BSA Gold Star 650 road test, review

The heart of the Gold Star is a Rotax-sourced 652cc liquid-cooled, single-cyl engine that was brought up to date by the Technical University of Graz, Austria. It produces 45hp and 55Nm and is tuned for a broad spread of torque apparent from as low as 2,000rpm. The engine is smooth and responsive, though the throttle can be a bit snatchy at a slower pace. Our unit had issues with its fueling and stalled multiple times at low speeds when you pulled in the clutch, which was a bit unpleasant. However, pick up the pace, and this motor is a riot! 

Despite being tested in the wet, the Gold Star posted an impressive 0-100kph figure of 6.47s, making it faster than the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 and even the lighter Guerrilla 450. In fact, it also surpassed RE's 650 twin in roll-on acceleration figures thanks to its broader power spread and well–spaced gear ratios. Braking performance, too, was rather impressive, and despite the pouring rain, it took 15.97m to come to a halt from 60kph, which I'd imagine would come down further in dry weather conditions. The Brembos performed well and delivered good feedback, allowing for precise input. 

The clutch and five-speed gearbox are relatively light and smooth, though a lack of a gear position indicator meant I did have trouble knowing what gear I was in. Its exhaust note, on the other hand, is throaty and loud, but being a single puts it at a disadvantage as it cannot match the soothing sound of a twin. However, if its sound tickles your fancy, BSA has given it a removable baffle that should make it louder, but perhaps too loud for the streets. 

Fuel efficiency figures were lower than I expected on the highway as the Gold Star returned about 29kpl, which is a fair bit lower than its closest rival. However, city efficiency figures were much closer, and we saw it go up as high as 22kpl, which is more reasonable given its weight and capacity. A small 12-litre fuel tank means highway range isn’t a strong point.