The MAM Journals -The New BSA Gold Star -First Impressions
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- Опубліковано 21 лип 2024
- I have been lucky enough to get hold of the New BSA Gold Star for a few days . What did I think of it ? in what way is it a Retro(spective)? What are the specifications of the bike and my views on the quality and styling. What was it like to ride ?
Relaunching a famous brand is difficult and there has been some significant delays and challenges to overcome. Will this have an impact on sales and how does it all look and feel, going forward? Most of all , Is it a good bike?
Other , slightly less hastily produced videos (😂) can be found at ;
• The MAM Journals - Авто та транспорт
![BSA Goldstar ‖ First Ride Review On UK Roads [4K]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/rLPCzOSP2zo/mqdefault.jpg)
About the brown staining on the exhaust header, and others have got this wrong too, is that the pipe is stainless steel and this always puts a gold brown sheen on the surface when heated, without any deterioration of its stainless properties. Note the shroud at the lower front is disguising the fact that the exhaust header runs under the dry sump engine at this point to the catalytic converter, thanks to Euro 5 rules on emissions. It is a clever cover to make the looks of a continuous header pipe to the pea-shooter muffler section. Nice review!! Graeme, NZ
An excellent honest review,unlike two previous gushing reviews I have watched on this channel.
Yes . I do get enthusiastic about bikes and can see good in most of them . There are a few that I don’t take to but I rarely bother to make videos about those . Thanks for commenting Malcolm .
Brilliant review Michael. I thoroughly enjoyed watching your video this evening. I was in awe of this lovely motorcycle. My first recollection of one of these BSA gold stars was at a very young age before my teens. My friends uncle had an original gold star and I remember standing next to it when he kicked it off, the vibrations through the concrete and rising through into my body was the first sign that I knew I would fall in love with motorcycles. Being a 61 year old bloke and still into my bikes shows how things like this can effect us from an early age. Like you mentioned the social media have had their say but I don’t agree with their opinions. I love the look of this gold star very much as I do with the Royal Enfield brand too. As you say it’s horses for courses and yes there’s always something that we can pick faults with. The stickers are one tiny thing that i think could of been improved on but that’s really about it for me tbh. Overall your review had hit the nail on the head. It’s great to see these old new modern retro bikes coming onto the biking scene. Well done Mahindra group for bringing this lovely bike out and giving us the choice to buy one if we so desire. Good work Michael. I thoroughly enjoyed watching the video and the stills were excellent too. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and taking the time to let us know more about this modern BSA Gold ⭐️. It a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review from me. 👍
Thanks Gary . Always good to hear from you and thank you for your comments . Glad you like it 👍
Thanks Micheal. I’ve seen a couple of previous reviews of this model. Yours is by far the most comprehensive. Good luck to BSA . If I hadn’t already bought an interceptor, as a second bike, 3 years ago I would seriously consider one of these .
Honestly even now I'd still prefer the interceptor this just doesn't seem to have the same appeal as a royal Enfield 🤷♂️ still just my personal opinion though
@@crg9864 For one thing the RE is a genuinely new model with genuine heritage. This BSA has no connection to the original co any more than Triumph does.
Two cylinders, air cooled, a bit more power, a bit lighter, styling is subjective but, let's face it, yours looks better, and a brand that has grown into itself very nicely.
Don't kick yourself too hard.
@@davidbrayshaw3529 thanks for commenting 👍 Can I have the audacity to like both bikes 😂
@@michaelmam I don't think that there are too many people that would deny you the small privilege of liking both bikes and many more, for that matter.
Another superb video from the MAM Journals video library. I like the BSA aesthetics they've done a great job in keeping with the original. Loved the drone footage plus the nice touch of filming in Broadway, quintessentially "English". Well done. 😁
Very thorough review as usual, Michael. Great to see BSA back and I hope that they do well with it.
I couldn't think of a worse time to launch a motorcycle brand, but it's good to see the BSA brand resurrected and to see even more choice in the retro market. I'm curious about how this compares to my 2021 Royal Enfield Continental GT 650, a bike that I feel is greater than the sum of its parts. Judging by people's comments on YT, this bike seems destined for a small following, much like the W800, another bike with oodles of character.
Enjoyed your thoughts thank you.
