The BSA Gold Star 650 has arrived, bringing a blend of vintage charm and modern performance to the Indian market.
With a starting price of Rs 2.99 lakh ex-showroom. This modern-retro motorcycle is set to turn heads and stir nostalgia among motorcycle enthusiasts.
Let’s dive into what makes this bike a compelling option in the competitive 650cc segment.
Retro Styling with a Contemporary Touch
The Gold Star 650 captures the essence of classic motorcycles with its elegant design.
Every detail, from the round headlight to the sculpted fuel tank and gracefully curved fenders, reflects the timeless appeal of BSA’s legendary heritage.
The bike’s wire-spoke wheels and minimalist bodywork further emphasize its retro roots. Making it a visual treat for those who appreciate classic designs.
Available in five distinct color options, the Gold Star 650 caters to varied tastes:
- Insignia Red and Highland Green: Priced at Rs 2.99 lakh, these colors evoke a sense of classic British style.
- Midnight Black and Dawn Silver: At Rs 3.12 lakh, these shades offer a more understated yet sophisticated look.
- Shadow Black: The top variant at Rs 3.15 lakh exudes a bold and timeless appeal.
Dawn Silver
Built for the Modern Rider
Underneath its nostalgic exterior, the Gold Star 650 houses a robust and capable machine.
The motorcycle is built around a cradle frame, supported by a telescopic fork up front and twin shock absorbers at the rear.
This setup ensures a balanced and comfortable ride, whether you’re cruising through city streets or exploring winding country roads.
The bike’s 18-inch wire-spoke wheels are shod with tube-type tires, offering a blend of stability and classic aesthetics.
Braking duties are managed by a single disc at both ends, with dual-channel ABS provided as standard.
This combination ensures confident stopping power, enhancing rider safety in various conditions.
Highland Green
Heart of a Legend: The Engine
At the core of the Gold Star 650 is a 652cc, 4-valve, DOHC, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine.
This powerplant delivers 45 bhp at 6,500 rpm and 55 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. Paired with a five-speed gearbox, the engine is tuned for smooth and refined performance.
BSA claims the bike can exceed a top speed of 160 km/h. Making it a capable performer on highways and open roads.
The engine’s character is what sets the Gold Star apart.
Designed to be refined yet powerful. The bike offers a unique riding experience harks back to the golden era of motorcycling while providing the reliability and performance expected by today’s riders.
Shadow Black
Modern Features, Classic Appeal
While the BSA Gold Star 650 embraces its retro styling, it doesn’t shy away from incorporating modern features.
The twin-pod instrument cluster combines analog and digital displays, offering essential information at a glance.
A USB charger is also included, ensuring that riders can keep their devices powered up during long rides.
Insignia Red
Competitors in the Segment
The Gold Star 650 finds itself in a competitive segment, going head-to-head with the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650.
Priced slightly lower at Rs 3.03 lakh. The Interceptor has been a popular choice among riders seeking a blend of classic design and modern performance.
However, the BSA Gold Star 650 differentiates itself with its unique design, brand heritage, and the exclusivity that comes with the BSA name.
Comparison between the BSA Gold Star 650 and the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650
| Feature | BSA Gold Star 650 | Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 |
|---|---|---|
| Price (Ex-showroom, India) | Starts at Rs 2.99 lakh | Starts at Rs 3.03 lakh |
| Engine | 652cc, 4-valve, DOHC, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled | 648cc, parallel-twin, air/oil-cooled |
| Power Output | 45 bhp @ 6,500 rpm | 47 bhp @ 7,150 rpm |
| Torque | 55 Nm @ 4,000 rpm | 52 Nm @ 5,250 rpm |
| Gearbox | 5-speed manual | 6-speed manual |
| Top Speed | Over 160 km/h | Approx. 170 km/h |
| Frame | Cradle frame | Steel tubular double cradle |
| Suspension (Front) | Telescopic fork | 41mm Telescopic fork |
| Suspension (Rear) | Twin shock absorbers | Twin coil-over shocks |
| Brakes (Front) | Single disc with dual-channel ABS | Single disc with dual-channel ABS |
| Brakes (Rear) | Single disc with dual-channel ABS | Single disc with dual-channel ABS |
| Wheels | Wire-spoke wheels with tube-type tires | Wire-spoke wheels with tube-type tires |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12 liters | 13.7 liters |
| Seat Height | 780 mm | 804 mm |
| Weight | Approx. 213 kg | Approx. 202 kg |
| Instrument Cluster | Twin pod, semi-digital | Twin pod, analog |
| USB Charger | Yes | No |
| Color Options | Insignia Red, Highland Green, Midnight Black, Dawn Silver, Shadow Black | Orange Crush, Silver Spectre, Mark Two, Baker Express, and others |
The Ride Experience
Riding the BSA Gold Star 650 is an experience steeped in nostalgia.
The bike’s ergonomics are designed for relaxed cruising, with a comfortable seat and upright handlebars.
The engine’s power delivery is smooth and linear, making it suitable for both urban commuting and long-distance touring.
The bike’s suspension setup absorbs bumps and road imperfections with ease, ensuring a comfortable ride across different terrains.
The exhaust note, deep and throaty, adds to the overall riding experience, bringing a smile to the rider’s face with every twist of the throttle.
Silver Sheen-Legacy Edition
Conclusion: A New Chapter for BSA
The launch of the BSA Gold Star 650 in India marks the beginning of a new chapter for the iconic British brand.
By blending classic design with modern engineering. BSA has created a motorcycle that appeals to both purists and contemporary riders.
With its competitive pricing and unique charm. The Gold Star 650 is poised to carve out a niche in the growing retro-modern motorcycle segment.
Whether you’re a seasoned rider looking to relive the golden days of motorcycling or a new enthusiast drawn to the allure of vintage styling, the BSA Gold Star 650 offers an experience that’s hard to resist.
Its combination of heritage, performance, and style makes it a worthy contender in the 650cc class, promising a ride as enjoyable as it is memorable.
Midnight Black
