want to talk. Gets way more attention than my sportster.
Hi Stu nice to hear someone's comparasons on 2 bikes they actually own . I prefer the looks of the BSA and like I said on a previous comment some weeks ago, having praised the BSA so much and with very few addon parts available for this bike for customisation as a channel bike dont think we will be seeing many updates in the near future regarding the BSA
As an owner of a new model motorcycle, ive found that the lack of available accessories has frustrated me more than i expected. I would advise others to consider that one carefully
True indeed. On the otherside, I had too many aftermarket accessories as choices for my Himalayan. Neither is ideal.
About time I crossed your palm with coin; another fabulous piece, friend thank you kindly for prep and sharing. Very much like your leaning more toward 'front-and-centre' presentation. It works well and offers a closer, stronger bond. It would be nice to see BSA flourish as I think the present price is a bargain and it could encourage RE to up the game on Interceptor and possibly do as they have done so well with the new models and offer something very special in new Interceptor guise to lock horns with the Goldie properly. If anyone can do it I reckon RE are the crew to do that task justice. Keep up the good work Stuart and thank you.
Ah.... thank you very much George!
Interesting comparison. Sounds as if the BSA is the one to go for. I just wish the one and only dealer in Portugal was more than just a bloke sitting in his shed in Lisbon.
I was ready to pull the plug on the Interceptor when it first came out. But the quality wasn't there. After owning a 500 classic and a Himalayan. I finally bought the Super meteor 650 a year ago. It's without doubt the best quality bike RE have produced, and is without doubt in the same league as any other high end manufacturer. The fact that RE is the longest continuous motorcycle manufacturer albeit with the Indian hand over. Brands that have been bought purely for the badge especially for me don't cut it. That said the same happened with Triumph and also now with the Chinese owned MG. So it's horses for courses. You pay your money and take your bike. Great video though ✌️
That was the best comparative review of two similar bikes I have seen. Looks like I am heading to the BSA dealer, rather than back to RE!
Hi Stu, been following you for 3)4 yrs now
Look forward to your content, more than any bike magazine i have subscribed to over the years...
Yep, it is that good, you probably cant see it the same way ...
Trust me it is ..
Hope this goes a little way to helping your channel on...
I'll do more as and when i can, your worth every penny..
Thanks for all your time and effort, its enjoyed and appreciated more than you know..
Respect..
Thank you john , much appreciated!
I must say, the INT 650 looks way more nicer than BSA.
Goldstar looks like a justified replacement for a classic 500 in India, though not sure about the character as it ain't a pushrod long stroker.
What if royal enfield takes that sherpa 452 tweak it to power a new classic 500, and boom it will be over for the Mahindra.
hmm sidhartha Lall has said categorically the will be no c500 single made. so its a moot point really
Excellent effort. You have the unique advantage in owning both bikes. For those with fragile personalities, they can just take your list and apply the numbers until they get their preferred result. Still very happy with my INT650. Life is great.
Happy with my interceptor, never liked the look of the BSA
Hi Stuart, enjoyed the video, I am on the horns of a dilema with the Goldstar, I know of two places who have given up their BSA dealer ship, also the factory has been very quiet, about updated models & has failed to really expand the dealer net work and get a foothold in the UK market, until I see some positivity from BSA I will be keeping the cash in my wallet
Ì have been lusting after int 650 as an upgrade for my classic c5 500. It would have cost me more to change things to look more like this BSA. There really doesn't look like i would change on the BSA. Maybe mirrors and remove baffle but that would be about it. It looks like this bike won't reach the USA for a couple of years. It will give me time to see how the BSA holds up. I really like a single 650. Now to see what the RE classic 650 looks like but thia bike really ticks all the boxes. Can't wait for it to see one in person. Excellent comparison. 74 mpg with a pillion wow! I would hope to realize that kind of mileage on roads here.
Hi Stuart. Took delivery of new Gold Star last week, didn't ride until after I bought and was very pleasantly surprised on my first ride. In addition to your comments I find the balance of the bike spot on. Rear Suspension not so great on rough roads, how have you adjusted yours. Trevor.
Interceptor is a great bike but sadly the Manufacturer have become complacent have stopped updating the it. For one the bike has a parallel twin engine yet produces less power and torque for its segment. Hope BSA does well in Indian market. Also, great point about the buying a bike based on feels rather than going by specs as most of us are tricked into thinking twin cylinder is always better than single but it also depends on the price and product.
