Just took delivery of mine two days ago, very pleased with it and worth the wait. Red one and looks the part, people say they don’t look like the old ones, how can they, except for an ornament.
That's great Dryden. Please do stay in contact. I'm intrested in the long term ownership. It's a lovely ride with nice power isn't it. Congrats and enjoy it👍👏👏🍻
I'm really confused by some of the glowing reviews on you tube about how this bike looks...I went and saw one at a Dealers last week and close up it looks SOOOO cheap...the engine casings look cheap and tinny, then they have STICKERS on the engine casings! Sitting on it the seat felt like it had no padding at all, the switch gear looks very cheap ,the usb charging pod is HORRENDOUS and really has no place on that bike and then there is that MASSIVE radiator,...I wanted to love this bike so much but if you put it next to an Interceptor imo it falls way short..my other concerns are 1. The rotax engine, yes it has been used on a previous BMW bike but I remember reading that there were loads of problems with it 2. The Dealer network/support, currently they are few and far between ...I urge anyone who is thinking about one of these bikes to not only test ride one but get up close and look at the details...I thought you raised alot of valid points 👍
Thanks Sean. I agree with some of your points however I'd like to put a slant on it. First the stickers to me are OK, My NC750X has stickers as does my BMW R850R. My Honda NC seat was awful and uncomfortable, yes there isnt a lot of padding on the BSA but it is comfortable / USB pod could be useful to some but badly implemented with the plastic door hinge I must admit/ dealer network isnt great I must admit, but early days to be fair? The dealers they do have seem to have good back up and not like its back street garages/ the Rotax engine is totally new , it shares nothing with the crappy F650 engine so its all good there. Details are debateable , but would you want to pay another 3k to get it to Triumph standard? I wouldn't but I may take one of these for 6.5k . For me I'm not so much about the details but the overall price and ride and they implement that really well on this one, not to mention the great power. Infact the Intercepter has stickers too I think...... Thanks for your input there , its good to hear your thoughts, and again they are very valid. I think it could be a thing of expectations here. Thanks E.R
@exeter rider yes yr right about the engine being different so I guess only time will tell with this one, it just doesn't fill me with confidence..the Interceptor doesn't have stickers on the engine casings though and to me looks much more "authentic " ...Great review though buddy, imo yr the best reviewer out there 👍
Ha, not sure if you have seen me kick starting the classic 500 or getting locked in a boat yard , the sailing boat ,,,,,and there is more to be released soon lol . I'm such a clutz lol Thanks sean : )
You are the first I've heard to compare it Royal Enfield 500, fair to me. I could see it my garage if I already did not have the Royal Enfield Classic 500. One bike in this class is enough and besides they don't sell them in America yet. My MZ sidecar had a 500cc Rotax engine too. Excellent review my friend.
Thanks FCCR. That says a lot coming from you. I thought I may get some flack for putting it next to the 500 classic, but the Intercepter is so different. Like the 500 classic, its great to ride but has a lot more poke and get up and go to the bike. Still a joy to ride like the 500. Euro regs killed off the 500 classic here sadly but this one fills that gap although the 350 classic is close it lacks the get up and go feel. Did you get on OK with the Rotax? I know they had issues with the F650 BMW engine but I dont hear much else about them.
Great review. Thank you. I think this looks fantastic. A few details seem compromised like that USB port cover which as you say will be unlikely to last, but overall this seems like a fabulous choice for the money for someone looking for a retro style bike that rides well. I understand people's uncertainty over the unproven quality and small dealer network but I'm dumbfounded by so many negative comments on it given its price point.
You and me both Robert. To be Frank, I think people name been spoilt for so long with Japanese quality that it's become the bench mark. The people who say about the quality are normally the type that won't spend another 3k on a Triumph, so you can't win really sometimes. Thanks for your time watching. E. R
Rotax also have been manufacturng light aircraft engines for several decades. They're generally recognised as the best in the very light end of aviation engines.
Can Am has at least a 450 single in the Outlander. They use other Rotax engines too. And, the Ski Doo and Lynx snowmobiles and Sea Doo water Scooters have Rotaxes... I heard the story about KTM (in the early -90:ies) having the engine designer from Rotax and he might be the reason those engines are close looking close to Rotaxes.
