Things I hate about the BSA Gold Star 650
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- Опубліковано 25 сер 2024
- This really was not the video I hoped to make. I have been a SUPER HUGE fan of the Gold Star 650 since seeing them at Motorcycle Live in 2021. I was told by the CEO himself that he put 10,000km on the development motorcycle to ensure it was a great product. I was SOLD on the brand :)
I headed to my dealer in December 2022 to ride one of the first UK demo Goldies and came back from the ride no longer eager to place a deposit.
To this date of upload, every single influencer has been repeating each other nearly word for word, installing virtues such as 'watchmaker quality' and 'big thumping single'.
Their reviews have elevated this motorcycle to cult status.
What is it really like to ride? I am not posting videos on UA-cam for monetization, I derive no income from my social media and I really wanted to buy a Gold Star.
Luckily I am not an influencer, here is my real-world perspective on the BSA I so desperately wanted to purchase until I rode one.
Dont misunderstand this video. I do not HATE the Gold Star, I only feel its RRP is far too high given the issues I have pointed out.
I firmly believe buyers will take their motorcycles home and then spend £££ in correcting flaws in the finish, updating components and keeping their BSA's in immaculate condition by not riding them for fear of early aging.
Some defects noted on this motorcycle which I did not dwell on during this video include, pitting on the chassis, offset passenger foot-peg rails! They didn't even turn up an inner spigot to carry that joint which would ensurer that any shear force at the weld would not snap the welds plus a poor handling characteristic when cornering which makes you feel like the rear has lost traction which most reviewers mention but blame suspension/tyres or 'greasy roads'. When it first happened to me there was no warning and it corrected as quickly as it occurred. Which made me uneasy about trusting the Gold Star in corners.
I can not see myself spending £7,200 (inc OTR fees) for a motorcycle that became overwhelmed by just riding it normally. Every ride I would be waiting for it to happen and the experience unsettled me.
The boot marks on the exhaust are prevalent in nearly ALL of the UA-cam videos I have watched and your fav influencers have ignored them. If you don't see the marks you'll see heavy polishing to the exhaust by the dealer where the boot marks used to be.
Surely in this day and age basic things like boots marking exhausts should exist on modern motorcycles. BSA would adjust for it in the 10 years they have developed this motorcycle.
The fuel gauge has a mind of its own. In this video I started with 80 miles range but you will see the gauge showing three bars, then rises to almost full. I found on startup the gauge shows more fuel than you have, then once riding it drops significantly. This will catch most owners as they leave home to commute thinking they have plenty of fuel. Why hasn't anyone reviewing this motorcycle mentioned it?
Also I haven't shown the handling issue I encountered while cornering. I am still awaiting feedback to the video from people much smarter than I as to their opinions on why this exists.
Global demand says the BSA will sell very well indeed. and I wish the company and its new owners the best of luck with their purchases.
I will sit this one out until I see acknowledgement of the handling issue and increased quality control from the manufacturer.
If I bought a Goldie today, each and every time I sat on it I would know both dials on my motorcycle are lying to me. The 10,000 Rpm shown does seem quite daft for a single cylinder, so why did they produce a dial with 3,000 rpm sweep the needle will never reach? The same goes for the speedo. Needle movement over both dials is only two thirds of each dial an utterly pointless exercise.
I am sure that being dismissive of obvious faults, sweeping them under the carpet is something people do when they have spent good money for a product and then don't want the world to know they bought a pup.
I for one know the new owners will praise their BSAs and rightly so. When they take delivery they will be the only people in the world (at this point) to show off the first BSA's in nearly five decades, and the world will look on with adoring eyes.
*****
Links
Jawa 42: www.jawamotorc...
ZigWheels: www.zigwheels....
*****
Leave a comment on this video so I know you exist, other than that, see you on Twitter. Bye!
Motorcycles + Excitement = Moto Tingle
Lesson one, put your camera down, hold the fuel cap with your left hand and turn the key with your right hand. It's not hard !
Do me a video guide please 😂
Ok, fuel cap is removed and in left hand. Then how to put fuel in the tank without dribbling fuel on the tank exterior? On my old Honda the fuel cap was hinged so after unlocking it remained attached while open. Then I had two free hands to hold the fuel nozzle and some wipes to catch the dribble while moving the fuel nozzle to/from the tank.
Yeah it might be a good idea to read the manual before doing the video...
Can't open the fuel cap Should this guy be allowed out on his own
I thought everyone knew that these engines don't loosen up for a couple of hundred miles but here you go..!
Yeah, they seem to either dump their oil and trash gearboxes when run in beautifully. BMW Funduro 650 engine from the 90s. A quick google search shows all the stalling issues existed back them.
More like several thousand miles in my experience of modern engines, and had revving them early isn't a way to get the best from modern engines.
Good luck to those who'll have the venture to buy the bike you tested in the video...exceeding 7000 revs on a brand-new big, single-cylinder engine it's not exactly what I'd call a fair treatment, nor am I surprised you couldn't easily overtake the cars in front of you. Never heard of a mysterious thing called 'running in' of engines?
Another thing that is not fair is that the rider on this video is about 150kgr so he killed the half of the horses of this bike....
Modern engines with modern synthetic oil don't need to be run in like they did years ago.
@@sambrooks7862 Rubbish.
@@stevepalmer5670 is it? The last bike I had to run in at about 45 mph was a honda superdream in about 1982, I'm not saying you can thrash the granny out of a new bike straight out of the crate but you don't have to treat them like they're made of bone China.
Don't think bouncing off the rev limiter could be described as "treating it like china" 😅
I’ve got the Silver Sheen Legacy and it really is not as bad as he’s saying - it’s a decent motorcycle for the money - gets lots of positive comments and is actually really nice to ride
I am really glad your BSA isn’t as bad as this red one. But I’m seeing other owners having oil warning light issues, issues starting, EML lights. All on the FB pages for BSA owners. I truly want one but I’ll give this generation a miss until quality control has better consistency. Sounds like you are one of the lucky ones and long may it last!
80 miles and you're bouncing it off the rev limiter! and running full throttle 😳
Absolutely . . . 'I'm no engineer' he says, after 20 mins. of being baffled by a simple fuel cap . . .
A poor review; by a whining urbanite with all the mechanical sympathy of a wrecking ball. : )
@@loddude5706 Hi. A commented called Obsidian Mirror says he has exactly the same issues with his Jawa gas cap. Seems I am not alone.
Wonder what the rev limiter cuts in at???
Thats exactly what i thought as well 🤬🤬🤬 and whats this "gas cap" and "fender" wannabe yank speak?
@@loddude5706 Bit harsh but I tend to agree. Maybe put the camara down to open the fuel cap with both hands if you are not sure how it works.
Wow ... the last part of the video showing the Jawa is a real eye-opener and rather devastating.
Well done for finding the connection !!
I am. It hating on BSA. The day of filming was the day I was supposed to plan a my deposit. I was disappointed with the motorcycle I was given to ride. I was a HUGE fan. No longer. There’s a lot of folk placing deposits not knowing what they are getting. Cheers!
@@MotoTingle I had considered one myself . To be honest the price difference in India factor can also be said of the Royal Enfield models ( which are of course identical bikes) Its the fact the BSA is clearly just a
rehash of an existing model is more damning in my mind , especially one that is a smaller capacity and in
particular with the lack of clarity about the fact . I have just watched a promo video about the Jawa and the
exact same rhetoric about the bike is being used as we heard in the BSA ad's !! ... It all comes across as very
insincere B/S
@@WyreForestBiker I too have noticed the insincerity and product cross over. I’ve met commenters that think it’s a UK manufactured motorcycle and others that tell me I’m wrong as the motorcycle they have ordered is going to be so perfect. It’s not for me right now, I’ll spend my money elsewhere.
I have had my new Goldie since saturday the 4th, I have a collection of 12 bikes , from 73 nortons yamaha xt 500 to BMW GT 1300 , tomorrow I m off to dorking I will ride my favoured bike THE BSA its brilliant
Outstanding! My video is not designed to slag off BSA. It’s just shows the bike I was given.