The BSA does look impressive , it looks slightly larger than the Enfield.
because it is slightly larger than the Royal Enfield
@@DAB009 Thanks for that ,I do not think they will arrive in Australia soon if at all so probably will never see one for real.
Great comparison. Thanks for taking the time to document your experience and share it with us. Job well done!
Royal Enfield is fairly rare here in the states. They have just come into the market in the last couple years. Dealerships are few and far apart, but BSA is non-existent outside of museums. RE can be had for Full price 7k max on current year flagship model but previous year models are marked down substantially. One can currently get a 2022 Int650 with less than 300 miles for $4500. RE wins in the states
Clarification: Royal Enfield came (returned?) to the US in 2015. Somebody must have been importing Bullets at some point before 1996 as very few Enfield India bikes are around.
A very comprehensive comparison. I find myself agreeing with your observations despite not owning either bike(at the moment!) I found the BSA to be the most comfortable during my extended test ride, seat, footpegs, reach to the bars etc were more or less perfect for me. Whilst I enjoyed the RE twin engine I thought the BSA gave me more smiles and had more character. I think your summary toward the end of this video really summed up the difference in that the RE is a bike that hit the market 5 years ago and was part of the evolution for RE moving forward from the niche bullet to a wider audience, the BSA has only hit the market 18 months ago. Friends who own the BSA have said to me that the BSA feels like a more premium product. I'm very tempted to go down the BSA route which is something coming from an RE fan.
With a radiator and all the plastic covers on the engine, I can't help but think the BSA has to suffer compared to the RE in the "authenticity" category. I understand that the BSA is probably a better motorcycle, overall, but I can't agree with this particular rating.
I’m not looking to buy either of these motorcycles but I want both. Great comprehensive review.
Sir your comparison was Spot On.. except for 1 thing the cost of service will be definitely higher for BSA and Spares parts higher .. Because the service interval is double, So your spending 2 as much for a Service for the BSA… Chrome quality BSA very Bad . Just look at Silencer’s Colour.. Not British Standard Chrome Quality !!? Lot of Vibrations on the BSA in higher speed !!! Speedo Meter Not Visible!!! Has to be Tilted upwards … One thing I MUST SAY IF INTERCEPTOR HAD 17” REAR WHEELS IT WILL BE EXCELLENT..!
thats not true. do the maths and take the yearly workshop cost of the tappets for the interceptor into account. which basically doubles the cost of the service
Okay Sir agreed .. I did not calculate that .. Sorry .
The silencer and downpipe are not chrome but stainless steel. Solvol Autosol cleans the yellowing off easily.
@@Pauldanny55 DIY user friendly screw and locknut tappet adjustment on the RE (Super Meteor in my case) was a major selling point for me.
Unfortunately 90% of owners wont do their own maintenance they prefer a workshop to do the servicing for them
My first ever bike was an interceptor. I loved the look of it. Felt good on it. After one year, i saw the bsa at a local dealer and tried it. It was a shock. I loved it. It gave me some feelings i did not have with the interceptor.
In the end, i left the dealer with the bsa and exchanged my interceptor for it.
Just love the bsa.
Stuart--the "result I was looking for" was your "honest opinion," which you delivered in full, objective manner! My humble thanks. 👍
For me, I would give it to the interceptor for one reason, you can get a 900 cc big board kit from s&s and that is a huge plus for me being that I’m a big guy and I’m American and we have a lot of long open highways for getting a little bit extra speed especially passing trucks and what not. For the name I love BSA but you’re not gonna really be able to upgrade, a single cylinder anywhere near that size. If they come out with a twin though different story. But the one upside is, you could buy both of those bikes for the price of a Harley and have two better looking more reliable bikes that are Harley Davidson on the long run. I’m a triumph guy. They’ve got everything I need in a bike right now, except lower prices
For what that costs you may as well biy a different bike
You would be better off buying a 865 bonneville rather than fitting a big bore to the RE and I'm a big uk guy 350lbs and the BSA Has plenty of power for cruising and overtaking....I also own 2 865 bonnevilles and find that I barely use them since buying the BSA
for the money buy a Triumph Speed twin 1200. Or if you don't care if it's a twin or not, a Kawasaki 900RS. You'll have more power and torque than even the most modified RE would have, while still having a retro look *shrug*
One point that some viewers may be interested in, is the weight or comparative easy of manoeuvring the bikes in & out of the garage. The Interceptor can certainly feel top heavy with a full tank, when pushing it around a confined space. Light as a feather when riding.
bsa is easier to move around
@@stuartfillingham cheers for the reply, interesting to hear.
