While one uses a twin-cylinder motor, the other uses a single-cylinder motorcycle of similar capacity.
Published on Aug 16, 2024 07:21:00 PM
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BSA has finally introduced itself to the Indian market and unveiled the Gold Star. Here’s how it stacks up against its closest rival, the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650.
| Engine & output | ||
|---|---|---|
| BSA Gold Star | Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 | |
| Engine | 652cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder | 648cc, air/oil-cooled, inline twin cylinder |
| Power | 45hp at 6500rpm | 46.8hp at 7250rpm |
| Power to weight ratio | 223.8 hp/tonne | 214.6 hp/tonne |
| Torque | 55Nm at 4000rpm | 52.3Nm at 5150rpm |
| Gearbox | 5-speed | 6-speed |
The biggest difference between the two lies at the heart of these motorcycles. The Interceptor 650 uses an air/oil-cooled twin-cylinder engine, whereas the Gold Star has a liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine. While the Royal Enfield produces slightly more power, the BSA produces more torque. It is worth noting that the BSA Gold Star makes its peak power and torque a little sooner in the rev range compared to the Royal Enfield.
| weight & dimensions | ||
|---|---|---|
| BSA Gold Star | Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 | |
| Kerb Weight | 201kg | 218kg |
| Seat Height | 780mm | 804mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12 liters | 13.7 liters |
| Wheelbase | 1425mm | 1398mm |
The Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 is 17kg heavier than the BSA Goldstar, which weighs 201kg. The Interceptor features a slightly shorter wheelbase but a noticeably taller seat height of 804mm, making it potentially less accessible for shorter riders. It has a slightly larger fuel tank, (1.7 litres more) which promises a better range.
| suspension & brake | ||
|---|---|---|
| BSA Gold Star | Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 | |
| Suspension | Telescopic forks/ Twin gas charged shock-absorbers | Telescopic forks/ Twin gas charged shock-absorbers |
| Brakes (F/R) | 320mm disc/ 255mm disc | 320 mm disc/ 240 mm disc |
| Tyres (F/R) | 100/90-18 / 150/70-R17 | 100/90-18 / 130/70-R18 |
While both motorcycles share a similar suspension setup, it remains to be seen how well the Gold Star’s setup performs on our roads. While both motorcycles get a similar-sized front disc, the Gold Star has a slightly larger rear disc. Coupled with its lighter weight, this provides the Gold Star with better stopping power. Both motorcycles ride on a similar-sized front wheel, but the Gold Star uses a 17-inch wheel at a tyre size that has more options than the Interceptor 650.
| price | ||
|---|---|---|
| BSA Gold Star | Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 | |
| Price | Rs 3 Lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) | Rs 3.03 Lakh (ex-showroom, India) |
The Goldstar has an introductory price of Rs 3 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), but it can rise to Rs 3.35 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) based on the colour you choose. The Interceptor starts at Rs 3.03 lakh (ex-showroom India) but even its top-spec colour costs slightly less than the Gold Star. Prices for the Interceptor 650 can go up to Rs 3.31 lakh depending on the colour selected.
Also see: Royal Enfield Classic 350: new vs old
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