You seem to have completely missed the point of the new 650 Gold Star, I mean comparing it with your Yammy XT650, they're completely different bikes, what emissions spec was that made to meet? I have a Euro 5 'Fantic 500 Caballero, yes I have to plan my overtakes and go down a couple of gears, but that's all part of the fun of riding it!
I haven’t missed any points at all. The Goldie was and is a lot of trouble to owners that fall fowl of build quality issues. And yea, it’s as flat as a pancake for performance. I didn’t do this video to hate on BSA, I went to buy one, was offered a test ride and this was my thoughts on it. Agreed, emission standards have changed. For me it was the instant realisation just coming out of the dealer that it has so much less power than an XT660 that I needed to mention it. But in no way am I’m expecting the 660 Goldie to wheelie or anything daft. So glad I didn’t buy one blind like most first purchasers did. Did you know there’s a 1.1 version but BSA are not talking about it as they are trying to clear all the first gen bikes
Hello Alex, I think since the Interceptor 650 and this new "BSA" are very similar in almost every area comparing them is not like comparing bananas to oranges, right?
Maybe it's is more like comparing red apples to green apples.
But there is one area [the most important one] where they differ, their engines and it may give them also different characters and behavioral feedbacks to their respective riders. I mean, when we think about parallel twins it's easy to conceive an idea of a more "elastic" sort of motor. Like they are more able to be revved towards a higher position on the curve of RPMs and it's good that the ratios on the gear box may allow a more, lets say, spaced gear changes . By contrast, a big single could be interpreted as a "half" of a classic V Twin, being more apt to give out that strong low end torque and its characteristic thump faster than a parallel twin but running out of puff faster aswell. So they [the big singles] don't "like" to be revved too high.
In short, parallel twins tend to be more comfortable geared high and singles tend to feel better geared low. That means that to squeeze some juice out of a single, it's better to work through its gears faster than we would do on a parallel twin.
If you agree [or even if you don't] with what I wrote above, please I'd like to read your comment about it, regarding the character differences of the Interceptor 650 vs the BSA.
Thanks, have a happy new riding year.
Peace from Brazil. ✌
Ummm...I'm sure that challenges like opening the fuel filler cap and removing the seat will be fully explained in the owner's handbook! Or perhaps not...
To be fair, I left the file cap bit in the video for a bit of fun. It really happened but I was so bummed with the way the video was going I wanted to have a little laugh at my own expense. Just to lighten the mood. I’d gone to the dealer that day with the intention to place a deposit. No way is it a £7,200 motorcycle. Paint flicking off onto my jacket was a joke.
As for your remarks on performance, mmm.?. I think the engine needs running in first..... only 80 miles on the clock.
So performance will increase? Amazing! - You know it wont improve. Its the BMW Funduro engine with 3BHP less, and the Funduro was awful for performance.
So you're unhappy because the lube flung off the chain hits the right side of the rim and not the left?
Not at all. I just pointed it out. Pales into nothing compared to the poor welding and paint flaking off, did you see the paint on the fuel filler lip?
@@MotoTingle My mistake, I thought that you said at 3.31 ''this would bug me'' I must have misheard, you probably said ''This wouldn't bother me'' . By the way, Missenden flyer seems to rate the BSA highly against his Interceptor that he's owned for two or three years so you should have a look at it, good, sensible balanced review which I think you'll find instructive. No memes in it though.
@@andrewsaville6975 you mean the guy that spent nearly fifteen thousand pounds ruining a Royal Enfield 660 😂 then took the builder to small claims court. He really says the BSA over the Ruined Royal Enfield 😂 I should hope so too. His RE he hates it so much he took the builder to court.
Great job Alex, it's good to see someone actually review this properly rather than the myriad of nodding 'influencers' who will say anything for a few quid.
I, like so many other people had high hopes for BSA. I truly hope these issues are corrected for later models.
A couple of extra things, I believe the wheels are straight off the Jawa Classic (a 42 derivative), and the Jawa 42 just got a seat update in India due to it being well known for it's lack of comfort.
You can tell this video was not planned. I really wanted a BSA, I really did. Thank you for the input on the wheels
I think people need to adjust their expectations based on the pricing. Royal Enfield have got the formula right. This needs to be a bit cheaper to match the quality, or a bit better quality to match the price.
@@NooBiker It's 6 grand. If you want better quality, buy a Triumph for 10 grand.
@@HalfCrazy520it's 7 grand, you can get an Interceptor got 6 though, and it wouldn't be a piece of shit.
That's a good honest well researched review I'll certainly be watching more of your reviews
I really wanted to buy a BSA that day. Thanks for your feedback.
This is a bloody awful pseudo- road test by someone who seems to have decided to invent things to complain about. Chain on the right means more oil on the wheel - WHAT????? Utterly nonsensical. The constant whingeing at clocks that go "too high" is childish. Has this reviewer ever ridden another motorcycle and bothered to look at the clocks? Can't overtake something? Of course you can't on a narrow road with inadequate space. Can't remove the filler cap? Read the bloody handbook and put the phone down when you try. Pathetic.
Fundementally, this is a pastiche motorcycle decided to seperate the elderly from their pension pots. None will ever do much more than a couple of thousand miles a year so, in the context of old blokes polishing things it's pretty much on the money. It's competetive-ish with the Enfield twin and it's been mooted for about four years - Mahindra bought the BSA name in 2016 and it was about 2018 that things started to emerge as to what they planned.
All in all, this tells us little that we didn't already know and there are much better reviews out there.
I do not think BSA would agree with you. This motorcycle is being marketed to "all licence holding ages", not just old men looking to relive the past. BSA want a healthy amount of Female and new riders on the Gold Star. When mentioning the chain/oil fling, I said "when the chain is on the other side of the bike and you get a bit of fling, nobody really notices" not more oil on the wheel rim. You might want to do your research, Mr Ashish Singh Joshi has said the Gold Star has been a project since 2012 in multiple interviews. Its not for me to change what he has been saying in interviews. He told me personally he put 10,000km on the pre-production bike. Id say a last minute exhaust change caused this and nobody said "oh, this might be an issue". This motorcycle has a handling flaw which is beginning to become mentioned. I personally would hate to see a new rider be injured. Another guy who test rode ended up on a tank slapper and the rear tyre has come off the bead during the incident, the rider was called Mark Simpson and hes an experienced rider. Mind your words Sir. Over the next few years you'll see BSA replace rear shocks and further electronically restrict the Gold Star to avoid it meeting its built in handling flaw. I am absolutely sure of it. and when the first rider is injured, ill be sure to link you in this comment so you can see. Better reviews yes, plenty of them. Truthful reviews this far, Zero. Come on, boot marks on exhausts is a thing of the past, this is 2022 not 1977.
Let's see you do a road test Mr, so you can correct all of the misinformation.
@@Mrflymess this isn't a road test; it's a stream of prejudice and ignorance.
@@MotoTingle "Mr Ashish Singh Joshi has said the Gold Star has been a project since 2012 " - they only the bought the name in 2016, so.......
"BSA want a healthy amount of Female and new riders on the Gold Star." - manufacturers always say this - the demographics of motorcycling in the west are mainly older males; they'll be lucky. Elsewhere, it will be different.
"boot marks on exhausts is a thing of the past, this is 2022 not 1977." - it's not really relevant to motorcycling as a whole.
Generally, your arsing about is childish and much of this so- called review is silly tripe with limited background knowledge. As to handling flaws, we shall see. The Jawa 42 has been around for about 4 years and has been doing pretty well in india. It's a beautiful pastiche of a classic bike but Indian testers see it as much more revvy than the bullet and benelli imperiale, which are it's main competitors there. honda is trying to break into this middle range, middle sized retrobike maret with a 350 single but i'm not sure how it's going. You might want to have a dig about and see some of the comparative roadtests from 3-4 years ago. CL are now on to a bobber version of the 42 which is very bobber but harsh apparently.
