BSA Gold Star 650 road test, review

Regardless of nostalgia, the Gold Star is a good-looking motorcycle with classic lines, chrome detailing, and old-school BSA badges. It's a simple yet handsome design that looks timeless and makes for a great modern classic roadster. The tank features chrome and painted pinstripes, while the seat is adorned with a Union Jack tag and an embossed BSA logo. It is equipped with a halogen headlamp, tail light, and indicators, which seem rather appropriate given the throwback theme this bike follows. 

The switchgear may feel less expensive, but it does the job and provides adequate feedback. BSA was kind enough to stray from the retro approach and throw in Type A and Type C ports for those who prefer mounting their phones on the handlebar. Though all is not gold, I have a few gripes with certain aspects of this motorcycle. 

For starters, the fuel tank cover is beautifully finished but isn't attached to a hinge, and opening and closing of this lid must be done carefully at a specific angle to seal correctly. Over time, one can get used to it, but it felt tedious to operate during my time with it. While most panels are put together well, our Gold Star’s side panel cover (on the battery side), wouldn't firmly slot into place. These side panels could do with a better design - ideally a lockable one. 

On closer inspection, I noticed early signs of rusting in certain areas, which is concerning given our motorcycle hadn't even clocked 1000km. The analogue speedo is simple and retro-inspired, with its amber backlight, giving you a little glimmer of nostalgia each time the sun sets. It also houses two LCD insets incorporating the odometer, trip and fuel gauge. I found the tiny numbers on these two rather hard to read, but some of my colleagues with 20/20 vision said that they could manage. While it is a big step forward from existing Classic Legends motorcycles, there is still scope for improvement in the overall quality.  

The Gold Star's riding position is comfortable and upright. The seat is plush and perhaps too soft for some people's liking, though I was perfectly happy with it. In fact, it was my saving grace, given the performance of its rear suspension, but more on that later. The 780mm seat height makes it more accessible for shorter riders, whereas taller ones may prefer a higher seat. Despite being a big single, the engine kept its cool and, even in bumper-to-bumper traffic, didn't cook my legs although there was some warmth to be felt, particularly on the right side.