Great review on a stunning looking bike this bike is a back to basics bike and that's why I LOVE it none of that fancy tech that you really DO NOT need, I grew up with BSA's in the 60's my older brother had a 1959 650 SUPER ROCKET he bought it in 1969 when I was 10 he use to take me out on it on the back and that was me hooked on bikes, what a real shame there is no BSA dealer in Aberdeen as I would love to take one out for a blast
Thanks SB, Its a nice ride, as I say its the closest thing you can get to a 500 classic, but its got more go! Not to say thats a good thing because its all part of the classic 500 but having that bit more is nice.
Had a 1969 BSA Lightning Free Style Cafe Racer. A 150 m.p.h. honest to goodness road bike according to the police. That was a day to remember for sure. It was a screamer- blue flame shooting out the TT straight pipes. Nice to see the BSA back on the streets. Back in the 60s, they were the hot ticket to ride, and a lot of riders got tickets too.
yes , other vloggers say it feels a bit quicker than the re 650 , motor sounds good and is smooth , mirrors =[ 0 out of 10 , glad you like it and a good ride around ..
Nice one ER, had it been available when i tried and disliked the Meteor, that single donkey would have won me over! As for Rotax, Iv'e had them in-front and behind me in aircraft, they were ali 2 strokes but the bees knees, and now the 4 strokes are the Worlds top selling light aircraft engine! You do show some cheap looking stuff on the bike, who cannot get mirrors right after all this time, and the quality certainly aint up with the RE which we all thought was too cheap when they started out over here! Top tip, don't keep one near Dawlish, that salt spray will soon wither it away!!!
Thanks DD, I didn't know you were a pilot, much more fun than biking!! Yes Rotax have a good name but in the motorcycle world ,they have made a couple duffers like the F650 engine....I have ridden that and it was pretty rubbish , however this Rotax does seem really sweet. And it runs well, with very nice power. I enjoyed my time with it. I wondered why all of those cars along the sea front had no footwells.
I have heard of others saying this, but no it's not. It's a totally new engine just for this BSA. Is a rumor that started and became a buzz word. Im quite sure in right in that.
Sorry late to the party but ,just got to test ride it recently, looks great ,its got ample torque more than classic 500, great ergonomics, decent fit and finish to the price point, managable vibes, but one thing i really appreciate the Classic 350/500 engines dont start knocking at higher gears at lower revs as much as the BSA does , n stalls at times, like the KTM singles do, that is where Royal Enfield singles differ n outshine. Rode back to back with the Classic 350 which feels like a charm although its just a little single. Cheers
@exeterrider Looks like it better to wait and watch and see how BSA does in future, as of now I too have the Interceptor and Bullet 350 which I'm really happy with, Thanks and Cheers
I can’t believe mine will be a year old 1st March 24. I very rarely buy brand new (this is bike 48 if you include the early mopeds and a few electrics), and it’s a keeper. I watch Royal Enfield trying to reinvent their 650 twin to add new markets and owners but nothing brings the same feeling as the first Interceptor did. And it will be the same with the Gold Star, only it’s even better.
Really interesting review, wasn't too impressed when I first saw it but it has been growing on me. As you said I hope they do well and I do agree it's all about the engine, hopefully will do well! Thanks again for an excellent review, take care and ride safe mate 😁🖖🏼
This is a bike that has drawn me in slowly. Not sure I could have it as my only bike but I have a scratch to itch in the form of a single cylinder bike and this bike might just fit the bill.
Got to see you on my TV! Larger then life. Looked good. Wish you would have said Kawasaki along with RE and BSA. I think they are very similar, except for price. Which I got mine for 6900 dollars
Hi LOY, Yes I did think of the W800, but that hasnt been avaliable here for 3 or 4 years now sadly. Its a shame because the W800s are such good bikes and proper retro without making it obvious that its a retro,the finish of them are also impeccable. Kawasaki prices here are at the top of the tree here and were always a tad overpriced so Triumph filled that spot but I say the W800 was as good or infact a better bike. Saw me on T.V, and you thought Freddie Kruger was scary!, Infact I think he had more hair than me. Thanks LOY
A really good review of the new Gold Star. The weight & the looks of it are for me. I'll just have to start saving to buy one. Many thanks for the insight. Kind regards, John.
