2022 BSA Gold Star - first ride review & old vs new 

I work with an older gentleman who used to ride an original Gold Star in the late 1960s. After a series of more modern bikes, he managed to find and buy another. As you say, they are hard to ride and I don't think his really sees the light of day very often. However, it was a present to himself and a strong reminder of his younger days. It makes me happy when he talks about it and his antics in a bygone era of motorcycling.

When you hear an old Goldie it's magical. 🤩

My first motorcycle was a brand new 1962 BSA 350 single, bought in El Cajon California, a suburb of San Diego. I have been very partial to singles ever since and hope to shop this new 650 here in the Phoenix, Az. area . Enjoyed this post very much , Thank You.

The old Goldie was built for a time, where the traffic wasn't as maddening as it now. It does sound marvellous though. The new one doesn't sound bad either. Starting is definitely a pain, its a work in itself. Had one of those Royal Enfield Lean Burn with the manual compression, and boy the kickback can be brutal. Gives you machismo feeling, but its a pain when in stop and go traffic.

In their own contemporary literature, BSA were quite open about the Clubman Gold Star as not being suitable for road use.

Great review as always, Dave. Very informative. Sounds like a lovely bike!

Great video as always Dave. I'll take the old one but of course the new one's going to be much easier. I'll be curious to see how they do!

I love the look of the new BSA. I agree the single has more torque than the twin of the interceptor but what I disagree with is the interceptor doesn’t need man handling when cornering and certainly doesn’t feel heavy on the move. You say it isn’t a rival to the interceptor but then you compare everything against it. I hope it’s as popular as the interceptor as I'd love to see both on our roads in the UK.

It definitely looks like a motorcycle that can be a commuter or a base of something you can customise and grow with to make it look well, even more "classic". I'm interested to see what progresses with aftermarket parts, tune up kits and exhaust systems once these get out in the world. I'm sure there's a sleeping beast under all that emission gear.

The modern interpretation is definitely a huge upgrade. Reliability, economy, and performance leave the vintage BSA’s in the dust. In my youth I had ridden a 1970 Lightning. I wasn’t that experienced but between the right hand shift, poor brakes, and sour handling, the bike was a head-turner but terrifying to ride. I love vintage bikes but motorcycles truly have become so greatly improved over time. Cheers to your channel and review!

The technology in the modern bike makes it so much easier to use than a vintage bike. Electronic fuel injection, water cooling and a counter balanced motor make the new bike efficient and dependable for all riding conditions be it city or country. That’s the ticket. If these bikes can come close to Japanese dependability? It’s a winner!! Great video!!!

A very good review, Dave. I think anyone who says this is a hard sell is being unfair. You make it perfectly clear that it won’t be for everyone and that people should reserve judgement until they have actually seen and ridden one. The price seems reasonable too.

still not quite convinced but will defer judgement until I've ridden one. Think I would've prefered a twin, but then I'm a Meriden man at heart

Will remind you that the original goldie clubman was NOT recommend for road use! It's stated on the original sales brochure.I have

This has attracted a lot of whining, mostly people moaning that basically it's not the original... Some even suggesting that the channel has sold out to evil corporate greed 😲. There has been a lot of interest in this bike, so thanks for showing it.

So the last 30 seconds of the video pretty much says it all, 'test ride it and make up ya own mind' could have saved 13 minutes of paid sales pitch, or if not paid manufacturer pressure 😎

Mate excellent job at presenting this machine! I commend the developers and hope it sells well, I now have another bike on the list to buy 😉

Well, it uses the name Gold Star but is nothing like the old Gold Star at all, apart from being a single cylinder. The old one was specifically developed and sold for use in the Manx Grand Prix races that took place on the Isle of Man sometime in September, and was for amateurs, and was not part of the World Championships. Of course neither are the TT Races now, but they were, back in the day. I have ridden the old Gold Star. A friend of mine owned it and called it a Caveman's motorbike, and that is the best description of it, it is totally uncivilised but a joy to ride once you have started it. Starting was quite involved but provided you knew the procedure was fairly easy to do. I expect the new "Gold Star" is a very nice bike, but it is not a racer as the old one was.

The old one sounds sooooo good.

This sounded like you were making a lot of excuses for the bike. This is a direct rival for the Royal Enfield 650s, they managed to get an air cooled motor out and make it emissions compliant. Of course it's an easier daily ride than an old BSA, how does it compare with its main rival?