Very much looking forward to seeing how the RE Super Meteor compares once available.
I enjoyed your presentation on this video a lot and I learnt many things from it. Good Job Thank you
Great review, I’ve been away from bikes for a couple of years, but this has got me tempted
Enjoyed that, some nice details that never get mentioned elsewhere. I hope it does well, I like it. A load of BSA’s and RE’s roaming around the countryside is a very pleasant thought.
What a Great job you did again Michael!!👍
Thank you ! Felt a bike rushed . Rode the bike for two days and then Wrote , filmed and edited it in 12 hours so made a few mistakes but think it covers many of the points I wanted to make . Thanks , as always for watching 👍
@@michaelmam no
you were great honestly !
Excellent vlog Michael, very thorough and respectful. The concerns and negativity inevitable given the success of BSA bikes at TT and other events. As you state several times, time will tell how successful it may be. The old bikes had a unique place in the market. This new one is against the excellent ranges from RE and Triumph. I really hope it is a step to a BSA revival.
I don't think that most people who will want the new BSA will care much about how it does in racing events? Look at Harley, the only way they can win a race is if it's an ONLY Harley racing event. And they sell very well, even at their over the top prices.
Excellent review as always Michael!
Very nice review. Nice to see the BSA name back. Only everbrode a Bantam of a friend's back in 1970, preferred the Triumph Tiger Cub Sport, but went straight for the Kawasaki 250 triple 2 stroke instead to pass my test on, and stuck with Kawasaki for a fair while after that. With the Global Financial Situation that's developing, I suspect pricing is going to end up being forced into a severe contraction at some point, with India'zManufacturing being in a good Position to adjust accordingly. This Bike could then become a pretty outstanding Commuter Bike, should Petrol still be available of Course (it could take a while still before we ditch all the nonsense, resulting in a supply Gap, but I'm sure Sanity will have to return sooner rather than later). Sadly my biking Days are over (prescription medicine destroyed my eyesight), or I'd pick up something like this, to continue the European Touring that I have enjoyed so much. Thanks again, and Best wishes. Bob. 👍
Michael, you're a gentleman and a scholar! Best test and analysis of the BSA that I have read or viewed. You gave us the real story with no sugar coating or negativity.
Thank you John . Good of you to comment . Glad you found the review realistic . It is what I try to do .
GREAT GREAT review.
10/10.
VERY WELL done sir.
DEFINITELY one of the BEST reviews of the new Gold Star.
WELL done.
Thank you Terry . Appreciate the feedback . 👍
Oh! Forgot to say it beats Xmas shopping unless you’re shopping for a Gold ⭐️. Merry Christmas to you and yours Michael. 🎄
Thanks for a great review, Michael. Very thorough, thoughtful and enjoyable review. I learnt a lot today and I'm very happy that I found your channel. Liked and subscribed!
Thank you . Glad you enjoyed it 👍
Terrific review, thanks. I think it looks great and I wish them well.
I find it a little amusing that in a world where most products are aimed at the young, there is such a big market segment, of bikes anyway, aimed at blokes over 50!
It probably makes commercial sense cos some of us still have some disposable cash for toys.
PS, 71 y.o. Brit here, currently enjoying riding a Fantic Caballero 500, (when the sun shines..)
Thanks for the honest and fair review 🍻
You can never go wrong with a Rotax engine.
But is it made in Austria? Like Triumph and Thai parts many are copies made by lesser paid workers. Harley just signed a deal with China so this is the way it goes. Funny the colonies now making a success of things the Empire had given up on.
Hi Michael
Watching this in Jamaica. Only vid I have watched in 9 days so shows how much I enjoy your channel. Back in 2 days so weather difference should be fun.
Denis
Have a great break Denis 👍
I had an Enfield classic 500 which was quite pleasant...but it was not everything I wanted /needed ....I have been looking for a bike which has been a challenge! But I think this could be it ..faster and less vibration more comfortable ..hopefully good with a pillion ...I will definitely try one and hopefully buy one
Definitely worth a ride Willy . Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment 👍
Thanks for great review Michael, good luck to Bsa.