Another point that often gets missed in these so called reviews is the fact that it's a dry sump engine with the oil tank behind the right side panel, surely a point of interest to the bike riding community.
Is it Ok, thats fair enough, not something I'd be intrested in but reality is there is only so much you can get into on a video. Its got to be a core points or people dont watch. 4 hours of footage down to 20 minutes is tough
One of the more thorough Goldstar reviews I have seen so far Exmouth ! I'm sure that anybody who does buy one, will not be disappointed, it seems like it is a nice ride, buying one just feels like a bit of a leap of faith to me at the moment. Let's hope that Mahindra stick at it and support their product and this brand long into the future !!! We need a global dealer network, decent reliability and decent spares support in the years to come. If they do deliver on that then I'll be interested to see what they come up with next. I believe that a scrambler version of this bike is in the planning, which might be fun for gentle trail riding ! Nice one Exmouth ! Cheers buddy, El Outro 😉
I'd be very interested on your thoughts on it ER if you ever get a go on one. Being a expert in this style bike and with plenty of experience, I think you could cast some good views on it. Although they are not going to France for quite some time but if they do land have a go. I really did enjoy the way it rode and it had the same feel as the classic 500 but with more opphh. Thanks for watching ER, El outro always E.R
I have an RE 500 classic. I love it. I hate it. I love the looks, the sound the seating position. I hate the punitive vibrations above 50MPH. My dream bike would be a smooth running RE 500 with 5 more horsepower and better brakes. Well, this looks just like that. I bought an Interceptor 650 and it is smooth and capable... and boring. The foot pegs make me crazy, always banging my shins into them at stop.
Yes I know what you mean there. One thing I can say is I didn't get the impression I would get bored of riding the BSA. And it really is like the 500s to ride but better. Thanks E. R
I own a 650 RF Interceptor and ill just say at first glance i wasn't a huge fan of this bike after seeing the watter cooled system on the show room floor on a video. Saying that i believe it is growing on me, I don't see whats so negative about it. The big thing now is the price over the RF Int?. Your 100% correct imo about the RF Classic 500 being the closest to compair with it. The Goldie has a low maint cost as well. Its over all a nice looking and definitely a nice sounding bike. I can't talk too much untill ive sat on one and taken it for a ride. I know i will smile for sure, Who couldn't? . It will be great to see a few around Australia one day. A great candidate for modern trials riding with some knobbies on there. Maybe find one day a repairable statatory write-off or a cheap one tbat can't be registered and turn it ingo an off road 2 wheel tracktor.
Bloody hell mate what a review, Ticked all the boxes there, have forwarded this on to my mum She owns 2 original dbd34 goldstar 500's Sure she will enjoy watching this as she ran the goldstar owners club for years Can still remember 15 goldies parked outside her house on the meeting nights and annoying the neighbours when they all fired them up at 9pm Great job mate spot on.
Great value retro bike.......I would like to borrow one on a sunny Sunday and head out through the countryside in search of a cream tea! Thanks for the review.
Nice review of what appears to be a nice bike. I can imagine it with 21"/18" wheels, ally mudguards and tank, single seat with luggage rack, footrests nearer the swing arm pivot ..... .... What a lovely retro Green Laner that would be! 😁😊
Just re watched your review. Excellent and i agree with most of your thoughts. Test rode the actual bike in your video and enjoyed so much more that I ever expected to. After seeing my first Legacy Silver one at Bridge last week, I think I'm seriously tempted to put down my deposit this year. This model really lifts the look of the whole bike. OK the USB bit is ugly but so is my aftermarket one on my Classic500. Thanks again. Peter
Hi Peter, Thanks. Yes as you know I did enjoy the bike. I still want to know what the engine will be like. I heard that there is a facebook page and people had a couple of teething issues. The quality of the SOLD bikes at our dealer the other day seemed much better than the demo we tried. The USB door hinge was my issue , rubbish hinge on it and in time it will get weak and fall off I think. Not forgotten our meeting. After those 2 big issues, now my father-in-law is unwell so going through those motions now! Hopefully thats it now! Hope your well mate
For me, the BSA gives you something different. The finish on my demo bike wasn't as good as the RE. But I prefer the power delivery of the BSA and its quirks. Let me know how you decide👍🍻
Thanks for this, I did chuckle at the side stand indicator lamp, how ever did we manage 😊 The effort you put into these 👍 Been hearing good things about Bridge cafe, and I do like frothy coffee soooo....
