The BSA Gold Star has just gone on sale in India. This is the motorcycle that lets Mahindra-owned Classic Legends take the fight to the Royal Enfield 650cc bikes. The Gold Star sits higher than the Jawas and Yezdis, and it will be the premium offering from Classic Legends. Here’s what we know about it.
What engine does the BSA Gold Star use?
This is a 650cc motorcycle, which will make it a direct competitor to the Royal Enfield 650. However, unlike the Royal Enfield, the BSA uses a liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine. This is a heavily reworked version of the 652cc Rotax motor that has been used in bikes such as the BMW F650 Funduro from the early 2000s.
The engine has been co-developed with Austrian engineering firm BRP-Rotax for use in BSA, and it produces 45hp and 55Nm. Compared with the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650, the BSA is 2.5hp down on power but has 2.7Nm more torque. Moreover, the BSA’s torque arrives lower down, at 4,000rpm versus 5,150rpm on the Enfield.
How much does the BSA Gold Star weigh?
The BSA Gold Star weighs 201kg, which makes it substantially lighter than the 218kg Interceptor 650. We will know how noticeable this will be on the road only when we ride the bike.
What is the BSA Gold Star’s USP?
The Gold Star’s unique offering is its engine. Among the bikes sold in India, it is the second-biggest single-cylinder engine after the Ducati Hypermotard Mono’s 659cc unit. Expect a unique riding experience, and if the refinement levels are under control, the Gold Star might be able to offer that same relaxed, torque-rich experience that is so widely loved in RE’s 350cc bikes. We’re keen to see what this engine will be like when we ride the bike in India.
How much does the Gold Star cost?
The BSA Gold Star range starts at Rs 3 lakh for the Insignia Red and Highland Green colours. The next step up is for the Midnight Black and Dawn Silver colours, at Rs 3.12 lakh. A fully blacked-out Shadow Black colour is available for Rs 3.16 lakh, and the range-topping Legacy Edition, Silver Sheen, is priced at Rs 3.35 lakh.
All prices ex-showroom, Delhi
Also see:
BSA Gold Star 650 image gallery
BSA Gold Star caught testing in India again
BSA Bond: the 50cc trail bike built by a teamaker