@@stewartellinson8846 it’s from interviews he’s given online, I realise they bought the name later on. But they are his words. At Motorcycle Live 2022 I sat on the BSA stand and saw a lot of females saying they love show low the BSA is. I agree with you, a lot of older gentlemen were reminiscing about the good old days
For those of you taking the piss out of Alex about the fuel cap, as I waited to ride one the mechanic came out to top up the fuel, it took him ages to get it open....with both hands.
As for the rest he's spot on. Build quality is crap, and performance is poor, my fantic caballero 500 is far superior in all aspects
Spot on review Alex 👌
Read this ⬆️ and learn something folks
@stephen baron my fantic caballero cost £6500 from new better at everything the bsa does, and I'm not just being anti bsa, I went on the test ride fully expecting to place a order and was terribly disappointed
The radiator does give it a classic look, for a model T Ford. 🤨
It's more modern than a Model T. I reckon they nicked a job lot that should have been on Austin Allegro Brit-crap cars.
@@2ndcornets HaHa!
And not many big singles will rev much passed 7k rpm. You need to change gear to get the torque on a big single or twin. I'm used to singles and twins. I'd love to test this bike myself .
MIne does 8,900rpm but just to me clear, I was not trying to get to 10,000rpm - I am a bit green on doing reviews, I was wondering why 10,000rpm is shown even though it will never be achieved by the motorcycle. Ill try better next time. Let me know how your test ride goes please! Id would like to hear your thoughts.
@@MotoTingle Every vehicle I have ever known has had clocks that go up higher than the vehicle can actually do, both speed and revs. I will concede that the "red line" is usually clearly indicated and that is a definite oversight. But also, I wouldn't expect a big single to be happy revving past 6000RPM. Maybe the reality is that this simply isnt the bike you want it to be.
@@MotoTingle Where does the rev counter stop on your bike?
@@stevepalmer5670 Depends what motorcycle were talking about. I’ve a ten year old 660 that goes to 8,900rpm. Ducati supermono 10,000 rpm, the engine in the BSA 100% felt like a BMW I once owned, lacking in any kind of charm or power. Funduro. Man, I sold that bike three weeks after purchase.
No option for a centre stand is a major omission in my opinion. Cheap finish also very disappointing
I’m seeing influencers completely ignoring the poor finish. I had hoped for a centre stand also. Boot marks on exhausts, we’re in 2022, not the 1970s. I hope to see owner reviews soon. And fingers crossed this is the only motorcycle affected.
No centre stand really , This is now common place on new motor bikes. Personally I would not entertain looking at a bike without one.
@@dinsdalepiranah1189 Most Royal Enfields have a centre stand. In this segment of the market, it would be considered normal to have one.
@@MotoTingle I think most of them just repeat the manufacturers sales pitch. At least you gave it your honest opinion with a very obvious lack of concern for any future love from the dealer/distributor!
I wonder if the ECU is programmed to redline at 7000 until the first service and end of the break in mileage.
Nope. The ECU is ancient technology from the dark ages. I’ve looked into it because I’ve worked on a few now. Be nice if manufacturers did this though.
I'll keep my RE GT 650. I have a one lunger (Yamaha SR400 kick start only). And three other bikes. I'm 70 so I feel blessed. Fun video.
I was the BIGGEST BSA fan, until I rode one. All the hype from influencers is just sales patter. The boot marks on the exhaust is a real joke in 2022. I’d had saved up ready to buy! When paint started flicking off the handlebar mounts onto my jacket I’d had quite enough. SR400 os pretty cool. You’d of great to continue enjoying your Enfield 650 twin. I may end up with one myself and money left over, lots of money. Cheers!
@@MotoTingle MCs are a disease. I've capped it at 2 classics and one adv. I'm officially on the wagon.
@@sscbkr48 I prefer addiction. It’s a rewarding one though
When I saw it at the shows it looked like it was a competitor for RE and that seems to be pretty much where it sits. I've no problem with plastic mudguards if they last as they won't rust, but it looks like the rest of the bike might rust around it. For those of us that have grown up hoping that one day we could own a DBD34, this isn't it. I have no problem with lower powered relaxed bikes for a weekend potter but for my money I'd be looking for a couple of year old Triumph Street Twin or T100 instead. Or if I must have new, an RE Interceptor
I have been a HUGE supporter of BSA and their return. Meeting the motorcycle was a wake up call that the hype around it and the "influencer" led sales pitches need to be taken with a pinch of salt. I look forward to seeing owner reviews and given a years riding, lets see how right or wrong I am.
They are called mudgaurds, not fenders, it's a British bike it's the English language, simple as that...
@@jonathanmeehan4057 it’s an Indian motorcycle. There’s nothing British about its manufacture Sir.
@@MotoTingle I hope you guys maintain the same attitude when it comes to the Royal Enfield brand too, that it is an Indian brand, nothing British about it. Seeing RE success nowadays, all Britishers seems to be scampering to claim a stake on RE heritage. Normal British double standards, eh. 😜
@@MotoTingle haha excellent retort sir!
Love this Alex! The most honest vlog ever BUT that’s how it should be. I enjoy watching the so called ‘influencers’ but most of them can only ride in a straight line and worry more about their next long term loan bike than us consumers. Please do this more - not that anyone will lend you a bike now 🤣
Its true, nobodys letting me near a new motorcycle ever again, HaHa! - saying that, nothing new has disappointment me until now
I reckon my Suzuki tu250 would give that castrated mule of a BSA a proper go, eh ?
(nice vid, btw)
I like your style !
I've always loved the concept of single cylinder thumpers and had a few: Yamaha SR500, Buell Blast 500, Royal Enfield C5. But the motorcycles that I enjoyed riding were twins: Guzzi 750, Buell XB9S, Honda CL175, Electra-Glide. If I were buying today, I'd first take a test ride on a RE 650, Interceptor or Continental.
RE are great
Hi Norm, Have you ever had a look at the Kawasaki W800. If so, what was your take on the bike? Have a great day!!! Illinois, USA
@@larrywade9041 Yes, and I am impressed at the styling and function of it.
Thank you for this real world review brother, You just made me love my 2022 Rebel 500 even more than I already did!!!👍
Rebel 500 is a cool motorcycle. Enjoy!
@@MotoTingle That BSA is pretty still pretty cool too brother! Enjoy and Happy New year
@@coilstreeservice9398 Happy New Year to you !
I couldn't finish watching this pitiful example of someone commenting on something he clearly doesn't understand. If the Mr. "Moto Tingle" had lived when the Gold Star was current, I believe he would not have been able to handle the realities of motorcycling which existed then. Big motorcycles were 650s, vibration was accepted even ignored, you removed the seat by unbolting it, the engine was turned off by hitting the kill button or more common, covering the carb intake with your hand for a few seconds, etc. Bottom line: motorcycling wasn't for wimps. And certainly, this replication with all its refinements isn't made for the person raised on motorcycles which have the intensity of "character" of a refrigerador. I'm not trying to be unkind, but comments that vacate an understanding the history of our sport. As to the quality issues, I agree that there is much to improve, and given the experience with Royal Enfield, that will be done short order. Please revisit the bike in another year or so. Thanks for the attempt, but a more mature presentation (minus the inserts of people yelling at you) would go better with those of us who are older. Notwithstanding, keep on.
I own a Douglas Flat Tanker and many others. This first gen Gold Star was a pitiful example of a modern classic. Your ignoring the many Gold Star owners I have helps to achieve warranty claims after initially being denied by BSA, because I’ve collated complaints and internet posts from owners having top end rebuild due to low oil pressure, headlight lenses that smash or roll off down the road, stalling at junctions, oil leaks from fractured oil tanks, looms being replaced because of poor location or loom caught in fixings, paint coming off of the tanks.. So while you’re slagging me off I’ve been tirelessly helping owners of these bikes. This BSA, the red one in the video, was the bike I went to buy. I had paint flicking off onto my jacket. What a pile of crap these first gen bikes are. BSA then increased the warranty to 4 years to kickstart sales and left all the early adopters with their standard 12 month warranty. Imagine how owners feel about that.