Can’t wait for this bike to come to the U.S. Cosmetically, BSA needs to re-do the radiator to look like what Triumph does on the Bonneville. On the BSA the radiator looks like it came off a Ford model T. One thing I really want to know about any review of a bike, what’s the maintenance interval, regular routine, and the major ones. What the general cost of ownership, mpg, etc… Will there be a Dealer network? Warranty? What brand tires are they starting out with? Accessories?

What the majority of people dont seem to understand is we like the hard work when we ride our BSA's. Thats the whole point! Its just as much about the process of starting it, keeping it started, collecting the bits that fall off during the ride, keeping it started in traffic, limping it home when it inevitably fails... BSA arent just a ride like some lame ass Harley.. Its a full on experience that forces you to know the quirks of your particular machine. That is the charm of these old bikes, and that is what will always be the best bit for me.KNOW YOUR BIKE.

Nice to see the bike compared to the classic. I don’t care for radiators on retro-styled bikes but that’s the future. It would not be a deal breaker, just a visual adjustment.

Love it, looks so much like the old one and keeps the modern additions very subtle. Think they could have done a better job blending in the radiator, the one fitted looks a bit like an afterthought. Sound way better without the baffle in, with it in it sounds a bit tinny and cheap.

Love the new BSA, hopefully it will be available in the Netherlands for a good price

My father used to talk about his 1954 BSA & how complicated it was to start it. Said it always started & he rode it up and down the east coast of the US, in 1958-59. I ride a Bonnie & a BMW GS

Best thing said in this video, "get out an try one", riding is so much more than what you can see an hear in a video, I know my bike sounds completely different when your actually on the machine, looking forward to see more reviews on the new Goldstar, that small change on the shielding of the exhaust is a good start, was hoping to see a smaller more triumph like radiator, but it looks and sounded great for a first review, loved the comparison to the old version, removed much of the nostalgia bias that any modern retro has to contend with.

If it's liquid cooled it's a thoroughly modern bike with a retro design. The truely retros are the Royal Enfields, Kawasaki w800, and some of the air-cooled Harleys!

Thanks for the review, very interesting snd look forward to seeing more on the Goldie!

The old 60's British bikes looked so "perfect" right out of the crate. The new interpretation of those classic motorcycles are probably way better functionally but they don't have the same appeal as a restored original for me.

Nice looking bike , but personally think the enfield engine finnsh is so much better , totally uncluttered and very clean and tidy . Bsa have took the easy option with the rotax engine. Will be reliable but the looks could possibly put some people off time will tell ...

Great review Dave Like it I have 4 Bsa’s Looking forward to seeing it in the flesh and testing it No negative comments from me at the moment 👍👍

Oh it sounds amazing, looks amazing and it must feel comfortable while riding as well 😍 love it.

Great review Dave👍 as usual honest spot on POV on the new BSA gold star 650...BSA has done a great job on the design and look trying it's level best to get as close as possible to the older models.Atleast their attempt to revive a dying iconic brand should be highly appreciated then to just find faults.I guess this is the best they could possibly do keeping the budget in mind and that's sensible not to go overboard on the price.I really don't mind it as an addition in my garage apart from my RE interceptor as both have different characteristics and heritage.A common misconception among people is when the price is high they ignore built quality ...but if it’s a value for money proposition they start finding faults and quality issues.Normal human tendency.....

When I was in high school here is the US I worked 2 jobs all summer long between my junior and senior year. I made and saved $900. That was just enough to buy and insure the new 1969 BSA 441 Victor Special that was on the showroom floor at the local BSA dealer! I rode that bike for 2 years and I loved it! Even when it took a chunk of skin and meat out of my right leg when I mis-cued on the compression release starting it! It was not as fast as the Kawasaki's my friends had, but it had the right mojo for me! The thump thump was a song that made me feel better after a bad day! Great bike!! JMHO.. 8) --gary

This may well prove to be a great bike, and any engineer in the market for a proprietary powerplant will tell you that Rotax make great engines. It may not be important to many people (I'm not even saying it should be) but what this bike doesn't have is any heritage whatsoever. There's a huge difference between "BSA" and arguably their biggest competitor Royal Enfield in this department. People love to say "Oh RE are Indian now, wish they were still British blah blah" but they are genuinely the same company they were when they started in 1901. The RE name was never up for sale, and there's a real family tree back to their first bike. BSA is just a name purchased and put on a new bike with no company lineage back to the original gold star. It doesn't even matter much really, but I think people should consider the bike in this context.