Thanks Andy . I liked the bike more than I thought I would so called it as I saw it . I wish them well too.👍👍
Nice review, Michael! Good to listen to, balanced and real world context…
Thank you . I am a lifelong motorcyclist so can get enthusiastic about most things with two wheels and an engine but I try to do so in an objective and balanced way . Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for commenting 👍
very good run down on the eagerly awaited bike.
Took a trip down to the farm for some business and a trip to the Dr. and what do I see with my coffee? Micheal you've made my morning. Love those traditional pictures with all the guys that look just like me. Old and a little worn. lol Very enjoyable.
Glad you enjoyed it Leigh. A bike that the vertically challenged can ride tall . 😂
Bike looks good. If manufacturers look after their customers their customers will return. We used to lead the world with Triumph , Norton and BSA, but somewhere along the way the plot was lost. I am glad these brands and designs have returned. I am riding a modern Royal Enfield at the mo, and I have to say I have no complaints about the bike or the dealership. If the new BSA brand can do the same they will succeed.
I look forward to a test ride. I fancy a big single so dont see the comparison with the Interceptor 650 twin. Great review, cheers.
I love the look of the engine-it's so classy. As an Interceptor owner, I have to say I prefer this bike over my Interceptor. I'm just waiting for it to launch in India, and then I'm going to sell my Interceptor and get this one.
Both good bikes . 👍
I owned BSA plunger 1949 model it so tough and was reliable engine so pleased to see the new one and will buy when it comes to Thailand
Good review on the 'new' BSA.
I rode the DBD34 in 1963. It was basically a track bike being hard to start and with a ridiculously tall first gear that was no friend to the clutch. It was shod with the Avon GP which was the road version of the Avon racing tyre. The tyre dimensions were extremely weedy by modern standards, a 3.00x19 on the front and a 3.50x19 on the rear which were the norm for those days.
I wish BSA luck but I can't see it selling well.
350 or 500 lighter air cooled twin with the BSA logo would have nailed it for me personally,kind regards.
Excellent review am now a subscriber very well explained and described.
Thank you Robert !
Informative review Michael, if these were available in the U.S. I'd be down to order one tomorrow, but , I guess it's better to get things sorted out first, a job you Brits are up to. I've watched your review twice now, what a splendid job on what appears to be a great motorcycle. If BSA plays their cards right they should have serious success on their hands!
Well if there is anything that needs sorting out we will be moaning about it 😂. Its a nice bike to ride .👍
A very attractive motorbike. I think it would be very good for a relaxing ride on the country lanes. Around town, it would draw a lot of attention. Congratulations on a very complete review. One of the best I've ever heard.
Most of my miles were in the cotswolds . Some lanes , some wider roads . The bike coped well with both . Even running in , it dealt with traffic easily ..👍
@@michaelmam I think the hipsters would love this bike.They should try to advertise to them.
This bike will make Mahindra Motors' shares rally next year in the NSE when it's offcially launched in India. Should give some competetion to RE in the 650 segment. Thanks for the review Mr. Mam.
I don't think this will be launched in india buddy. I hope I am wrong
@@sidmallya7421 😢
Competition is always welcome..hopefully they will launch this beauty india soon most probably under the JAWA brand
Just perfect. Will be interesting to see how much of the BSA needs changing using aftermarket products as clearly the RE seems to need many given the reviews I have watched! I wonder how many influencers are comparing a standard RE to the BSA when committing as it’s difficult to find a standard one
I was trying to remember what the standard suspension on the Interceptor was like . I didn’t like it much , which is why I changed it . I think the BSA suspension is better out of the box but I am hoping to do a comparison with a standard bike to confirm this . 👍
Wonderful review!
Thank you . Glad you enjoyed it .
Hello Michael! a good review very interesting and informative. I was blessed to have ridden the original as my late very good friend owned one when we were apprentices in the late 60's. The original was a beast to start and was not the most comfortable and it fired at every other lamp post but went like a train once it got going and sounded awesome, but as a naive young man you don't appreciate what the Goldie was all about and yearned for one of the new Honda 750 fours just coming in to the country at the time , I didn't fancy owning a Goldie then but I wish I had an original now and I should have kept my 1961 pre unit construction Bonnie that wouldn't start and leaked oil everywhere lol. This new BSA is certainly not from the same mold as the original and maybe that's what would put people off where as the RE Interceptor has more credibility in as much as it nearer the mark to it's forefather (I rode one of those a number of times as my neighbour in Bristol at the time owned one) then this Gold Star is. Just my thoughts and keep up the good work.
