BSA Goldstar 650 retro motorcycle spied in India: Should you be excited?

Days ago, a spyshot of the BSA Gold Star hit the internet, driving people to wonder whether the 650cc motorcycle will be launched here as a Royal Enfield Interceptor challenger. Well, the answer to the question is yes, and no. While the BSA (Birmingham Small Arms) Gold Star 650 currently being tested in India is meant for international markets, there is a possibility of the motorcycle being launched here sometime in the future. So, if you’re waiting to bring a India-made BSA Gold Star 650 home in the immediate future, don’t. The bike’s not launching here anytime soon.

Image courtesy ZigWheels

Now, for some history…

The BSA Gold Star is a legendary name among English motorcycles. Classic Legends – the same people who’ve revived the Jawa and Yezdi brands – own the rights to build and sell BSA branded motorcycles in India and the world. The first motorcycle to roll out from a resurrected BSA brand will be the Gold Star, a motorcycle that went out of production about 50 years ago. Notably, the Mahindra group owns 60 % of Classic Legends.

Also read: BSA Motorcycles unveil Gold Star 650: Will Rival Royal Enfield 650 Twins

Coming back to the Gold Star…

Back in the day. the Gold Star was sold with 350cc and 499cc engines, and top-of-the-line models could nudge the 100 mile (161 Kmph) mark, making the Gold Star one of the fastest motorcycles of its time. Then BSA – like much of the British motorcycle industry – fell upon hard times, and shut shop. The brand, which once owned Triumph, remained dormant for decades before Classic Legends decided to pick it up for Rs. 28 crore sometime in 2016.

After 6 years, Classic Legends is now ready with the all-new Gold Star, a motorcycle that features a big, single cylinder engine that displaces 652cc. This motor has been developed by engine specialist Rotax, and makes 45 Bhp-55 Nm. To keep with the times, the motor gets twin overhead camshafts, a four valve head, liquid cooling, fuel injection and a twin sparkplug ignition. The gearbox is a five speed unit. There are hydraulic disc brakes on both wheels with dual channel ABS while suspension is handled by telescopic front forks and twin rear shock absorbers.

Want to know more about the Gold Star 650? Well, check this video out.

The 2022 BSA Gold Star 650 weighs a considerable 213 kilograms, and is aimed squarely at the modern-retro motorcycle market abroad. The accessible seat height of 780mm should make it a great option for the Indian market as and when Classic Legends decides to launch it here. Globally, competition for the Gold Star 650 will come from the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 – a roadster that’s already on sale. In the UK, the 2022 BSA Gold Star is priced about 10 % higher than the Interceptor 650. The 2022 BSA Gold Star is built in India, at the Mahindra Two Wheelers factory in Pithampur, Madhya Pradesh.

Also read: Modified Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500 motorcycle from Eimor Customs look beautiful

Days ago, a spyshot of the BSA Gold Star hit the internet, driving people to wonder whether the 650cc motorcycle will be launched here as a Royal Enfield Interceptor challenger. Well, the answer to the question is yes, and no. While the BSA (Birmingham Small Arms) Gold Star 650 currently being tested in India is meant for international markets, there is a possibility of the motorcycle being launched here sometime in the future. So, if you’re waiting to bring a India-made BSA Gold Star 650 home in the immediate future, don’t. The bike’s not launching here anytime soon.

Image courtesy ZigWheels

Now, for some history…

The BSA Gold Star is a legendary name among English motorcycles. Classic Legends – the same people who’ve revived the Jawa and Yezdi brands – own the rights to build and sell BSA branded motorcycles in India and the world. The first motorcycle to roll out from a resurrected BSA brand will be the Gold Star, a motorcycle that went out of production about 50 years ago. Notably, the Mahindra group owns 60 % of Classic Legends.

Also read: BSA Motorcycles unveil Gold Star 650: Will Rival Royal Enfield 650 Twins

Coming back to the Gold Star…

Back in the day. the Gold Star was sold with 350cc and 499cc engines, and top-of-the-line models could nudge the 100 mile (161 Kmph) mark, making the Gold Star one of the fastest motorcycles of its time. Then BSA – like much of the British motorcycle industry – fell upon hard times, and shut shop. The brand, which once owned Triumph, remained dormant for decades before Classic Legends decided to pick it up for Rs. 28 crore sometime in 2016.

After 6 years, Classic Legends is now ready with the all-new Gold Star, a motorcycle that features a big, single cylinder engine that displaces 652cc. This motor has been developed by engine specialist Rotax, and makes 45 Bhp-55 Nm. To keep with the times, the motor gets twin overhead camshafts, a four valve head, liquid cooling, fuel injection and a twin sparkplug ignition. The gearbox is a five speed unit. There are hydraulic disc brakes on both wheels with dual channel ABS while suspension is handled by telescopic front forks and twin rear shock absorbers.

Want to know more about the Gold Star 650? Well, check this video out.

The 2022 BSA Gold Star 650 weighs a considerable 213 kilograms, and is aimed squarely at the modern-retro motorcycle market abroad. The accessible seat height of 780mm should make it a great option for the Indian market as and when Classic Legends decides to launch it here. Globally, competition for the Gold Star 650 will come from the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 – a roadster that’s already on sale. In the UK, the 2022 BSA Gold Star is priced about 10 % higher than the Interceptor 650. The 2022 BSA Gold Star is built in India, at the Mahindra Two Wheelers factory in Pithampur, Madhya Pradesh.

Also read: Modified Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500 motorcycle from Eimor Customs look beautiful