I do love the BSs of old. I would love to see a modern BSA 650 or 750 twin, having a BSA name on the tank is a cut above. I do find the Interceptor does everything asked of it, chassis and engine work really well on NZ crap roads. For me and on NZ roads the handling is the fun factor and main point to consider and the interceptor is a really fun bike to ride in the twisties.
Very fair comparison. Great job. I have booked highland green yesterday in India.
You have done a great job comparing the 2 bikes. I have bought bikes in the past based on technical comparisons like you have demonstrated and have regretted my decision. For me personally, I have come to the conclusion that one must follow the heart. How does the bike make you feel? On paper my Enfield 500 Bullet is nothing to write home about but I would never consider parting with it - flaws included.
if id used that method the interceptor would have come out of it much worse then it did
@@stuartfillingham Good answer!
Solid review. We'll thought out and very personal. Cheers! But the RE is orange, so I will pick that! 😂
What a wonderful data driven comparison ! If only the Interceptor had a better front suspension, it would have topped all charts hands down ...
I was in the market for either one these bikes but after seeing the (lack of) quality on the BSA's switchgear I went for the Interceptor.
Lol you chose a motorcycle based on your perception of switch gear quality? Seriously? And i thought i had heard it all!
@@stuartfillingham Every consumer has the perfect right to make a choice for whatever reason. Just because YOU don't agree with it doesn't mean its not valid.
Will go for interceptor 650 anyday that dual cylinder firing and character gives more appeal to it
Finally, I made a decision. Yesterday in fact I bought a used Royal Enfield Interceptor in Barcelona Blue with Powerage exhaust (upgrade?!) From Appleyards in Keighley. And what a beauty she is too, delivery next week. At a price really too good to pass up too and in absolutely pristine condition.
Thanks for the thoughtful evaluation.
However, the question remains, when will the BSA come to the States ?
Hi this is Vishal from india. amazing comparison. i watched this video very carefully.its very detailed comparison and I am 100 percent agree with you. Now I am planning to buy a BSA gold star in black colour which is just launched here in India and it's almost 50000 Indian rupees cheaper than the interceptor.
Thank you for this great video ❤
Yet another fab video. Well done with the one take ( I stayed right to the end, like a marvel film ha)
Brilliant video as always Stuart and side by side, my heart goes to the BSA 😌👍🏻
Since the BSA will not be for sale in the EU (at least for now), there is no choice but to get the RE
The BSA imo is better looking, but I would probably get the RE because of the beautiful 270 crank twin.
Good morning Stu. I’m late to the party again. Just got back from a camping trip on my Interceptor. My second camping trip on this bike with a lot more kit and am really impressed how the bike handled even in slow roadwork traffic.
I really liked this video. The way you have carried out this comparison of the two bikes was very good. I know that it is based on your views but being armed with this information if looking to buy either bike could make a big difference. Well done Sir.
Thanks for the video. Two points left me puzzled. You preferred the quality of the BSA, yet you awarded 8 points to the BSA and 9 points to the Interceptor. You also misspoke, when you said that Royal Enfield sells 70, 000 to 80,000 in Asia a year. Royal Enfield actually sells over 800,000 bikes in Asia a year.
yeah sue me!
Per month he said
800,000 units a year is just in India alone, would be much more when you consider Asia
Pays your money...both excellent bikes Enfield for me all be it a continental GT ...all points conceded would be happy with the BSA so who knows might get one yet ... thanks for comparison 👍
I really like Royal Enfield as a brand and I’m considering a Meteor 350 as this would be perfect for my needs, saying that I think the BSA looks stunning and I like the idea of a big single. Good review with all the salient points covered.
Another great re review Stu, I would hole heartedly agree with you on the result based on your criteria. I own neither bike, just can’t afford one. However the quality control of finish is critical in my mind, to the point of if what you can see on the outside is poor finish what about the stuff you can’t see? Particularly when visiting a showroom. Even there they may have the best finished looking bike where you decide to make a purchase only to receive as you point out would be very disappointing. All the same the BSA for me would be based on comfort and riding position. Leaning forward on my Yamaha diversion at my age is not so good.