Looks like I can save a couple of thousand dollars by buying a RE 350 Classic. A great looking bike, similar performance and a proven track record. The fact that it has taken a few years of teasing us with promises of being ready to sell any day now, yet they have only been able to send out a few examples to the Dealers as demos so far makes me suspicious of the company. The whiff of Norton is in the air. I’ll be holding onto my money for now.
I am also saving my money. I wen to the dealer to buy and the finish was poor. I have been kind in my video. It also has a severe handling flaw which I and others have experienced. I caught it happen to me on video. Subject of another video though. Some serious BSA fan boys on here with personal attacks. I hope we never see a BSA rider die, it needs to be talked about.
Actually this 650 and RE's 350 do not have similar performance. This bike will do about 100 mph and the 350 will be lucky to do much over 70. This bike will run 70 all day long without straining it at all. The 350 runs easily at around 50. Of course in England on the back roads I guess it doesn't matter.
@@adventuredog7848 I do truly love the coming RE classic. Wish I had one.
It's poor made bike royal Enfield is better
Interesting stuff. The engine outer covers would also look better if they were highly polished, instead of just painted. The fake pushrod tunnel on the right side of the cylinder barrell is a little bit silly, but is part of the retro effect I suppose.
Actually, the Jawa 42 you mentioned is a really nice looking bike, it looks like a single cylinder with twin exhaust ports. I didn't know this model of Jawa existed, so I will take a closer look at them later. But, ignoring the different engines, I don't think the Jawa is really the same basic bike or platform as the new Goldstar. Looking closely I see that the fuel tanks are not the same, the side profiles are different. The frames look different too. The tubing differs, and the headstock of the Goldstar sticks out much further from its frames front down tubes, but the Jawas front down tubes are angled and attached very close to its headstock. They do both appear to use a box section swinging arm though.
I think the original BSA 500cc Goldstars had a tacho with a scale up to 8000 RPM, and I think the engine had a safe mechanical limit of about 7000 RPM.
I have a 1971 BSA 500cc single, and the original factory fitted Smiths tacho scale also goes to 10,000 RPM without a red line marked on it, this engine also has a safe mechanical limit of about 7000 RPM, although in reality it would not really be taken beyond 6000.
But the 1971 BSA Goldstar 250 single I own has a factory fitted tacho with a whopping 12,000 RPM scale, again with no red line marked on it. The engine is designed to run at a max of around 8000-8500 RPM, occasionally, so I definitely do not lend the bike to anyone to go for a quick spin, or they could blast the nuts off the engine to destruction.
I really enjoyed this video. It’s felt very much like the world has gone a bit BSA nuts with everyone insisting “it’s amazing… clearly built to a budget”
It was always going to be a budget build bike but it is priced too high for what it is. For me the biggest issue from the start is it just doesnt really look quite right. That radiator is hideous! Folk were blinded by the brand but take that BSA badge off the tank and it looks like what it is - a budget water cooled single.
Thanks for being so honest in your review. It’s a pity Mahindra have chosen not to export the Goldstar to Australia because I love thumpers.
You’ll get them next year I’m told. It’s no thumper. The engines from the BMW Funduro and look how many issues that bike had. I’ll get one soon and show you all life with a BSA in all its failings
Hi Alex, thanks for a honest review of the Goldie, having seen a few reviews of this bike I have had that feeling that the bloggers are not telling you everything. Only one other has mentioned some of the quality issues you mentioned. Keep up the honest reviews.
Hi Paul. I went to the dealer to place my deposit. I was offered a ride, which I gladly accepted and I’m thinking “how old is this bike?” Once I saw the ODO I was like “no way”. Truly I had hoped this was the only motorcycle affected but I’ve been message by so many people saying they noticed it too. Influencers have reach, and they’re job is to chase clicks for income. I watched their videos seeing the same flaws my bike had wondering why they didn’t mention them. But I guess now I know. I’d hate to spend £7,200 to find my bike ages before my eyes. I really did want a BSA. Planning to wait until production in the UK. Cause we’d never let this pass by quality control. Either way, a lot of folk will buy just for the badge. And it will sell. Cheers!
@@MotoTingle If it was produced in the UK, the price would be far higher and then it really wouldnt be competetive.
That was me I guess 😁
@@MindfulMotorcyclist what was you 😂
'only one other has mentioned some of the quality issues you mentioned' - that was me. Like you I was BSA fanboy since MC live 2021 days waiting and getting excited for release. I researched and read everything about the bike, and the brand pre-ordered one but then changed my mind just before I was due to make the down payment. Something didn't feel right, the wait and increasing delivery estimates to be honest was worrying me. Did the test ride and well the rest is history, I'm still riding my Chinese middleweight ADV bike 😁
I don't think anyone would be trying to remove the fuel cap with one hand.
Not a single person in the whole world. Man, that makes me look so foolish. (Tried it on all my other bikes and all the caps came off nicely) nobody worried about the cracked paint around the mouth of the cap? Just me then. That’s why I didn’t place a deposit that day. To be fair, I left the cap video in to add some humor as the bike was such a let down. I hated editing the video, I disliked the lack of quality control on this motorcycle. £7,200 and I’m looking to spend it elsewhere
@@MotoTingle RE will happily take your money and put a far bigger smile on your face. It will still be flawed - but in a way you can live with.
How refreshingly honest, love it, keep it up 👍
Hi Ray. Thank you
Funny how views of a bike differ. My personal opinion of the one I looked at and rode from Moore Speed Racing in Poole is that it exceeded my expectations. My present bikes are a Kawasaki 650 Versys twin, a custom 70s Honda CB 550 four and two BSA 350cc B31s.
When the Indian BSA was announced I thought that a 650 cc modern single should have the potential for an interesting bike so when they became available for a test ride I took the opportunity.
I was surprised how it pulled so easily and seemed much more than the 45 hp suggested. Gearing was good, throttle response had no issues. Brakes and handling very good. Riding position was fine and I found the seat very comfortable especially compared to my other bikes but did notice the wide seat on my inner thighs when stoped in traffic.
Overtakes were no problem on normal A road traffic and a quick twist to 85 was easy but it’s a naked bike so anything above 70 mph is uncomfortable on any naked bike of any cc.
This bike I thought was superb for the type of riding I’m sure it is aimed at.
Looking round the bike sure you could get picky with odd details but overall for the price point very nice.
I was happy to order one in Highland Green and look forward to what I think will be a great motorcycle.
That is really nice to read. I hope you'll share your ownership experience on youtube as it will be nice to see, all the best. Alex
I also had a test ride on a demo bike. I found it to be a great bike with enough real world performance for me. I particularly enjoyed it's willingness to pull from low revs. I don't understand most of the negativity from the chap on the video, it's as though he has some sort of vendetta against BSA. Bike ordered, can't wait for it to arrive.
@@stuartbeech3875 the guy in the video is me. I went to order my BSA and was offered a test ride. The video is a true depiction of my ride. I really wanted a BSA but however my test bike was, total Friday job
I really don't understand you people. This bike is about 50kg heavier than its name sake. You are 25kg heavier than when you were 20. The bike has a short stroke engine for power not torque, so to pass a bus you have to change down gears until the engine revving in its power band....(my guess knowing over square engine dynamics, and without riding one of these, is at around 4500, revs), then see what it can do. It looks like a thumper, but is nothing like a thumper, because the bore and stroke is over square. This type of engine (over square), is in many ways, is like a two stroke the smaller the engine capacity is...or the power to weight ratio, the only way to produce usable power is with higher revs. I personally have always hated bikes like this. Always prefer torque over power figures as torque is usable from the lower revs upwards and power isn't. The old adage is "you have to scream the tits off it to get any where" is related to an over square bore and stroke.
You People? You’re the reason BSA is failing my friend. Thanks for the 25Kg heavier. I’ll take that 😂
I still think it's a good-looking bike built on a low budget. The exhaust needs a guard where the boot marks are, perhaps that will happen? More disturbing for me is the misaligned frame welds 1:07 above the exhaust which you've shown on Twitter.