Thanks Barry . I don’t have the benefit of having ridden an original so am guided by others . Dimensions and styling features capture the look of earlier bikes but looks and riding feel are very different things . I have always had a soft spot for big singles - I raced a 400 off road many years ago . ( badly😂)
It will be interesting to see how it gets along. It is an iconic brand and one that makes for a very tall order when it comes to quality and durability of its craftsmanship and performance. As many others have stated the finish of the engine leaves some things to be desired and it does give it a bit of a cheapened appearance. The beauty of who makes the engine is that Rotax has been in the game for quite some time and won't make for any delays in aftermarket support should troubles arise. I haven't heard about dealership and distribution here in the States, but it would be nice to see the brand make a come back here as well.
I could see this being a platform for some very interesting customs be it cafe, bobber, or even full blown choppers. A big single thumper engine is great for customization builds because they do not take up a great deal of real estate and leave a very clean looking finished product. Could have dealt without the water box out front but with the emissions crunches globally liquid cooling is almost a necessity to meet expectations; is what it is I suppose. I am sure that someone will come up with a way to hide that if they find it too cumbersome. Thanks for sharing and hopefully BSA is back to stay.
Thanks, good video. I own an old Thunderbolt A65 in a Rickman style frame. It is currently waiting patiently to be reassembled. I was pleasantly surprised to see the old marque back in the game, and I hope to see one in the States sometime soon. My initial impressions were positive, given the shortcomings of video, but little things like the fender stays which look like they were borrowed from an old Schwinn bicycle were disappointing, and the engine that looks like it was cast in plastic gives me pause. I was willing to forgive and live with the radiator as an engineering necessity, though perhaps it might be made to look a bit less utilitarian. Still..., can't wait to see one up close and personal.
I think it looks good. It hasn’t got the manic feel of the original but I don’t think many would want that - too difficult to start and very tiring to ride. This is a modern bike with a tribute back to the style of the original. I hope it does well in the marketplace.
Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment . 👍
The rotax 652 cc mill is one great motor. Had one in a 2005 BMW F650cs. Good power and the torque is tremendous. Never got less than 65 MPG. BSA, America is waiting!
Still not over there yet Lee? When are they expected?
The BSA web site says 2023? I doubt we will see it here anytime soon.@@michaelmam
I have no idea? Your guess is as good as mine? @@michaelmam
Very interesting video.
I think I will wait for the mk2 to emerge with any lessons learnt and improved.
Enjoyed this review, you didn't enter into want seems to be some strange bagging behaviour from Enfield lovers on the new BSA.
I have a Himalayan and put my name down for one of these back in august also in red so it was nice to see my choice out n about with lovely backdrops. I don't mind waiting so long as it's good when it finally gets here. The hell hath no fury comment made me laugh a lot, lots of toddlers who want their toy and they want it now :D Looks great, even if I'm an 'early adopter' who's going to find out what goes wrong I'll enjoy every minute.
Glad you enjoyed it . I am actually a big Royal Enfield fan but it doesn’t stop it crossing my mind that other manufacturers can make nice retro’s too . Sounds like you are enjoying your Himalayan 👍 Have fun on the BSA .
i said it before but that beezer looks right in that its what you want a motorbike to look like same for the enfield . the fact that you mentioned the old rd400 makes it an even better idea. thing is though a single was never a thing i fancied except on a 2 stroke.personally i wish yamaha suzuki and kawasaki would do 2 strokes again. those days were the best
Yes . I liked the old two strokes as well . Raced a Suzuki PE for a season ( slowly 😂) . Emissions are quite high for the modern world so suspect the market is too small for a relaunch. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment 👍
Great vid - cool bike!
Thank you ! Just watched your video 👍👍👍
As long as it's not as bad and unreliable as my 1966 Lightning was.
It has a chance. I wanted to like that bike,but I moved on to a Japanese bike because I needed it to get me to work on a rainy day.
That’s a very nice,comprehensive review of the bike. I haven’t heard anything about a launch date ,distribution, pricing for Australia 🇦🇺. I currently own a Honda CB500F with a number of features like a Givi 56 litre top box, fairing,centre stand, GPS( to stop myself getting lost) I’d like to see on any future bike I own.