I can't wait until they come to the states! I think it will be a winner. Remember it's a brand new bike!

Took a close look at the Goldie at Colchester Kawasaki on Monday. Very nice and looks even better in the flesh. Will take one out when they launch them properly in a few weeks time apparently.

Thanks for adding the dyno chart, that gives a good idea about the engine performs

Looks a nice bike and I'll be interested to ride one if/when they arrive in West Australia. Pricing is going to be critical, however. Styling wise, I can live with the radiator; they are nothing new on motorcycles; Scott used them back in 1908 and retained them until the company closed in 1968, though some were built as late as 1978. Suzuki had a radiator on their 1971-77 GT750 Water Bottle. Of far more importance is how the bike feels and rides.

Great review and really enjoyed the comparison with the original, which is just gorgeous. From what I've read, an awful lot of time, skill and energy went into creating the new bike, and I would defo like to try one out, if they ever make it to Germany.

This thing looks so awsome! it s so great to finaly see it rolling!

I have an RE Interceptor 650. Also an old Bullet 500. Got the 650 because of the new Goldie's launch date seemed so vague with no news of dealers etc. I hope the production bikes have the BSA side panel lozenge logo attached vertical to the ground rather than to the side panel that slopes back. Minor point maybe but it 'bugs my eye' that detail!!!!!

We have to remember it is only a homages to the original on that I think its great .does not look as good or sound as good but modern is easier to live with and with my aging hips and knees I think it's a great bike

Liquid cooled, because of emissions, because of over heating ect, so exactly how do you explain the royal enfield Intercepter, air and oil cooling no problem, even in India! 🤔

Let's try to celebrate 🍾🍾🍾the revival of one the most iconic brand BSA for today and keep the criticism for another day...Try to get a ride on the BSA Gold Star🍻🍻🍻

Thanks for a review , finally 😀, I’m changing my mind again.

Several things which are for me issues. The sound is a bit tame but thats changeable. 12 litre tank would have been lovely if a 16 litre one for touring. The radiator is a tad ugly and maybe the seat height for taller chaps a bit low. And the other thing will be dealerships etc. Time will tell and will have to test ride. Am in the market for a new bike and have a soft spot for all things Brum related! But am leaning towards an Enfield as it stands. Ahh that reminds me no center stand.

Look at that old bsa go!! With all the vibrations and engine character must feel absolutely thrilling!

Just to be nit-picking. I would have liked to see the engine finning going all the way across like a Goldie, even if it was bolt-on. The sweep back of the header could be a little more like the Goldie, although I'm pleased to see the shielding has been reduced. Hope they make it over here in Australia, it'll be a worthy touring machine, as well as agreeably-priced. I like it....

I think they did a great job on the DBD inspired styling... guess I'll just have to get used to that radiator :)

Old Beezers have soul man ✌️❤

First thing I would do is pull off the badges, it's not a BSA, it's a Rotax engined, engineered Indian bike, I removed the badges from my Interceptor 650, now it rides much better......

Apart from the radiator, exhaust note and paint on the engine everything looks nice!

Great review. Straight to the point. No fluff. 👍

Just look at them, the old one was beautiful and sounds fantastic.

Nice review thanks

My guy is breaking into pieces at 2:10 must really love that baffle lmao .

If I have to choose between the two , I always pick a vintage classic , the sound the smell the idea that something can go wrong is what make the ride magical comparisons cannot be made, they are two completely different bikes, the new one is made for people who understand nothing about motorcycles, This is my opinion from an Italian rider who’s love British bikes🙌

I've had quite a few BSA motorcycles in my time but really fancied buying a Royal Enfield Interceptor. I sat on one at a bike show and felt the bike was lost beneath me as it's way to small for me so decided not to buy one. I don't know if the Gold Star will be any bigger, I will have to wait until I see one in the flesh. Good video, keep them coming.

When will the Goldstar be available in the USA?

I guess lot of riders are unhappy with the new BSA gold star 650 as it is not like to 60s model,but neither is Norton Commando 961 nor Triumph bonneville....not even the RE interceptor 650...we can't have the old character in the new ones as the norms have changed also handling the old ones and maintaining them is a pain....these are way more reliable modern machines with character and looks trying to be close as possible to the older ...so I guess we have to learn to accept the change and best part these new motorcycles are affordable and easy on new riders as beginner motorcycles.

