Is the Gold Star just another retro classic
My first impression was the BSA Gold Star 650 Legacy has to be one of the best looking retro classics on today’s market. It has certainly captured the classic stance along with some impressive nods to the BSA’s of old.
I currently own a 1960 BSA A7 shooting Star and a 1978 Triumph T140 v, so classic motorcycling is in my blood, it is a passion and has been for over 40 years of riding.
BSA A7 shooting Star barn find video
I think what BSA have achieved is not a retro copy, but a modern classic style motorcycle to keep up with popular demand, like many surviving car manufacturers, keeping up with trends is paramount, if you rest on your laurels, you are finished !
Let’s take Royal Enfield for example, a once dead mark, now resurrected from the flames, thanks to modern thinking.
And I really hope BSA has the same success.
The BSA Gold Star power plant
It’s rare to have a 650cc single cylinder these days, this is another feature that sets BSA apart as there is an overwhelming choice of big classic twins.
The Gold Star uses a liquid cooled Rotax engine
Rotax is an Austrian company and have been in production for years, boasting engines for BMW, Suzuki and many top Go cart racing set-ups.
However, this Rotax design needed further attention to pas Euro 5 regulations, hence the dreaded CAT the size of a small washing machine motor nestled in the engine cradle.
Exhaust and De-Cat
There are a few options on the market to De-Cat the exhaust system, some people choose just to remove the secondary baffle to give that big single sound.
Engine reliability + More
The BSA Gold Star has been out just over 3 years, there have been some reports on the socials about head gaskets, wiring issues, engine stalling and other minor complaints.
Personally I wouldn’t subscribe to the horror stories, based on the thousands sold, you only hear about the bad points on social media.
Real world riding who will the BSA Gold Star appeal to?
This is where it differs from the original Gold Star from the 1960s, it’s a different market. The original Ton up boys favoured the Gold Star whereas today’s rider will choose the new Gold Star based on looks and real world riding.
Suffice to say I think the new Gold star 650 will appeal to the older generation, who want classic motorcycling with modern benefits, such as an electric start, good lights and a service network, while still looking amazing from every angle.
BSA Gold Star 650 Legacy top of the range
The BSA Legacy is the top of the range, I find it the most appealing with the chrome mudguards and added bling, I was a little disappointed with the fuel tank chrome, it looks a little dull and not as smooth as traditional chrome like on my A7 Shooting Star, perhaps it is a decal. I don’t know !
BSA Gold Star 650 on the road
Riding the Gold Star brings everything together, its gears are smooth, the clutch is featherweight, the whole riding experience was like a magic carpet ride compared to my other bikes.
Handling and brakes
The bike felt very planted on all types of surface, although the suspension complained on potholes. The Brembo brakes front and rear has a progressive feel to them, it is nice to know you also have ABS.
The exhaust had a lovely snarl on acceleration, but sadly it didn’t have the classic Gold Star whistle / flutter on the over run.
Euro 5 update
My bike did cut out twice at junctions in 5 days of riding, at the time I had no idea why, it started again with no issues.
Having asked some questions on Lumpy Carbs BSA Gold Star Facebook group I was told my bike needed an update to Euro 5 plus.
This ECU update would apparently sort out some minor issues including the stalling.
To date I have not had this done.
BSA Gold Star 650 it’s early days but …..
I have to say in the short time I have been using the Gold Star it has really grown on me, compared to my other classics, it is a machine I could confidently cover a lot of miles on with confidence.
It would be nice to have more dealer networks in the UK, I am based in Hampshire and the nearest is 1 1/2 to 2 hours away, great for a ride out if the weather is nice, but it poses a problem getting home if you leave the bike with them for servicing etc.
You can see my full Skill School video Review here