The Honda is a very capable , reliable and well built bike . A good “work horse” . Be interesting to see what BSA do in Australia 👍
@@michaelmam It
@@michaelmam My Honda 500 does what I want it to do at this stage in my riding life. The power is adequate, I’m not keen to get back on high powered mega bikes again. I’ve owned a lot of large bikes, still wish I’d kept my R80GS P/Dakar with its shaft drive, strong,simple boxer engine.
Modern bikes are expensive to set up, service,insure,register etc. I think mid to large capacity single,twin cylinder bikes is the best way to go in future.
My old boss had an original well he had a lot of bikes (over 20) Norton's a CBX the only black one ever brought in to England that's not a gray import (he brought it off the bass player from Shwaddyaddy), Honda wet dream all sorts I think he would like that as a new interpterion of a classic.
I’ll really look forward to watching your video later Michael. Got to go Xmas shopping today and there won’t be a BSA GS on the list unfortunately. 😔
😂
I just cant keep my eyes off the SP1, SP2 and 996 in the background - lucky lucky Michael - anyway nice review of the bike but I will stick with my Interceptors for the time being until the BSA has been on the road for a year or so
😂😂 I do like my bikes. All sorts in the garage. You know you are getting older when you take painkillers BEFORE you ride a sports bike 😂😂
Thank you Michael for an honest and thorough review . Like many i have been following the new Goldstar with interest . On a personal level i look forward to seeing how they fare with a few thousand miles on them . Maybe you could do a follow up ? Subscribed and rang the bell .
Regards
Steve .
I have spoken to the team at Kings and we are thinking of another review in the Spring with dry roads and a run in bike 👍
@@michaelmam Look forward to it .
Nice looking bike, I wonder if it's coming to Thailand
Peugeot Two Wheelers are owned by Mahindra itself. Very insightful review once again 👍
Thank you .👍
Having had a few BSAs in my youth it actually looks a lot like a B31 (A late 50's 350 single) I had so I wish them well. If it's around when the GS gets too much for me I could well be tempted
Thanks for watching Adrian 👍
Plenty to like with this bike but there are a few niggles for me such as the finish on the exhaust pipe. Rather than a bronzed alloy with visible weld seams I would have like a smooth chromed megaphone. The multitude of finishes on the engine/transmission cases detracts from a classy, coherent appearance. And stickers, no! The accessory aftermarket will no doubt address these points but that makes it a more expensive proposition. I already own a RE Classic 350 single and so for a larger retro machine I'd be swayed towards the Interceptor just because it's a twin. It's quite a congested market sector now and so it will be interesting to see how this pans out.
I hope at least that silencer looks or sounds better in reality than it looks or sounds on video?
Good luck to BSA but I think I’ll stick with the Enfield. At least it’s got a proven pedigree of a120 years.
Pity they could not slim down the radiator so that it did not over hang the frame. But this is not a deal-breaker for me. Hopefully they manage to have a good number of dealers / service agents as that would be a deal-breaker.
Does anyone know what is under the cover with the " Pylarm " logo ? I cant figure it out .
Some fully enclosed rear shocks would look nice
Thanks for the review. I don’t like the cut-and-shut treatment of the rear subframe - far too many ugly welds
Good to watch - thank you. One question - I knew it was a single cylinder, but you said it has two spark plugs. How does that work then?
Thanks Julian . More common than you might imagine twin plugs per cylinder are designed to ensure better , more complete combustion . The BMW GS has them as well 👍
Big single cylinder alright. I like the brushed SS exhaust. Far forward enough to stay away from legs or knees. I can only imagine if they ever decide to double the cylinder and make a cruiser version and higher performance standard.
Isn't Rotax the company that built rotary engines, for Mazda? Wasn't sure being Japanese did built rotary engines too. Oh well.
Was that the way original BSA did their instruments as well? The way they designed the tank and rear fender, it has a kinda Sportster look. Except for the engine with it's straight up cylinder.
I think 350 is a good average rider bike. It'll get you in trouble if you get into the throttle. And anything above 60 mph can hurt you. I was curious about the rear of the frame, where it circles back towards the front under the seat. Looks solid. Thanks for the look see.