I'm intrigued, amazed, delighted to read the expert views and opinions of so many people who have no intention of buying, yet feel entitled to suggest restrictions on what others should be able to do. Sadly, so many of the comments are also inaccurate. BSA as a company has never ceased to exist in UK and it's still there. It was last sold in 2016 to the current owners. The new bike is a Gold Star, simply because that is what it is called. (How many totally different cars did Ford call Cortina or Escort?) Sure, it's not a 1950s design, but it is a good stab at what BSA would be building in Birmingham, if Gov & management hadn't conspired to shut it down and if policy to create a service industry based economy hadn't been adopted. So it's made somewhere else, even though the design and engineering development was done here. So what? let's go somewhere else online for an informed discussion on why that might be? As for the engine, it's not the old Rotax engine previously used by various makers; it's a BSA engine derived from the Rotax with various modifications and updates. Do the detracters have any idea what it costs in $ and time to build a new engine suitable for production? As for the price, it's very keen, even in the light of the dodgy state of the £. Comparison with the Royal Enfield or Kawasaki or anything else is not valid, unless they are singles, or unless the purchaser/rider doesn't know enough to know and feel the difference. This report by Alex is sound and fair, given the limited exposure available. If you are not interested, it won't convert you, but if you might be interested, it should make sure you book a test ride. Keep Calm & Share the Joy

I owned BSA 500 plunger model 1949 and confirm till now no machine to compare it in durable and tough more than a decade that I used to drive around Thailand with happiness

Thanks for this! Like the concept and most of the finished product but £6500-7000 is a lot for what you can buy elsewhere

Nice to hear you view on it,yer I think it’s going to be a success👌

Excellent narration - great presentation 👍 😎 BMW also uses Bombardier Rotax engines on its thumpers. They’re highly reliable.

Wow....that old girl LOOKS GORGEOUS..and SOUNDS GREAT... .......new models are good too .........good report...

Finally! The real deal Arrives! Perfect timing I'm looking to replace my 2008 U.S spec 500 AVL Royal Enfield..I love singles.

I couldn't have a Goldstar. Keeping a Victor on the road had already proven a handful. I'm glad I waited. As an old guy on a fixed income in a third-world country, all I need to do now is hit the lottery. I know where slightly less than 7000 USD is going when I do.

Interesting review and well done BSA for getting rid of that horrible chunky exhaust cover. As you said it's built on a budget and looking at the switch gear and some other bits you can see that. I'll be sticking with my Kawasaki W800 which I personally think is the most genuine of the retro bikes and has a high build quality

I do like the look of the cut down exhaust. That looked super bulky on the first photos I saw. A set of ace bars and I think the BSA will look sharp. I'm surprised their isn't a clubman trim availableto be honest. Seems odd, but it's not too hard to sort. Good video , as always.

Excellent video. I like the new Gold Star. Some decades ago, I owned a BB34 Gold Star. I never kick started it. Too tricky, and potentially ankle breaking. Push as fast as possible with the clutch in. Jump on side saddle. Clutch out. Then clutch in while you, how shall we say "put your leg over". Then off you went.

The over all gearing depends on use. As other people have said, the video is a sales pitch and not completely honest. Different uses of the Goldie required different specs and to compare a racing bike with a lets face it a tourer and not exactly very quick either is silly. In fact one also has to realise that the new bike is also 50% bigger and yet slower. I have a Yammy 535 virago it is according to the blurb more powerful, more economic, faster and has many other things going for it. I had a new RE 500 for a couple of years, and that did not cut it either. I think that rebuilding one of my Yammies would be a better value for money!

Sounded like a sales pitch for the “new” bike! I’d have the old one every time,pick your roads/ journeys and you’ll be fine on it!

Great review from someone who knows his stuff. Brilliant.

Awesome Review 😌💖👍 I want a Gold Star Now!

It is a good thing they are pitching it abroad. BSA as a brand is more associated with a Bicycle brand in India. I used to ride one as a kid and it was called BSA SLR. I never had a motorcycle brand BSA in my horizon until Mahindra revived it. Norton on the other hand, when and if TVS comes out with a New Norton I am looking forward to

I have a 650 Enfield which I love but would certainly consider a BSA in the future.

Mmm big single more torque yes a bit, but also as with all big singles runs out of puff at the top 😉 55 Nm as opposed to the Intercepter 52Nm not a lot in it.