coffees on me if your ever around feel free to leave your helmet on so no one notices. Yes we managed before without sidestand lights when we right high sided over the bars. Dint do it again.
Nobody has compared it to the Mash 650 XTrail which is reminiscent of the XT500 it always seems to be BSA v Royal Enfield, the XTrail is more off road but I think it deserves a mention if it’s a big single you are looking for and it’s a grand cheaper.
Thing is Mash are stuck in the corner. I don't have anywhere close to me that still mash so until they get their dealership network sorted then I wouldn't want to add that as a comparison because no one knows who or what they are. That's the only reason 👍
@@exeterrider Thank You sir. Yes, I want to purchase one. CAN'T WAIT !!! But I will test ride one first! - I believe we will not see one before 2024, for sure. No importer, no distributor, as yet. Regards.
I like the shrouded fork stanchions, no having to wipe off dead insects in summer and they won't perish, as can happen with gaiters. Also, even with just a 5 speed gearbox, the MPH per 1000 RPM are nigh on the same in top as my 6 speed 1000cc Suzuki V twin, so a quite relaxed gait for a mid sized bike. The sole thing I think I'd have liked to see would be that the rifle emblems are etched, rather than stickers. A black bike would be my colour of choice.
Yes many have said about the stickers. That being said it didnt really cause me a issue because my Honda and BMW also are stickers so its the same thing and they have never peeled of and look kinda OK... I expect in time there will be after market etches that could sort that. Thanks for watching.
Whats not to like ! It looks great, and what other Bike has the Character or the Single big Thumper of a 650cc engine ! They have a character of their own ! It truly stands out on its own and doesnt need to be compared to anything because there isnt ANYTHING like it out there ! If all you can concern yourself over is the Rad then you really have lost the point, there will porbably be a substiture in the future anyway if you are bothered ! Just Enjoy that fantastic Character of that Single Cyclinder which you cant get anywhere else ! Best Regards !
Well said, I totally agree, I you pick fault with this bike then your missing the whole point of it. Secret really is for people to ride it first then comment really. Thanks for you time watching : )
Interesting review, interesting bike, I like what you say about the engine, it sounds like my sort of power delivery, my RE Interceptor is a bit buzzy and not torquey enough on the road. Comfort also sounds better. I may buy one.
Great review. I have always liked big singles and loved my RE Classic 500. Was considering the new 350 but I’m a big lad so felt it might be a bit underpowered. This could be just what I’m after bit more go and more space -if they ever get to Western Australia.
I honestly don't see anything wrong with it. If all you find disappointing is a USB cap 😄, thats nothing. I don't have one at all. I really like the exhaust shape and material. Stainless I'm assuming? The mirrors look a bit crappy. But some bar ends could take care of that I'd say. What was the rim material? Steel or alloy? And I'm assuming stainless spokes. Obviously it costs much less to produce a single. So that's probably the price difference too. But all in all, it seems just fine. Thanks for the review 👍👍
@@exeterrider True ! Once you get out of Sydney’s craziness ( like LA) ....Actually where you are in the home counties is great with all the small back roads ...as a postscript I bought the RE 500 ( your vid on it was great ) and loved it, but had to sell because the vibes through the bars were too much - this looks to have solved the problem without losing the grunty low down torque which I miss now with the Interceptor...keep up the great vids
Your right Tom , it has the poke and lack of vibes we all wanted from the 500 classic.....did you ever see the video of me kick starting the classic 500? worth a watch : )
Hopefully they set up a decent dealer network and the bike is a success although they have their work cut out trying to match RE's head start. My only criticism is that the USB ports are ugly. It would have been better if they had been able to tuck them under the bars rather than on top. I think I am used to the radiator already and I have never even seen the bike in the flesh yet ! I certainly prefer the BSA rear light to the prolapsed rectum that blight the Enfield 350/650 🤮
I really enjoyed this ER, your reviews are a nice mix of technical and opinion with some unique points made. I rushed my BSA video out and it was really just an hour test ride, this was more in depth and covers a lot of details. I liked the video but I'm already subscribed 😊
Yours was fine mate don't worry, as you know its not easy doing this stuff and a lot of it comes down to how long you get the bike for and the people who I borrowed from know that the longer we get a bike the better the vid which will benefit them. I have been where you are, and youre doing great. Don't ever feel like your not good enough. I think your smashing it. Keep working hard.