Witam, posiadałem BSA 250c w latach 70-tych .
Got my Goldie in 1962. eight and a half stone wet, seventeen years old. Dad guarantor on the two hundred quid H P. Could stand all day on the kick start until I found that little lever on the handlebars. Start on a soft plug. Once the engine was hot swap for a hot racing plug. Let my mate ride it down the road just to listen to the exhaust. Will I get rid of my Honda for one of these? Such a disappointement.
I suspect quite a few original Goldie owners will feel like this . The Z900 rs - a good bike that sells well ( I have 2 🤦) had a similar reaction from some tradition Z1 /900 owners . I respect that . It is not for everyone 👍
A very comprehensive and well presented review, thank you. It’s a lovely looking bike but, the exhaust header pipe just doesn’t look right. The one on the original gold star has a swept back look which improves the racy look of the bike immensely.
I think the header looks better than the show version but its hard to replicate classic lines with new emissions regulations and catalytic converters . The originals were certainly “lookers” ..
@@michaelmam Many thanks for your reply. Yes, it must down to regulations. You never know, someone might produce an original looking pipe and enable a de-cat mod. Really enjoy your channel, thanks again.
Michael, the overlay was a Rocket Gold Star twin or replica of it, quite a different bike to the single. Regards Edward.
Thank you Edward . Tight deadline but I should have checked . Dimensions and proportions felt similar which is of course the point we were trying to make . Thank you for taking the time to watch and comment .
How to retain the bronze colour of the exhaust ? Mine is Honda cb300r 2022 model and it has a bronze colour exhaust. Is using a metal polish good idea or will it remove the bronze colour ?
I am not sure what the finish of that Honda exhaust is . There are different polishes for different finishes so you are right to be careful . The wrong type of polish can do more harm than good . Try one of the social forums for the cb300r ? I am sure someone there will help👍
@@michaelmam Thank you. I will check.
Has it got the facility to fit a centre stand?
A great looking machine and I would buy one tomorrow except I just can't get over the horrible horrible shape of the radiator; surely they could have made something better looking than that. Inevitably someone is going to design a replacement and strike gold, until then I like many others will bide my time.
My mate owned an original Gold Star in the 60s.. I rode it a couple of times, very fast and noisy. But really uncomfortable with the clip on and rear set pegs. Not mention it was pig to start. Great street cred, down the pepper pot cafe everyone came to look at it.
Pegs, you mean foot rests.
@@stevepalmer5670 There no resting ya feet on these. They were there to stop ya feet dragging on the the floor. I said peggs cus that is what most real motorcycle riders know what I mean.
@@paulroberts7561 By real motorcyclist's you mean 12 yr olds, real motorcyclist(anybody over 12) call them foot rests because you rest your feet on them, pegs are what Mummy uses to keep her washing on the line,I suppose you call silencers Cans as well.
So if it's more expensive than the Interceptor is it better? do they have a bigger dealership network?
I think it will come down to preference . I prefer the suspension on the BSA and the torque of the single . The RE has more power and more modification potential .
My experience on dealer networks is the size of it is less relevant than the proximity and quality of your local one ? Royal Enfield dealer network has grown over the years and has built experience and knowledge 👍
SHE WILL BE A SUCCESS. 🇬🇧
You mention you already have a Royal Enfield interceptor if you were buying either for the first time what would you buy ?
Tough question . I bought the Interceptor knowing I would be using it as the base bike for a lot of modifications - it has a Big Bore , exhausts etc . The aftermarket parts are not yet available for BSA so for owners wanting to extensively modify the RE is the logical choice ?If I was running a standard bike the choice is much closer . The suspension and torque of the BSA is impressive . The RE is smoother and well tested . It would come down to preference ..
Great review as always. Stickers on the engine are a very nasty touch.
yes . I didn't like the stickers much either ..
You mentioned that it was powered by a Rotax engine. Do you know if it was actually built by Rotax, or is it just a Rotax designed engine? I really like the look and as I get older I am looking to start riding mid sized bikes, again. My Road King and my Victory King Pin are getting a little heavy for my 67 year old body to wrestle around in parking lots. I'm considering the RE Interceptor or, possibly, the Kawi W800. I rode the RE and I thought I liked it. I've not ridden a W800 so I don't know. Have you done a review on the W800? Will you?