Wow! Great review Stu. Very thorough. If I was in the market for a new 650 retro classic then I'd think again after seeing this very fair review of yours here. I think the character of a long stroke single is always going to outshine a shorter stroke twin. I very much prefer an air cooled engine though but maybe that's just me. They sound cleaner and less wheezy to my ears and then there's a whole tier of liquid cooling maintenance that you don't need to worry about and possible leaks and squeaks there etc. too. But BSA have been very thorough with this new bike and given that I believe Royal Enfield dropped the ball when replacing the Classic 500 single, maybe BSA have made a more genuine successor to that bike too...
I think these two bikes are brilliant. But i love the BSA and hope it grows radically in popularity. For motorcyclists that aren’t sportbike types where speed isn’t a big deal..
Thanks uncle Stu for this review. Love both of the bikes. I will have to take both on a long ride to make a good comparising but bsa is not available here. Both looking stunning. Greetings from Holland
Interceptor looks much nicer love the upswept exhaust pipes, rides great just touring Dartmoor on mine 🏍️❤️
In the US and Canada only the Int 650 is accessible, and even if you could import a BSA, getting it repaired or worked on would probably be a royal pain. A big draw to the Int for me was the ability to work on it myself and all the customization options it has. A stock bike just feels more like a rental car, where as when its custom, it really feels like yours. (Also you are a far more experienced ride than I and Iv never even seen a BSA let alone rode one, so take this with a grain of salt. But I find it hard to believe that you said the air cooled interceptor feels so much less characterful than the much more modern water cooled BSA. )
One of the best reviews I've ever seen Stuart, congratulations! A well thought out comparison between two great bikes from someone who has had a fair amount of experience with both... you can't say that about many reviewers. I don't have any experience with BSA but a lot with the Interceptor so it's interesting to hear your take on the separate categories, and they seem fair. Love the front mudguard and fork shrouds on the Goldstar..oh and the seat. The Interceptor can do it all, been touring all over Europe on it with the standard seat without issues but I know many people don't find it comfortable..hence the sales of bar risers and aftermarket seats. The Interceptor has a fantastic range of aftermarket options.. recently fitted AEW horizontal silencers from India which allow for full Craven panniers to be fitted. Thanks Stuart!
R E screw and locknut for the valves, arrrgghh ! They didn't work well on the ex wife's chastity belt. I'd have the BSA for sure.
Excellent video,Stuart and I would say the most comprehensive and detailed review of these two bikes. I have a much better appreciation of the pros and cons of both. Two great looking and popular bikes. Many thanks for the time spent on the analysis. Cheers, Dan. ✌️🏍🇨🇦
Good Morning Stu , thank you for your honest review today , take care
I always enjoy watching your videos and this one was no different. Being a man about to enter my 6th decade I find myself being drawn to the bikes of my youth, for example the early 70's Honda CB750 and Kawasaki KZ650 and the like. At the time my riding buddy had a Bonneville 750 which was a great looking bike but seemed to need work every time he roda it. To my point, before I get sedetracked into nostalgia, with all the modern retro motorcycles these days I was wondering if you have ever tried the Kawasaki W800? I've been riding Harleys since 1992 and have had the same Dyna Wide Glide since buying it new in 1999 which fits me like a glove. However I've been considering adding a modern retro to the stable and that W800 is one fine looking bike. I like the Triumph Bobber too but that seems to be a super model as you said and I prefer the girl next door so to speak. Keep up the good work!
I agree we disagree but interesting
Great comparison! I don't know if the BSA is availabile in Canada, but I have ridden the RE a short distance, and although it really felt like a nice bike, your comments regarding the character of the engine matched my brief experience.
Seeing the 2 side by side, i was immediately taken with the BSA's appearance, especially noting the extra length and uncòmpromised luggage area. Your description of the engine character and performance were the icing on the cake for me.
Now, to see if they are available here!
Hi Stuart, congratulations on an honest review, it is never easy when you have bikes that are as close in all aspects like these two, however, I am in agreement with your assessment, also I was very happy to see you addressed the BSA lack of accessories and quality with what is available, I do hope BSA wake up to this asap, and acknowledge the importance of accessories, as it is not just a generic motorcycle people are searching for, surely Harley Davidson example has proved that.