Looking forward to seeing an owner review of one who uses it to commute all year. Long-term durability is the biggest unknown.
I am totally with this. Wanted BSA Gold Star to be the beginning of something great. I have contacted Harris Performance to see if they build the frames or not (attached photos)
@Moto Tingle I just watched another BSA vid from The All Year Motorcyclist and the frame looked the same on that bike.
@@Banditmanuk On no. I really hoped it was limited to just this motorcycle
I counted 5 separate pieces of tube holding the rear foot rest on, poorly welded. Why you would do that I'm not sure.
@@dinsdalepiranah1189 why couldn’t the tube just be bent? It makes no sense to me.
The 10,000 rpm tacho thing is a straight take from the original British Smiths tacho which rarely had a redline marked, and often went to 10k. Those engines didn't have a rev limiter as such, just valve bounce and then blow-up!
Are you sure about what you’ve just said? It’s a Jawa 42 rev counter that hasn’t been altered apart from a BSA logo printed on it. Nice story though.
Great review. You pointed out things that other BSA Gold Star video reviews have not, like the stickers on the engine, the rev limiter and the cheap feel of the buttons. With technology today it doesn't seem like it wouldn't be that hard to laser engrave the 3 guns and BSA on the engine parts. I don't mind the bronze header pipe, especially if that means it won't turn blue. Not a fan of blueing pipes. I see so many modern Triumphs with dark blue headers. Some folks will say if the headers aren't blue it means you're not riding it, but I have a 64 Triumph 650 as my daily rider and the header pipes have not turned blue. They have a little hint of a gold hue near where they go into the engine, but no blue... yet.
Cheers Dave. I’ve had lots of positive feedback and few loons. The stickers are cheap tat. Having BSA embossed would have been far superior. Now they have used stickers, no future batch will get embossed or precious gen owners will be unhappy. It’s an okay motorcycle, very overpriced for what you get. You gotta really want the badge. Like you, the bronzing on the exhaust is nice.
Bronzing like that is usually a sign of stainless steel construction which is a good thing. It doesnt necessarily mean that you wont also get blueing if there is a hot point on the exhaust (usually at the first bend).
Refreshing to have an honest review thank you. I would even rate this below an RE, from what I see in the last year RE quality is coming up. Time will tell but your points, stickers on engine won’t last with heat over time. It just looks when you dig into it a little cheap
The fit and finish is there with the Chinese low end bikes. The engine is great! I just hope this is the only motorcycle affected with quality. I really hope it is
@@MotoTingle How can you say the engine is great when the whole time of the review it is always not performing as well as you expect it to?
@@ukbiker1631 The engine is the best bit of the entire motorcycle
A good honest review. Thank you!
Thank you. It’s upset some and for others enlightened them to the quality control issues ignored by the “influencers” that you can now see in their videos after I’ve pointed them out. Let’s hope BSA up their game.
In contrast to the Royal Enfield Interceptor, these appear to be complete trash. Thank you for your honesty.
I was planning to buy a BSA and was offered a test ride. A lot of UA-camrs did their own and slagged me off saying I have alternative motives. I just wanted to show what I was given.
Love your humor. GREAT review
Yeah, it went over most peoples heads. Haha!
The clock needles were naf on the NEC bikes over a year ago, they really needed improvment
Gold Star £6,500
Meteor £4.139
Both are full size motorcycles and the Meteor is a single just like the Gold Star, just with a smaller piston yet it's £2361 cheaper?
Think I'll stick with my Interceptor and maybe buy a Meteor for fun.
Agreed. Plus you can’t buy a BSA for £6,500 - It’s £6.800, they add £300 in that £300 extra £165 of that is delivery to the dealership. Who’s ever heard of paying for delivery to your dealer?
@@MotoTingle It is overpriced for sure. Should be a good bit cheaper than the RE 650 if it wants to be a genuine contender for the market beyond BSA badge-fans.
I like an honest review. The bike has non of the carryover kudos of the original Goldie. Imagine riding a Goldie back in the day and thinking it wouldn't pull the dick off a chocolate mouse, I don't think so. Any one of REs bargain basement offerings would be a better bike.
I wasn’t into RE that much before. Now I can see the difference RE are back on my radar
Nice looking bike but def pass. Classic 500, sup Meteor yes please.
Totally
It is not a good looking bike compared to the RE (any model). I'm pretty sure my Kwaka Versys x300 would blow it away (a twin but 1/2 capacity). I think it's a desperate attempt to cash in on the retro trend & only die-hards will buy it. Good vid.
Thank you. It’s got many admirers, I believe the RE looks more “authentic” BSA having a final drive cover in the shape of an old gearbox is a pure styling exercise.
@@MotoTingle Its the big ugly radiator that kills it for me. If RE can make a Euro compliant air cooled engine, there really is no excuse for this monstrosity. What does the BSA bring to the table except that badge?
Gas cap they run on gas ?
My family is from the USA. I am sorry. Seems I am doing a lot of saying sorry recently, lol - everyone's got something that upsets them, TeeHee
Thx for the honest review, I keep my T100 for sure. Indeed O...M....G 👍👍
T100 is a really nice motorcycle.
I had a carb t100 plastic guards, rusting rims, fogging gauges, chain on the righthanside, 140km before reserve, 2nd gear issues, shit suspension and seat and they sold really well...... Ever owned one of these??
I have ridden one but not owned. Fogging Gauges would do my head in. Had this with a Husquvarna Nuda R.
Should be a twin .don't like down pipe.dont like radiator.and fuel tank is not great at the seams looks a bit royal Enfield bullet.for money not bad but I feel interceptor is better bike epically the twin cylinder
Think i will keep my Interceptor. RE did there homework before releasing the Interceptor I dont think BSA have! Cheers from Australia.
Interceptor is well trusted and as you said RE did their homework. There’s influencers riding this exact same motorcycle as free I rode it, each of them completely missed all the flaws I have pointed out.
Same complaint with Royal Enfield 650: What does one do with the gas cap while refueling? My Honda had a hinged cap so no issue there.
Seeing plenty of scratched BSA tanks online as owners drop the caps. What a shame. My 70s CB750 has a little chain holding the cap to the tank.
BSA have missed the boat with this bike
They have kept the world waiting. The finish needs to be improved drastically. Stickers on engine covers just isnt in keeping with the modern age we live in
@@MotoTingle I 100% agree with you about those stickers. The cost of having them etched or embossed at the point of manufacture would be trivial. Did you not also feel that the whole engine finish on the casings etc looked a bit too modern and out of place.
@@ukbiker1631 They had every chance to emboss or have laser etched logos but went for stickers. Like you say, at point of manufacture a trivial cost. Engine casing paint was tidy and all thanks to Rotax doing a good job.
@@MotoTingle Tidy as you say, cant argue that but it all looks a bit sterile to me. I would have expected to see a polished or brushed metal finish or plain black rather than the tidy but "plasticky" looking finish on the casings. Its like they gave up being retro or classic when it came to the engine. I love the big slab of polished alloy on the Royal Enfield 650. Thats an engine that has a real classic look and character.
@@ukbiker1631 the plastic covers will soon be available in alloy or chrome in the aftermarket. I’ve seen bikes go out and are 3D scanned by UK and China companies right here on test rides. BSA could have done better and won us over. But they cheaper out. Let’s see how the next year goes and if any changes are made
The handling problem is absolutely caused by the cheap pirelli tires! I don't trust Brazilian tires and I never will. They came on my interceptor 650 and right after I replaced the seat the tires went! No wobble, stopped pulling to the right, absolutely caused by the garbage tires.
I’m convinced there’s swing arm flex also. Seeing a second gen bike in a few weeks that may show signs of strengthening. Let’s see
I'll be honest. You sound like a new rider as most of the issues you pointed out could have been identified before you bought the bike. The engine at 80 miles has not been broken in, so you are not gonna have full power because you need to slowly wear the parts in until the new service.