I think it is an updated Rotax designed engine , built under licence by BSA /Mahindra ..
I will keep my eye out for an opportunity to review the Kawasaki . A good option. Thanks for watching and commenting .
Great review, I've now ridden it and it was near perfect in every way.
So I've purchased one, personally I don't think you can compare it to a Royal Enfield, (single or a twin)? I think especially in looks and style, it's far superior. Just compare the side view of the frame, Royal Enfield's frame looks too straight under the seat area it's like no thought went into it.
BSA' frame is so curvaceous a bit like the whole bike really.
I guess you forgot to look at that misshapen mess in the middle ...
Reminds me of a Royal Alloy "Lambretta", l just wouldn't. Too much smoke & mirrors marketing, sticking a BSA badge on it is the killer for me, l like a bit (at least) of authenticity.
Each to their own . 👍
I noticed some rough welds and lots of spatter also some of the finishing touches looked lacking. As for the stickers, well that sort of says it all doesn't it. I can see it selling reasonably well but I'm also sure it'll start to tarnish after a few years.
Looks a bit plastic to me.
@@stephenlennox6491
Plastics have come a long way since the '50s lol...would be even heavier without.
@@AuxesisHyperbole666😂😂
I'm still curious about the *vibration* at various road speeds and engine RPMs - especially at 70mph. IOW, how 'thumper-ish" is it?
I'd also like to know about the *throttle response* at low RPM, and *acceleration* between 60 and 70mph.
Sounds like you need a test ride Dave ..
@@michaelmam - Yes, but that may take a while, as there aren't any dealers, yet, in the U.S. that I've heard of.
@@daveinwla6360 yes , of course . As an answer for now , I had expected a single to vibrate through the bars . I was running in so kept the revs down and it was smooth 4000-5000 with occasionally 500 revs more . That represents 70 + mph . I used a 400 single ,off road some years ago and it certainly did vibrate when you went looking for power but I sense the BSA is a softer tune . Quite muted for a single but clearly influenced by the cat and style of exhaust . Throttle response was clean , smooth and predictable up through the ranges I tried .
@@michaelmam - Mahindra seems to have used the extra time well, then. Current emission regs make clean throttle response harder to achieve.
It's nothing like a Peashooter silencer It's more like a Goldie.Am I the only one to notice the wheels, brakes, & hubs are nearly identical to the Interceptor?
Until I see it on the road, vaporware all the way!
Any word on service intervals? Can't see that on the website.
Looking at the handbook it shows 300, 3500 and 7500 miles -1st , 6 months and 12 . 👍
@@michaelmam Disappointed
@@stevebolton8471 what did you think it would be Steve?
Nice review but I don't understand why when you did the overlay for size comparison you used a picture of a "Rocket Goldstar" instead of using a "Goldstar" picture. The "Rocket Goldstar" bike uses a twin cylinder A10 engine and it was a different animal from the "Goldstar. You did use pictures of the single cylinder B32 engine "Goldstar numerous times in other parts of your presentation though.
The joys of working quickly .. apologies, I should have checked . 👍
You know what BSA used to stand for ? Bastard Stopped Again . 😂😂😂 I hope you make another A 65 BSA with a 360 degree crank .
If they'd built that exact bike but with a 750 twin, {wouldn't be exact the I suppose !}, I'd be all over it....
They have passed the first hurdle getting demo bikes to dealers. Now it's game on, will they deliver getting bikes to customers on time ? You would of thought with the time it's taken up to now, they would of been ready to stock bikes in showrooms , hey ho it is what it is . I wish them the best of luck. You can guarantee the motorcycle industry will be watching...
Is that a catalytic convertor on the header? the muffler is a ballony pipe as per BSA lingo the Norton Dunstall is a peashooter extended reverse megaphone. Sales don't require western sales 90% of people that call out my BSA with thumbs up are Sikh or Hindu folks I see daily riding.
Looks good, but just has a whiff of W650/800/Triumph tribute band about it, styling cues but no definitive BSA, a tad too much plastic.
It would be good if you were a little more accurate about the '50s and '60s BSA bikes you compare this new machine with.
