BSA Gold Star 650 road test, review

Weighing 213kg when fully-fueled, there is no hiding its mass. However, despite the heavy weight, the Gold Star is relatively nimble and balanced at low speeds. The overall handling is sharp, and the Gold Star can attack corners surprisingly well when ridden on flat roads. It's not what you'd expect from a motorcycle that looks like it prefers to go slow around corners, but its agility and ability to hold the line will surprise you. That being said, things get wallowly on fast, bumpy corners as the suspension works hard to maintain control. However, the Pirelli tyres provide good grip (even in the wet) and the Gold Star reliably goes where it's pointed, especially when using the rear brake for stability.

 

My biggest issue with this motorcycle has to be the rear suspension, which feels too budget and underdamped. Riding the Gold Star on Mumbai's undulated streets can be jarring, and the steering, too, tends to feel heavy at low speeds. It took me a while to get used to, but it's certainly not a setup I prefer. I'm sure in time aftermarket units will be available, but for now, most buyers will have to grow accustomed to this and learn to pin it down as an ‘authentically old-school experience’.