This is not a good review, fella. It's harsh to hear, but, hopefully, it helps you to think more about what you are going to address after researching the said issues. Also, read the manual that comes with your bike. It makes a difference.
Wish you all the best for the future.
Im all good. Be nice if you made a video on a BSA, see your thoughts. Its clear this bike failed to have any PDI, the gauges on the wheel rum were from tyre irons for sure. Boot marks on the exhaust, paint flaking off. I actually filmed a second part to this video which is three months on, ill get around to it.
Appears to be built in the same way a lot of English bikes were thrown together. Back when a British bike industry existed. For the price, considering what else is available for the money, not competitive.
I really wanted a BSA, but no longer impressed. There is a long line of folk ready to buy it. I've stepped out of their way
Interesting review certainly highlighting some issues that a lot of other regular reviewers/ bloggers on UA-cam have missed or chosen to egnore so it keeps the door open for further bike demo loans with the dealers or manufacturer🤫🤫🤫
I am very much aware the door is closed to me now. I went to the dealer to purchase but ended up riding a bike that aged as I rode it. I felt sharing it was better than holding it back, watching people buy their dream bike to find its quite different to the 'influencers' have suggested
Great review good to see some honesty i was thinking about treating myself was going to wait and see what build quality was like after a year. I have bought some Indian parts for my BSA's and the quality was shocking. I think I will just stick to my originals.
Hi Alan, I like you also saved up. I was not expecting world class, well you’ve seen my thoughts and the reality of the quality the “influencers” have led us to believe. I really wanted a BSA. But I’m not desperate for the badge vs poor finish. I’ll spend my money elsewhere
I've spoken to several people in the past who ride enfields, I've commented on the cheap build quality and poor handling etc and they invariably say the same thing, change the shocks, change the tyres, change the air filter. Or alternatively instead of throwing loads of money at it to make it into a different bike just buy a better bike to start with!
Whilst, as a Royal Enfield owner, I have no reason to defend the BSA, many of your comments are pretty trivial. It is still a great value. But the RE 650 is better value in my opinion.
Trivial enough for me to not give the dealer any money. The quality controllers were a fast asleep when this bike came past.
@@MotoTingle Dont get me wrong, I am very happy to hear that the BSA has so many issues. It validates my decision to buy a RE last year! After so many gushing compliments on other reviews, I was starting to question my decision, even though I love the Continental.
Will never forget seeing the rear end squirm when Henry Cole had one on his TV show.
Ah ha! Someone that noticed it’s handling flaw. Watch this space. BSA will recall the rear suspension like that legally absolves them. I’m sure it’s swing arm flex. It happened to me and I thought I was going to die
Ref. the sales figures, the biggest segment of the 2022 Indian market was Hero (the wholly Indian owned Honda subsidiary), although all Japanese companies do have a relatively healthy share...as do Idian companies like TVS, Bajaj and Royal Enfield. As for the new Gold Star, I share your reservations - I certainly wouldn't be willing to fork out £7,200 for one. I run a Benelli Imperiale 400 that, whilst it is of smaller capacity and, admittedly, offers far less outright performance, substantially gives you the same big single riding experience as the Gold Star (as would a Royal Enfield 350 Classic, Meteor or Hunter...or, even more, if you could find a good one, the older RE 500 Classic) -- and that is irrespective of the very considerable price differences!
I'm with you
I think I will wait a couple of years until things are sorted out.
I am still seeing posts from new owners in Europe with stalling issues and low oil pressure leading to head rebuilds. How are they still selling bikes that haven’t been updated? It’s beyond me
@@MotoTingle Keeping with traditions from the wsixies and early seventies.
Lol it's basically an Indian jawa 350... One of the worst bikes on Indian roads, sold it and bought much better Honda CB350
This review has upset a lot of BSA fanboys for sure.
Honda sales in November 2000 350 c c bike and jawa sales 4000 bikes honda lol
Great review! Thanks!
Laser etched or embossed replacements would "sell like hot cakes". The stickers are disappointing. Maybe I'll go find a Meriden triumph twin instead.
The Jawa has the petrol cap in the middle. The Goldstar is offfset to the right. Same tank?
Same tank, yes. Sorry, I should have mentioned the filler hole punched in a different location during construction of the tank. Apologies
@@MotoTingle So really is the same tank. Great video by the way. A bit of honesty at last. I’ve subscribed, cheers.
@@nploates Thanks. I have a lot more video as I’ve been lent the bike again! The dealer agrees that honesty is best
@@MotoTingle Maybe the dealer knows these are in short supply so is hoping you will encourage people to buy something else he stocks instead!
@@ukbiker1631 I was told “it’s only £7k so people don’t mind if it’s good or bad” I was staggered at such an expression.
No dealers for these in the states. The clutch in my old Enfield took a dump so im looking for another underpowered, overpriced replacement. Tired of being manhandled by my 100hp Harley Nightster. Where are the 441 Victors and 500 gold stars, firebird scramblers, Hornets and lightnings. When you need them? The 500 Gold Star was the greatest bike of its time. Why did they change it?😢 ride safe!
Wont be long till BSA hit stateside. And when they do, I hope you’ll come back and let me know your thoughts! Ride safe!
Great. We've had all the 'its amazing' reviews from those trying to ingratiate themselves with the manufacturer, now we've started to get the clickbait 'oh no, it's rubbish, watch to the end' reviews. Sigh.
The biggest mistake UA-cam ever made was making the dislike count invisible but hey, can't reduce the ad revenue eh? 🙄
My account is not monitized. I didn’t make my video for anything other than I went to buy a BSA. It was supposed to be my purchase day.
@@MotoTingle I apologise in that case for jumping to the wrong conclusion and I'm sorry it didn't turn out as you'd hoped. I had the same experience some years ago when I went for a Tracer900. :(
@@tonyparker7356 it’s a mixed bag. I was as you can tell disappointed with the quality control on this BSA. I’ll be sure to look in on them in the future, see if they have upped their game! Happy New Year.
Thanks for this. Other reviewers didn’t film the bike close up, now I know why. The build and quality of the materials used is really quite rubbish. You could forgive it if it was a sub 5k Chinese bike, but for the money they want a CB500 is better in every department.
Many “influencers” won’t ever go into detail, they do seem happy recommending you consider the motorcycle and parting with your money. I went with the intent to purchase and was saddened with what I test rode. You are right. If it was Chinese and sub £5k this would be about right for build quality. New Honda CB750 is £6995 and although not classic looking, will last longer in every aspect of ownership. I worked out an average owner could spend between £750 and £1,500 making good the flaws. And you know what, I can see a lot of new owners happily doing this… crazy
One gets the impression that a lot of reviewers simply repeat what they have read rather than actually testing and reporting back so for that, this review gets top marks but...ther were some points where it felt like the reviewer was a bit disappointed so really went to town looking for negatives. The fuel cap for example - try using both hands!
@@ukbiker1631 the fuel cap. I left it in for personal comedy factor. The motorcycle had such poor finish, I found it hard to report on anything other than what I noticed. It’s not Monopoly money people are spending. It’s a brand new product and this one fell very short of the mark. Go see one. Look at the welds for starters, then look closely at the cracks in the paint under the fuel cap. This particular motorcycle I hope is the only one affected. It fully justified being reported upon.
Yeah, use the gearbox mate. The torque is there if you ride it right.
Torque eh? It doesn’t have a lot to give. Let’s see your video. Impress us with its marvellous torque. Tag me once it’s uploaded. - Everyone said the same about the CRF250L, the word “torque” was used a lot. Now I see it as a sign to hide a lack of power on these little bikes. Tag me in your “torque” video. I’ll deffo watch it.
@@MotoTingle
Having ridden big singles for years I can tell your not getting the best out of the motor. For a start your trying to redline it. Bouncing off the limiter as if it’s a highly strung 4 cylinder sports bike. All the torque is way down in the rev range. Your expecting far too much from the engine. It’s not that kind of bike. Plus it’s not even run in and all your doing is damaging parts that have not yet had a chance to bed in properly.