The story about the Empire Star is correct - that was a '35 sports bike which won a Gold Star at Brooklands, awarded for doing a lap of the circuit at an average of over 100mph. The next year's sports model was renamed 'Gold Star' in honour of that achievement.
The post war cooking model was the B31 (350cc) and B33 (500cc), in rigid and later plunger rear suspension versions. Those bikes were ohv with iron top ends. A similar but more sporting model was the Gold Star as ZB32 (350cc) and ZB34 (500cc), which got lighter cycle parts and alloy top end. They were mostly sold as road bikes or off-road competition versions. It was not until the 1953 bikes came out in the new pivoted fork layout that many were sold as sports road machines. They developed through the BB32/34, then the big fin CB models, DB etc. These were developed as road race machines as well as road bikes and off-road machines. The full house machine you show is one of those production racers. It is not a fair or accurate comparison between a modern placid road bike (soft engine and 30bhp) and a 65 year old full-on race bike , with highly tuned, highly strung race engine (42-5 bhp with a narrow power band), close ratio gearbox, clip-on handlebars etc... Many more Gold Stars were sold as scramblers than as road racers... later, lots got converted to something resembling road race trim for burn-ups to cafes...
At 5:17 you show a supposedly 1951 bike ghosted with the new model - the pivoted rear fork did not come out for a few years. That is actually a 1962-3 Rocket Gold Star (or a good replica of one), the final iteration of the 650cc twin, which actually shares a lot of parts with the singles. It's basically a late '50s Super Rocket 650 with some Gold Star cycle parts, and in this case, clip-ons and rear sets. Optional extras, rarely factory fitted even on the RGS, but perfect for the caf-racer image which is de rigueur these days on these bikes. It's almost identical to the 1960 Super Rocket I used to own, which was IDENTICAL mechanically, including the 9:1pistons and tachometer drive off the oil pump introduced in 1960.... Mine had the same petrol tank with 4" round badges which came off a Gold Star, probably when an alloy 'race' tank replaced it, and a seat with white piping round the edge like a Rocket Gold Star, or a 1954 Royal Star, a rare fancy version of the base Gold Flash 650 model.... It also had an (incorrect) iron head so I called it my Rocket Gold Flash until I managed to get a suitable Super Rocket head. Fixed up, it ran really well and was reliable and fast (good for over 110mph with me on it in ordinary road gear) and very nearly oil tight - but not quite. It was more continent than the 1980 Suzuki GS450 I had at the same time..... clutch lifter seal failure, eventually fixed thank you.
Apologies. I certainly don't claim to be an expert in the classics . I was simply trying to demonstrate that the dimensions of the bike are in line with bikes of the period . Sorry its annoyed you and I bow to your greater knowledge ..👍👍
@@michaelmam not annoyed, just trying to be fair / accurate
Can’t wait to see them in the U.S. IMHO, the radiator needs to be trimmed to the frame. That boxy look is horrible. The radiator looks like it came from a ford model T.
😂😂
The Overlay of the older bike with the new was not a Gold Star, but rather a BSA twin, similar in some ways, but Not a Gold star.
It would have looked much nicer if they had used quite a bit more chrome, polished aluminum, and silver paint instead of black, black, and more black. It does have a shiny exhaust, wheels, and chrome side panels on the tank, and shiny red paint, unlike most bikes that are nearly 100% flat black. The giant killer however are the tube type tires. I wouldn't get 20 miles from home before having a flat on one of those, and having to call a tow truck. And it would be a real disaster if you did manage to get a long way from home and have a flat. Unlike tubeless tires, which can easily be repaired and reinflated beside the road, tube type tires will bring your trip to a screeching halt, and possibly a crash, as they tend to blow out when punctured. Hard to believe tube type tires are still being used on motorcycles in 2022.
Shame the silencer has discolouration already !
That bike looks really nice. I just have a problem with companies that just buy a name and are being opportunists on a name and history, portraying it as a British bike that it no longer is. Dont get me wrong I have a Royal Enfield but the Indian Corporation that makes them Came by the name through a Natural process. The BSA is just a name that a company bought and is relying on the history of the bike being a British bike, I want to like this bike but I'm having a hard time doing so. That been said the bike looks very very nice. I want to be clear, I'm not British or from the UK, I'm as Canadian as a hockey stick :-). just my point of view. Cheers Karl Squire.