@@exeterrider That's a lovely comment, thank you for the support and motivation. Means a lot especially from yourself. Hope you have a lovely Christmas and New year... Cheers, Sean
I have conflicting friends on this subject, politics ,religion,cream first or last I'm staying away from. I can see them walking over the Tamar bridge to battle!
I'd say that there isn't a bike you can compare the BSA to. Certainly not the RE Interceptor as it's a twin. And not the Classic 500 as that's a much smaller engine. I like a flat seat. One of the reasons I bought my SCR. Rotax engines are brilliant. My ''car'' is a Can-Am F3-S trike. It has a Rotax 1330cc triple. Superb engine. If you like the look of the BSA, there's a lot to recommend it. I'd bet the engine will be alright. I wouldn't buy one, though. Thorough review.
Thanks, Yes I am quitely optimistic about this engine. As with all things people only remember the "duffer" and not the 100s of other good engines Rotax have made. Yes the engine capacity is alot more powerful that the RE500 but the ride was much the same I found. Thanks as ever mate
Such a lovely honest looking bike and the history is awesome 👏 Those clocks would definitely take some getting used to 😂 It looks very low to the ground, I’d do my back in bending over to push it around 😂 Ooo that exhaust note is thumpy indeed 🤘 It has Brempo brakes? Love that, it’s like a sports bike 😎 £6500 for a 650cc well presented motorcycle is a good deal in my books. Great honest review fella, really enjoyed it. Hope you’re doing well mate, stay safe🤘
Yeap they do lack oppph which is what the 500 Classic had, the BSA would have been a good fit if it was out at the time I think. T100 are great though so good choice.
I've been looking forward to your review of this, fabulous. I really, really like this bike. First big bike? In two years the dealer network and parts should be sorted out, so probably. Reminds me of my dad's bike when I was little. 😊
I think it may still be a little high for you perhaps Lilly? but manageable I'd say. I know you like the Triumphs, but they will be heavy ....I really think this could be good middle ground....and I know you would enjoy it, its a nice ride you would really get to like this bike a lot I think.
Nice bike, makes a change from all the Adventure & Chinese bike crap you normally test.Well done. It's not a Peashooter silencer It's based more on the old Goldie silencer.
A very interesting and informative review, ER. In the mid 60's I rode a friend's DBD34. That model was really a road dressed track bike with an extremely high first gear which was no friend to the clutch. It was also quite a small machine. I wish the new BSA luck but somehow I don't think this new Gold Star will be a runaway success.
Hi Jim, thats really good you got to ride the original. In my history lesson at the beginning I did mention about the DBD34 having the VERY high 1st gear but I cut it out because I didn't want it to go on too long on that section. I'm on the fence with it. they have taken far too long to shove it out and peoples interest in it (of which there was loads in the beginning) is slowly coming off the boil. They need to get this bike stocked yesterday! I enjoyed riding it more than I thought I would do , and its short falls are fine with me considering cost, however I think its a tad niche with the way the looks are so very classic. It must be strange for you to see it go full circle. Great to have your input as ever Jim , Thanks
l am from that period. l rode pillion on a friends DB34 up to Hackney, about 40 miles, where the 59 club was situated. On the Arterial road it was fine but in town it showed it wasn't meant to be in what little traffic there was in the earlier/mid sixties. The GP carburettor wasn't at its best in traffic, that and the high gearing made for a very temperamental motorcycle....as you pointed the clutch had to cope with a deal of 'slipping'....It was an icon of its day, a bike many would aspire to... but it needed dedication to own.