That bike is designed to be ridden in a certain way. And you don’t have the skills. I expect you drive an automatic car given the way you butcher the gearbox. No one has ever taught you how to ride as one with the bike. Your just one of those idiots who just want to point and squirt on the straights. I can tell by the way you corner. No body or head movements at all.
@@andrewfurniss8944 thanks for the upliftment.
@@MotoTingle
No worries. Watched that vid of you on a beemer is it?
You need to relax on your ride. Your far too rigid and upright. Put your head over the side your turning and look where you want to go, not 30 feet in front of yourself.
Your ride like your scared of it.
Any more uplifts required just keep coming back for em…
@@andrewfurniss8944 I love the joy you bring to the world. And thanks for all the extra views.
Hey bro, great review, you got the chops to bring the straight truth to those who don't want to spend money on the wrong bike!
Hi Drew. If what I rode was from China and was £5,650 everything would be totally fine. But it’s advertised as a premium product with exhausted influencers telling us it’s “watchmaker quality” and “premium”. My jacket has little bits of paint on it. My boots were melted by the exhaust! Haha! Welcome to 2023. Cheers!
Hi, good video, after watching this video, I am happy that I restored a 1980 Kawasaki z650 SR recently, it has 62hp inline 4 cylinder, weight is similar, and probably handles similar, really are newer motorcycles of this type any better.
80s Z650 is an epic motorcycle. I just fixed up a 90s Zephyr and it’s really good to ride. Modern motorcycles have environmental restrictions and it really does ruin them.
Them old uns don’t half sup the fuel though. 4 cylinder? Might as well be a car (joke)
@@mattdog1982 I’ve a 70s CB750 and it’s real nice on fuel, lovely to ride and it’s paint Is not falling off even though it’s 45 years old, haha!
Comparing an inline 4 to a big single (of any age) is bit apples and oranges.
I had a 1980 Z650 for about 10 yrs, handled like a piece of shit & had no brakes. Apart from acceleration my RE Interceptor 650 is a better bike in every other way.
A different take on the bike I will say 😊. I would say your Yamaha isn’t as constrained by Euro 5 regs and benefits greatly from that. A lot of valid criticisms but are you testing for what it isn’t rather than what it is? I have a fuel cap like that on one of my cars, it is a common enough design and not hard to fathom for most 🙄. It will be very interesting to see if this bike can prove itself with owners in the new year but I suspect we will be well into the summer before we see a lot of high mileage experience. It’s possible they took the revs out to 10k on the clocks to match the relative positions of the needles in 5th? That front wheel mark could of been from a puncture repair maybe. It’s looks great though and I think it will sell if they can actually produce them😮.
I agree with everything you have said.
Moto! Look more carefully. This is actually a Mahindra. It wears borrowed BSA tank badges. It weighs 470 lbs. If you are an experienced motorcyclist this last detail is all you need to know.
Subscribed because of this, need more super real reviews like this. There's no real praises sung by other reviewers cause deep down they know of these issues you've spoken of. Need more reviews!
I never wanted to bash it. I have been a BSA supporter, then I went to buy one and was offered this bike. I am now seeing FB posts from owners having cosmetic and electrical issues. How awful for them.
Awful indeed. If you still manage to get a new bike, do have another honest review on it !👍
@@Zandaia You got it. I cant be bought and I wont sell out to anyone.
Bmw also have plastic guards
My Yamaha also. Saves weight.
As do RE 650s. Plastic is sensible for mudguards because it wont rot.
@@ukbiker1631 I’m okay with them, I was just pointing it out in the video
There's the rub! A modern interpretation of an old, fast, temperamental classic bike that is nothing like the original - except at first glance. Thanks for an honest opinion, as I'm probably not the only one who has my doubts. Norton, anyone??
Trading under other company’s names and confidentially continuing to build and sell them under another company’s name shows their business style www.bikewale.com/news/karnataka-hc-restrains-classic-legends-from-using-the-yezdi-name/
Think i would buy 650 royal enfield
I’m with this
I don't care if it is based on another bike but from your pictures it looks like about 20% is shared with the Jawa 42 - probably the forks, headlight, electics, wiring loom and speedo, maybe the tank.
The frame is very different. At the front the BSA has an unpleasant curve forward above the radiator where it should be straight tubes. The Jawa engine is sloped forwards - all the cylinder head, crank and gearbox castings look different, The exhaust and capacity are very different from the Jawa, The gas flow and internal architecture may well be similar, obviously the side panels, wheels and exhaust pipes are different.
Pity to waste so much of your review on this point the new BSA "gold star" has as much in common with a Benelli Imperiale, a Royal Enfield himalayan, a Yamaha SR400 etc.
I think it has more Jawa in it than you realise. The engine is not shared as it’s a Rotax unit as used in the BMW 650 Funduro. It’s got so much Jawa in it that my bike ages I front of me as I rode it. Let’s both watch owner videos as they take delivery and put on the miles. I hope everything I have shown is related just to this one motorcycle. Also read the description for flaws I have not included in this video but might in the next… it’s all about educating potential buyers. This is 2022 not 1977
You would moan the rev counter looked odd if the numbers stopped at 7200 rpm, cars have had over zealous speedos forever and no one ever complaints and please stop calling it a gas cap, petrol is a liquid and the BSA cap is to one side of the tank the Jawa's is central, please sell the bike and get something else if you don't like it
Cheers Nick. I’m not comparing Speedo’s, I’m showing you the rev counter has no redline. All other motorcycles show a red line. This bike was just awful. The tank is the same as the Jawa, they just punched the filler hole in a different place. It’s even the same capacity as the Jawa tank. I stand by everything I’ve shown you.
Ok I have an RE Meteor and apart from the top speed being restricted which im sure will be put right by a re map in the fairly near future i have no complaints about welding or overall finish and an occasional clean is enough to keep it looking good, i have no paint issues and the finish is generally tougher than it looks, for less than 4 g’s i have no issue with the very good switch gear
Right now, I’d totally have a RE over a BSA. I’m hoping BSA up their game in the future. Looks like the early adopters of this brand all get poor finish.
Oil flinging off the chain, whichever side ..... standard motorcycle. Plastic mudguards, standard modern motorcycle, Need to drop down a gear or two before overtaking .... standard A2 motorcycle. Mirrors stalks need adjusting forwards .... standard motorcycle.
What could have been a good review with some good points is ruined by such nonsense.
I’ll admit I’ve left a few things in rather than being a scientific review. If you read my description, I’ve edited out the worst for fear of being seen as a BSA hater. Paint coming off, pitted frame, incorrectly aligned welds, and a serious handling issue. It’s serious. Other reviewers have met it also, yet they’d hint it’s tyres or suspension. I’ll save it for another video. See how your standard motorcycle stacks up.
Brilliant truthful video 🙂👍🇬🇧🏍
As you say, the whole point of the original Gold Star was that it was a fast bike; I think it’s a shame that they didn’t take this into consideration when making the new model and instead aimed at making it a budget brand. If it had a 1200 engine in it and was a direct competitor to the Bonneville I think I’d probably snap one up immediately.
Its important BSA improve product quality. Apart from a scrambler project its all going electric. Well never see a fast BSA again? Lets see
The problem is that nowadays you have to make a hard choice between whether you want a fast bike or a classic looking bike. By that I mean that back in the 1960's you could make a 650 single or twin that looked like these bikes do and it could be fast by the standards of the day. But today, if you want a bike to be a 650 like the original ones and if you want it to be a single or twin like the original ones and if you want it to look like the classic 1960 bikes did then it isn't going to be a FAST motorcycle by today's standards. So you have to make a choice. Do you want it to look like those bikes did and be a lot like them or do you want it to be fast by today's standards? So many people say they want these modern classics to look almost exactly like the old bikes did but then they complain that it doesn't run like a modern sport bike. That just isn't reasonable.
@@jlrutube1312 fully agree
If this bike had the performance of a 1200 Bonneville it's cost would also be creeping up towards the Bonneville. The new "BSA" probably realised that when they have zero reputation they can get away with a bike priced similar to some other less premium brands (eg: Royal Enfield) but if they priced it near Bonneville territory, people are just going to buy the Bonnie.