Hi Stuart, I have a legacy and love it, the Tank panel is actually chrome paint as are the mudguards plastic chrome painted. Great channel ❤
no the tank is chrome plated, the mudguards are vacuum plated, big difference from paint
@@stuartfillingham sorry I was misinformed regarding the tank. 👍🏍️
Hi Stu,
I'd like to see a Shotgun / Goldstar comparison.
Keep up the good work.
Hello again, Stuart, So far I'm very happy with my BSA Gold Star 650 Legacy, I have an instrument raising bracket from Moore Speed Racing in Poole. The bracket and cups for below each clock are machined from billet aluminium, the bracket is black and the cups are mirror polished, they look far classier than the stock black plastic items. The bracket raises the clocks higher up and tilt them towards the rider, I will install them soon.
I'm past scraping foot pegs and look for comfort, a good engine, and to take my wife with me sometimes. The BSA has it!
Nice comparison and I think being an owner of both put you in a good position to do this. For myself I simply like this type of bike engine size, power, riding position and price means there is nothing not to like about them. I have had an Interceptor and currently a Continental GT and like Royal Enfield but that wouldn’t stop me getting the BSA. I am looking to match one with a side car. 😊
With all due respect the local people looking at motorcycles and cars just look at the names or badges you could put a badge on virtually anything and people would think it's true . Good program. I'm 74 years old and rebuilding a triumph T100. 1963.
Thanks Stuart for this amazing comparative analysis of both bikes though I was always leaning towards the Gold Star 🤩 Also, I've given a Super Thanks for this video ❤️
Accessory ecosystem? Are you going woke Stu? How about "parts & bolt-ons"? Brand equity? You'll be tying your hair in a man bun soon, wearing lumberjack shirts & touring the Lebanese restaurants & Turkish coffee shops of East London.......
Sorry couldn't resist........great, detailed review btw.
Couldn't be certain,..... But saw someone down the Brick lane, in a black brain bucket with BSA in market pen pon his bonce.......deny it was you Unca Stu?
Very interesting video Stuart, I am picking up a brand new Scram 411 in two weeks, at less than 4k, great value, but now also got my eye on the new BSA Gold Star Legacy with chrome mudguards as well. I used to have a chrome 500 bullet classic, which I regret I sold. Keep up the good work.
At 69, I've owned a few "British" bikes, including a new 75 Norton 850 Commando back in the day...I did buy a new Triumph Speed Twin in 2020, a beautiful bike..Nostalgia compels me to hope the BSA makes it..The name alone conjures a day when British machines were among the finest on the planet (I personally believe Triumph has hit that mark again)...And for what it's worth, I remember the add where Chuck Connors (the rifleman ) was perched on a Royal Enfield)...I've owned north of 30 new motorcycles in my life of all flavors, including 7 new Harleys...But the one that shines brightest in my over half a century riding, was that 850 Norton Commando..A British gem for certain...
These are not "eye - candy" motorcycles in my opinion. You are getting value and dependability with both of these motorcycles. They're very affordable and you can rack up the smiles and miles. Royal Enfield has built a reputation for brand loyalty. I hope to see a 1200cc bike from either company to rival the Triumph T -120. Very fair review and I enjoyed your honesty.
Great vid as usual Stu, thanks for the comparison. Hoping that BSA manage to find more dealers to sell their bikes as we are a bit bereft in the Southwest.
RE 100% for me
ALTHOUGH I STARTED LIFE ON A 350 BULLET I PREFER BSA GOLD STAR
Quality. A very good analogy about getting under the skin - very much like being married to a supermodel. Everything looks beautiful until you get under the skirt.
You missed longevity. Which one will still be here in 10 years time.
No one can predict the future! if i could i wouldnt be wasting my time on TH-cam!
Well done Stewart.
This said, concerning maintenance this (very attractive BSA) seems to lack a center stand, very important for me.
I am eager to see what a future Bullet 650 will offer us.
Regards from France.
Some truth in what you said, however I think your slightly defencive about BSA. NO CENTRE STAND. agreed the interceptor is the worst ever seat comfortability.
Yes no centre stand, so no good for the home mechanic 😢, I’ll stick with my 30 year old bullet❤.
lol no centre stand! no problem! if you dont know how to use a jack a paddock stand or a spinner you have no business attempting any home mechanics!