@@brianperry Quite so, Brian. Tick over was non existent which often led to an aching wrist. The 59 Club was initially based in Hackney but Rev. Bill Shergold moved it to Paddington and slightly larger premises. I owned a Thruxton Venom in the late 60's and that was a temperamental bugger as well.
These bikes have a big place in the market I think… They look good, retro and fashionable at the same time. Sure they are not the best quality but look at the price point, there’s allot of bikers who won’t be using this for huge miles, for pottering over Dartmoor on a sunny Sunday afternoon this would be just nice
Great video , thank you for sharing ! I really love the original BSA's but not this one.....sorry..... there are a few better looking classics you can buy new today. Anyhow thanks for the effort 👍😃
Yes all good .I test rode in December 22 only one small prob ….same as new triumph, Enfield scram, interceptor….the gap between foot rest & gear shift …must be for .kids ….size 10 or bigger can,nt get toe under shift lever……no prods I made exstention piece , used on bikes I mentioned ….have orders mine it’s on its way
What a great video and a great looking bike. New Sub. Glad to connect and check out your channel that has alot of great viewing. Hoping we can bring some of Australia and some reviews your way in 2023.
The F650 engine was a disaster in the beginning, the VOGE 650 now uses that engine and it falls very short, power delivery is not good at all below 3500RPM, economy is shocking too. Hopfully this will be better, infact it is better straight out the gate its a good engine.
Good review and fair appraisal of hopefully a good machine but I don't feel it will trouble Royal Enfield which have proven reliability and look closer to the originals?
Thanks and yes, RE are way ahead of the game and have 4 years of huge success on the BSA. I think BSA can do a good job but they really need to get these bikes stocked on the shop floor now, thats key to its success because frankly the people who want to buy them have had enough waiting now. The Intercepter and BSA offer very different things....I'm a fan of the cepter but I really like the single thumper with good power which is what the BSA has. Its good to have the choice. Thanks mate
I thought I read it wrong when you said you were taking the BSA out the other day. I knew the brand was coming back but didn't realise they were out there now. It certainly looks like a BSA. Not too keen on the engine covers. It looks kinda generic with brand stickers on. I actually like the clocks though. They work like a clock!
Were still struggling to get stock here Stephen, so it will be a long while yet I'm sorry to say. But when they do go state side, you guys are going to love it!
Try pushing your mirror arms forward. That should fix your issue. It worked for me on the Interceptor with the same issue. They set em up like that for streamline looks but yes its impractical so push them forward maybe an inch or 2
Enjoyed that 😊 worth the wait very clear review I’m a fan of the machine and watched all the reviews so far, Nice jacket by the way what make is that? Keep up the good work and a very good addition to the reviews so far 😊😊
Glad you enjoyed it! Its an Oxford, I don't like it really TBH. I am working with some brands at the moment which should sort that out....its practical I guess.
Good video again. Really fancy the bike if I ever changed my Classic 500.(unlikely). Your thoughts are similar to mine before I get to ride it. Only concerns are the usual ones about reliability etc of a new bike and the delays from the company which has made many a tad cautious. Thanks again and Happy Christmas. Peter
I do like it but its a thumper priced similar to a R.E twin.I would have hoped it was a bit cheaper.The bike looks amazing in red or green though.I will still take a look if we get a dealer in Scotland,no one as yet has signed up...I do hope it sells well!