@@MrJulianneave fair comment
Not a bad bike but clearly overpriced, The RE seems a better option in every way.
A Royal Enfield does look like a much better proposition for price vs quality.
Won't be trading my RE 650GT in for one anytime soon.
Good call
I probably wont be trading my 650GT in ever, and certainly not for one of these BSAs.
@@ukbiker1631 I don’t blame you. I’m now looking at RE and I’ll be saving £££ the quality is far superior to the BSA I ride. And amazing UA-cam how to videos from RE
Jawa, Yezdi are crap I've been told by a few Indian riders they're crap.
I have seen Jawa vs Royal Enfield videos & R.E are slower but the Jawa vibrates & the fit & finish is shocking with gaps etc.Indian's will buy R.E or KTM also made in India over Jawa & Yezdi which aren't sold in the west I guess due to poor quality.I been telling everyone that the radiator & tank are from the Jawa parts bin since seeing BSA released glad someone pointed it out.I think that's why they used the Rotax engine as Jawa wouldn't be up to it.
I heard the same, that Jawa are struggling for sales because of poor quality finish. The frame on my bike is said to be a “Harris Frame” but it’s all pitted. I don’t believe Harris had anything to do with the misaligned welds or pitting. Either way, it’s going to sell like hot cakes. And buyers will just be happy they have two wheels and a BSA badge. I guess that’s how the world is now.
@@MotoTingle I thought Harris frames was bought by R.E.
Maybe BSA based on a Harris frame & BSA would do all their own welding.Lucky they went with Rotax similar to Mash using the Honda XR650 engine but licensed to Chinese company built in China.
Can't go wrong using legendary engines.I'd like to see a Mash 650 twin compared to a Interceptor,BSA & the Mash only weighs around 180-189kg compared to Interceptor 2013kg Interceptor & BSA.
Only thing we should do on seeing a mahindra product is to RUNNNNNN.... ESCAPEEEE
@@ruahinesrider I’m keen to see a Mash twin. Your right on the frames.
@@oblivion_007 feels like it so far. I hope they up their game
Great review which confirms my suspicions about this pile of parts from a failed Jawa
“Influencers” would have you believe it’s “watchmaker quality”. I feel for the many that are due to take delivery of their new BSAs in a few weeks time. Mine aged as I rode it. Plenty of folk in the comments section thinking their dealers gonna protect them from getting a lemon. Dreamers… I was so disappointed, my aim that day was to place my deposit on the first BSA in nearly five decades.
Not too sure about the Jawa comparison. The frame is different.
Modified
7000rpm for a big single is 'poor'? Sorry Alex, this review just shows although you have the Yamaha (great motor, I did a lot of km's on an early Tenere 660 (1990's). You are revving instead of torque surfing, that's what a big single is supposed to be for. That Rotax motor design has proven itself in the BMW & Aprillia singles. The thing I'd agree with you 100% is it looks like it;s a country lane cruiser/scratcher, and torque surfing that 650 single will be rewarding. I've owned a lot of Japanese bikes and regardless of the 'lower power' vibes, thump, slower revving design, I love my Moto Guzzi, it's a perfect back road cruiser/scratcher. The Beezer fits into the 'learner/restricted' licence systems, and i'm sure later on there'll be either easy tuning info, or a higher spec motor in the offing.
As an afterthought... I also have a suzuki C50T as my 'everyday bike' 240kg, 50bhp, 46ft lbs...it would be just like your thoughts on the Beezer, you have to plan overtaking, anything over 70mph you can feel the motor is revving and really, nothing much more to give... you simply adjust your riding to the bikes ability and enjoy it's individual performance.
I love this comment! Thanks for chipping in. I had the 1800cc Suzuki and though it was a great motorcycle to ride. On the BSA front, I get torque surfing, I really do. The Gold Star I rode felt underpowered and the brand new bike I rode was in a very poor state of finish, as many owners have contacted me and exclaimed their issues with fit and finish with no help with warranty. My aim this day was to buy a BSA Gold Star, after I had met this red one, my decision changed. There is also a long list of issues from trapped wiring looms, top end rebuilds due to low oil pressure, gearbox internals replaced, split oil tanks and what were now terming 'swing arm flex' which had had a few owners into tank slappers. So very pleased to see BSA have made some alterations to the headlight lens to alleviate them smashing. I am looking forward to noting any improvements when I visit the BSA stand at the NEC in two weeks.
Il be testing one in January not gonna say much about this review
We’ll see if what you say stacks up
Yes we need both sides of coin
The more experiences on this bike the better
I know people who have tested it and they loved it 😊
Il have a bash at it
All the best for Xmas 🎄
I have subbed to your UA-cam channel. Id be interested in your review and opinion! I dont hate the motorcycle. It rides fine. The finish was poor on this one.
No worries thanks
We need as many quirky or non quirky or top notch reviews anyway then at least we know what we’re looking at,
It did sound like you actually liked it I got that 😊
I shall be checking your comments out anyway just in case especially the exhaust and the fuel gauge
Obviously I am a fan of the machine but hey it’s worth checking out 😊😊
Some guy did a top speed run on this bike against the gps system which showed an error of 10 miles per hour on the speedo.thats a lot of error .
I saw that video. Lovely and flat (or slightly downhill) with a tiny lightweight rider onboard. He was beasting it!
@@MotoTingle very true
Sounds like an old Armstrong 500 , rather have my Enfield I am afraid, (one careful owner demo bike)
I’ve never ridden an Armstrong 500. But I did just search UA-cam. And I agree!
@@MotoTingle only Army bike I restored one a few years ago ,
@@tonymartin3780 I watched videos on them. Very cool
The original Gold Star was a street legal race bike, a horrible thing to commute London's wet streets on (but I had a mate who did just that back in the sixties). This new bike is no race bike, in fact I'm at a loss to know what it's intended for. I'll stick with my RE GT 650 twin, also no race bike but fast enough for me, very smooth and very pretty (but even after removing 23kg of excess weight still too heavy).
23Kg you have removed! That is impressive. I saved like mad to buy a BSA Gold Star, saving everywhere I could. Then went to the dealer to do the deal, got a test ride. Ill buy a Re650 and save money plus not have to deal with a handling issues others and I have experienced but no influencers are mentioning.
If you are realistic about performance and not trying to make unfair comparisons to a modern tech 600/650 jap bike or similar, the RE 650 is a great bike, far better looking IMHO than this BSA and significantly better value. Inevitably, the RE is the BSA's main rival and I really do think that BSA need to lower their prices to a decent bit below the RE 650s if they are going to compete beyond the first few deliveries to buyers who just want the BSA badge.
@@ukbiker1631 I’m compared performance it to a 10+ year old Yamaha 660. That’s got an engine from the 1980s
Show me a detailed parts list and I could tell you EXACTLY how many things I hate about it.
I know that dealerships are having warranty issues with the new Goldstar. Electrical mysteries and gearbox issues. Wait a couple of years, then buy one that's been sorted. Buyer beware.
Yes there’s some crazy stuff happening right now. A UK vlogger randomly crashed his and blames the tarmac. He’s just met swingarm flex 💪
Should be entitled ‘Things I hate about people who don’t know what they’re talking about’.
So I don’t know anything about motorcycles..?
@@MotoTingle well mate you don’t know how to even remove and replace a fuel cap.
@@neilfordham5790 I left it in for fun, the ride on the BSA was so grim, I had to find some humour somewhere. Turns out a few BSA owners have damaged their fuel tanks thanks to the cap being difficult to remove. They cant say they were not warned.
Center stand option? Doesn't come with one...
good honest review thank you
I’d like BSA to up their game. I’ve helped 9 owners to get warranty repairs that were initially denied. Headlight lenses rolling off down the roads… crazy issues that really shouldn’t exist. So for all the hate I’ve been given for this video, the my don’t see the work I’ve done to help owners. Gets bad when owners on forums are touting “1,500 trouble free miles”, like you’d never have this with any other brand.