Excellent and well informed review of the new Gold Star, thank you. It’s an intriguing bike with positives and negatives. Can’t say I’m totally won over with the style and I think it’s slightly porky. Not fitting a centre stand and rear grab handle is not good and it sounds no better than the Hunter 350 with the baffles in place - but nice with them out. As I have previously said, the engine looks a corker, it rides, brakes and steers and has a two years warranty. Would I wish to part with my electric start Yamaha SRX 600? No, because it does everything and more I want from a 600 single.

Not too relevant to compare the new one w/ the old Goldie. More relevant to compare it w/ R.E. Interceptor. Anyway, attractive ride for someone looking for classic style, simplicity, etc. I do understand the need for radiator, but BSA should have taken cues from the newer Triumph 900's - those radiators are less obtrusive & they're contoured better to the frame. I look forward to a good, fair assessment of the new 650 soon...

Thanks for the review! Do you know if it will be exported to France?

I wonder who the target buyer is. Younger guys would never have heard of the original BSA Gold Star, and guys that actually rode them in the 1960s would be around 80 by now. Still, there’s plenty of retro Enfields and Triumphs around I suppose. I’m 72 and it wouldn’t have enough power for me, that’s why I love my Z900RS lol.

Great to finally see more of this bike. Two things for me is surely they could have designed a better cleaner looking radiator. And if they went to the trouble of making it water cooled, then why not more power and torque so it would sit better with the competition? But I will reserve final judgment until I see one up close

THE SOUND IS BEAUTIFUL !!!!! ;-))

I read a few motorcycles books and they all mention that the BSA Gold Star DBD34 was the best handling motorcycle in the 50s and mid 60s.

This sort of highlights why the name was not a great fit (other than for marketing - where it was). One is a lovely (really) gentle and easy commuter/tourer for everyone - and the other one is a road-capable expert-level race bike. It's kind of like re-releasing the Lightning as a chopper - it makes no sense. It's the exact opposite of what it was. I get it BSA - name recognition, and nobody will buy a new retro race bike for the track (or at least not enough for mass production), but the name, ahhhh the name ... If they used "G-Star 2" or "Gold GT" or something ... Anyway, to end on a happy note - this looks like a lovely bike and congrats to BSA.

Can't beat that sound of the old Goldstar, yes I agree with other comments that this is really on about selling the new one., but shouldn't really compare the old v new.

Good review, as you said modern bikes have to be lean burn, so many suffer low speed engine stuttering and surging, what was the BSA like at walking pace?

I still prefer the Royal Enfield engine looks much nicer.

its silly to compare the Rotax Gold Star to the original. The race equipped Gold Star from the 1960's was a race bike. Using milder cams, 389 Monobloc carb and a standard ratio gearbox makes it perfectly fine for normal road use. I've raced 1950's BSA's with the vintage racing club and they are fine on the track. I've also ridden standard 1950's BSA's on the road. They are fine - especially when you remember how old they are. The starting procedure is not a problem and is not difficult, just a characteristic of the bike. Theres a bloke, in his 70's, on our road has an original and takes it out regularly in the summer. Sounds great. Obviously if you want a modern bike with all its pampering features buy one, but you can't compare them to the original classics.

For preventing engine overheat I used Bardahl 2 tiny can with #40 engine oil 500ml for it

Fabulous that BSA is being produced again. Very welcome addition to the range of retro bikes available. Pointless to compare with the original Goldie... May just as well try to compare a new iPhone with a 1950s telephone.

My BSA was able to drive in the very traffic jam in Bangkok it was reliable engine and tappet noise looked so loud when it ran at high speed but it made funny to go with it's

The new bikes look nice, slightly thinner mudguard would look better. But the old Gold Star sounds so so much better!

I like the new Gold Star and imagine it will become a success sales-wise, but at some point I would love to try out an old bike like the original just to see whether I could master the starting process.

The new one is a modern B33. Low powered, run of the mill performance and ride all day ease. The husqvarna vitpilen is the modern equivalent of a Goldstar.

In 1968 I was ready to buy first proper motorbike. Looked at BSAs and all a could see were big clunky machines that leeked oil. I chose a honda cb250.....good decision. Got a cb1300s nowadays. Runs like a dream.

Side by side the new golden looks shorter than the old - or is it an illusion of the camera angle. Great video- good the see the comparison.