I noticed that Paul. They seem to be opening new dealers everyweek at the moment so maybe they are moving up north showery but surely. Thanks for watching
I have a 2005 BMW F650 CS with the Rotax 650. Although it doesn’t look anything like the BSA engine, it has the same cc, the same compression ratio, a dry sump oiling system, and a 5 speed gearbox. My bike has about 20,000 miles and has been 100% reliable. I guess I should have read about it’s poor reliability before I bought it. It must have been refined before being used in the BSA. My bike vibrates at about any engine speed. The mirrors blur most of the time. Despite this, the vibration isn’t really annoying. It’s just “character”. The torque characteristics are odd for a large single. It really needs revs to perform at its best. It has good high end power, more like a multi-cylinder bike. It will cruise the US interstate highways at 75 mph all day. My lowest mpg on a tank has been 59. That was with my wife as passenger, and riding at 60-65 mph. I usually average about 70 mpg riding alone. Fuel economy is a strong suit for the bike. I also have a 650 Interceptor. It is a smoother engine but it doesn’t have the top end or edge of the BMW. It also averages about 10 mpg less than my BMW. If BSA/Rotax kept most of the power and got rid of the vibes, the engine should be pretty sweet. I understand the service intervals should be longer on the BSA. I’m not looking forward to 3000 mile valve checks on the Interceptor.
Good to hear that Alvin. You may remember the VOGE 650 I have which had the same engine. It didnt really have vibes but due to Euro regulations over here the engine felt "chocked" and no power until 3500RPM. The Euro regs have turned some good bikes into bikes that are choking. That also flattened economy and I couldnt even get 40MPG out of it : ( The engine in the BSA, people have been saying its a F650 engine but its not, its a totally new engine and set up.
Before comparing mpg between UK & US you need to bare in mind that US and UK gallons are different. US gallon = 3.75 liters. UK gallon = 4.54 litres. 😊
@@trevorphillips3055 I realize the mpg figures are not the same. However, if I average 70 mpg in the US, I would expect mileage in the UK to be even higher. Someone complained about the 650 engine not being efficient. I haven’t found that to be the case.
Ha , Thanks wayyy in advance Noob. Sense of humor much like my own, your right though it is the best review no one has seen yet. Everybody says the same! Thanks for not watching yet.
Hi Gress, Thanks so much for picking up on that. I was hoping it came across that way and its something which I think the others have not quite got, hence the way I place it against the RE 500 and not the Intercepter so great you noticed....Yes I think they have made a cracking job of it. That single is such a refreshing change from the twins. Thanks
When at the NEC bike show Bsa stand was like a ghost town. I had a look at it but felt very lacklustre about its looks and I did think it looked “cheap”. Not convinced this will thrive. Imo hype that will fall away
Nice review of what looks like a reasonably good-looking bike. I thought this new iteration of BSA made an awful launch a year ago with no dealer set up in place after generating loads of interest. I just wonder how reliable the supply of new bikes will be??? Lots of unknowns, including how they stand up to British weather, reliability, parts supply, and dealer support. Currently, I wouldn't touch one over a proven Enfield, but I'm sure some will just have something different. Hope they turn out to be a good, reliable brand.
Thanks , Yes they still have homework to do , and the launch has been disappointing and has already started to tarnish the brand. They really should have done better there. I'm quietly confident that they will sort that in time, they are slow but the steps they have taken are the right ones, reliability of that Rotax is everything on this bike. Some engines I can get a feel for but this one the jury is out. They have a lot to do to build brand confidence and the slow start is making people doubt them which is a market killer. That being said, the product/price/ride and power from the engine let alone it being different than every other retro is cracking. Were all hoping it turns out well, now they need to get to work and shove them out the door PDQ.....Thanks Richard, its good having your slant on it.
Good review ER as per don't think I would risk this bike , they keep taking deposits but I don't think anyone has received one yet and only a few dealers have test bikes . They have been pushing this for a good while now and don't have any stock ready to go in all that time why?? where have we seen that before I wonder .The company have only one model how is that going to succeed going forward . It's been promised for a long time now , and yet nothing is yet being supplied . Sorry but bit iffy to me 👍
Yeap, the launch has been a bit of a calamity really. And they didn't even play it safe and say it will be March till we get them, instead it feels like they were stringing things along too much. they need to sort that because its damaging peoples outlook on the brand. That being said, what they are bringing to market could work very well I think if implemented properly. Took me a while to work out what company you were talking about then lol.....but they are making progress slowly compared to that other brand, and its not run by a nasty piece of work like that piece of poo was (well I hope not!) I'm on the fence to how this is going to sell, what I do know is the launch has actually disembarked the eager followers and buyers of this bike. I do hope they make it work because the bike is good.
I totally approve of this bike, and other similar trends recently, but it's not my own choice. I like the lines, the profile. It's a sensible road bike and a traditional one too but I think some of the styling features spoil the look. The heavy black upper forks and light bracket are ugly, as is that moulded panel/cover on the right side. I had a BSA B40 once, a 350cc single and I felt the same way about that. Just saying, subjective. Great video, thanks.
Hi Rai, yes I know where your coming from there, it is quite clumpy in areas.....I must admit though once I rode it all the clumpy bits, including the radiator just kinda disappeared and it didn't bother me anymore. The clocks I actually really liked and felt at home with it. Quite right though all bikes are subjective and I appreciate your input on this one Thanks.
l agree, comparing a Twin with a Single is ludicrous. If it used a push-rod engine it would sound more like its name sake, perhaps even the twittering on over run. If absolute performance isn't the goal why not use push rod design....Royal Enfield have been using it or years..... with a great deal of success.
I think the clocks are supposed to emulate the old ‘smiths’ units that were in use at the time… if you think these are ‘different’ be glad they don’t work in steps like the originals ! Personally I like them….
I've come back to watch this one again. I do fancy a Goldstar, its the look, colours, proportions etc. I'm watching and reading on the owners fb group hearing some horror stories and just trying to work out if they are too unreliable to be worth it. It would be secondhand and id look to pay £5.5 ish or thereabouts for nearly new... How has your view on these developed over time?
For me the finishing standard hasnt improved...its good enough but the engine/gearbox still felt "loose" to me...so if its looase now then what will it be like after 10k miles....they have some work to do on the quality side...RE is still a safer bet I think.
Nice bike, not for me though. The Goldstar originates from 1937 when Wal Hanley rode a BSA single round Brooklands at a lap speed of over 107 mph earning himself a Brooklands gold star, awarded to any rider who lapped at over 100mph. BSA immediately called their tuned M series singles goldstars, the legend was born.
A great review. If I was wanting a new thumper, I would compare the BSA with the RE Hunter 350. The BSA has more power, but the Hunter looks and sounds better and has a centre stand. I am glad that the BSA exists (again) and is a possible choice for us.
I think that the huge delay in getting these on the showroom floor, which they still don't have, with the exception of these demo bikes, has seen the loss of the massive initial interest in the bike, until they have the dealerships in place and actually production bikes in showrooms that you can actually buy, I think people will be dubious and sceptical on BSA
If this and the RE's do well in the states it will be interesting to see if the big 4 go after the market. Kawasaki has the W but it is ridiculous expensive and that is why no one buys them.
Yes its a shame. The w800 is a good bike. Sadly euro regulations here looked the 800 off. Its a good bike. This bike could work well if they get the show on the road. I hope it does because its quite a nice ride. Thanks for watching 👍🍻
@@exeterrider I wish that Honda would bring the Highness 350 CB to the USA. I would order it right away. RE 350 is fine too but the dealer is 3 hours drive for me each way. I have the big 4 in my home town.
@@exeterrider thats Right BSA Load some 650s onto a Lorry Bring them to some Popular Meeting Places Like the Super Sausage Ace Cafe Etc get People Sitting on Them. Test Rides , interact with the Public gain the Ground back from a slow Launch
Looks like a python is snaking into the engine and it doesn't have the thumping sound like the RE, that is what makes a classic motorcycle. The original Starflash made good sound but not rattling noise.
@@exeterrider No exact date, though expected March (I won't hold my breath). Matt Williamson, very reputable, family run business. I believe I'm his 15th order for the BSA.
In India it is fairly common to see autorickshaws with logos prised off expensive cars and stuck onto the auto...most common are the Mercedes Tristar, Skoda or the Audi logos. This of course does not change anything, it is still what it is - a Bajaj auto rickshaw. Similarly plonking a Rotax engine into a frame with a BSA Insignia does not make it a BSA with British heritage.