Just buy the bike you like and ride it. Half the problem here is youtubers with click bait doom and gloom headlines. Trade in prices are rubbish for all bikes, not just BSA.
This guy sounds like he's bitter that they would support a jolly across America on his Goldie.... Stuart Fillingham is worth a believable watch on this subject.
@@ianhalliwell8604 So why buy it i the first place if you're going to sell it a year later, then whinge about the price drop ? Go buy a Mercedes or BMW and get back to me about depreciation, they lose a pile of value the minute you drive it away from the dealership.
@@michaelreid5307 At last a sensible comment, if your paying under 5 grand its an excellent bike to own, I was daft enough to be taken in by the original hype and paid 7 grand so i judge it differently
I love my Lagacy model, no problems from new and a very good Dealership in Maidstone, Kent. I highly recommend the Gold Star for both young and old riders. Such fun at very little cost. They have never been cheaper and are fully depreciated already on used bikes. A real bargain just now.
Every video I've seen about the BSA price fall has referenced the same one person who can't get good money for his one year old Goldstar. I hesitate to make any rash judgments based on one owner's experience. There is a bit of a slump in the UK market due to economic conditions and a riding season with not so good weather. No dealer wants to take a bike on trade this time of year unless he can get it for a steal. It's going to sit in his shop for a long time. I don't think this is necessarily a problem with only the BSA. Might be a good time to buy a used one though. Lack of dealer support and long parts delivery most definitely are playing a part here. Cheers: BJ
In the time you guessed and wrote your conclusion that the problem is non existing you could have found Gold Stars for sale in your area on the internet and written a proper comment - maybe even with some value.
@@fuglbird I don't know who your comment is directed at but if it is directed at me I will say the following: I have no personal experience with the Gold Star and I'm not sure they are even sold here in Canada so I have no chance of finding out about Gold Stars for sale in my area. My only source of information is content from the UK so that is the only market I am referring to. I'm sorry you don't find any value in my comment. I was simply indicating that it may not be prudent to come to any rash conclusions based on one owners experience. No where in my comment did I say the problem is nonexistent. I simply pointed out a number of factors that may be contributing to the problem and these factors may be a problem for all used motorcycles at the current time. I am drawing no conclusions. Simply offering points of discussion.
@@fuglbird What a whiny reply. Here's a reply from someone that is IN the industry. Motorcycle businesses are closing down right across the UK, people aren't spending money, the economy is in a bit of a mess and dealers want to shift stock, not buy back bikes that they'll then have to resell in said fickle market. If you people are silly enough to buy something you didn't research properly and decide to sell it virtually straight away, what the hell do you expect ? Bike businesses are doing it tough, you lose VAT as soon as you decide to sell, plus the natural devaluation of the market, the WORST time to sell any bike/car is straight after you've bought it, if you aren't smart enough to work that out then you deserve to lose money....
The bikes should be made as simple to maintain as the older BSA's. Remove all the electronic crap, leave only the electronic ignition and you will lose almost all the problems.
Yes agreed, but your lunatic leaders make that virtually impossible with legislation designed to make life difficult for manufacturers…think climate crisis scam!
I do remember that BSA was a popular and lovely bike back in the 60s here in the US when I was a teenager. Those were the days for all these bikes from the Bonneville on down.
good question Ian, the reason I sold it was it was because it was a channel bike. I bought it to push some energy into the channel and it certainly did put energy into the channel. I owned it for about six months maybe more. And I had great fun riding that bike. Other than the engine light, the bike run like a dream all the time, sun or rain. Funds permitting, I would buy one tomorrow.
Great video Richard love my goldstar but we recently lost the original bsa dealer here in northern ireland and the new one basically told me to go away when i went in to find out about the health check which leaves me with a bike that i can't get any warranty work needed done he chased me because i b purchased it second hand from a none bsa dealer so anyone thinking of buying should think about that i contracted lukas but haven't had an answer back yet
I’ve travelled on that ferry many times and you’re right it’s a lovely ship. I was on the verge of buying a BSA. (as a second bike). Sprocket & Hubs, whom you’re planning to visit would have been the dealer for BSA however they’re selling off the few bikes they had due to them not taking off/selling here. As per my conversation with them a couple of weeks ago, they won’t be remaining a BSA dealer, and the new dealer hadn’t yet been found. Therefore, that together with the points that you have raised is why I”m now reconsidering my purchase. I’m now considering either a Royal Enfield Continental GT or a Moto Guzzi V7. Look forward to seeing your next video.
It's so sad to think that sprocket and hubs are dropping the relationship with BSA. However, I assume some of my comments in the video ring through regarding the management team from BSA. The bike itself, as I have said, is wonderful and really brings a great ride. The BSA management team really dropped a clanger on this one and I've no expectation of them changing their approach in the future. It's such a sad thing that a great opportunity of bringing the BSA name back on the road has been delivered in such a way. With regards to Covid and that period of time, we need to drop that excuse because that's a couple of years ago now and most of the journey and problems associated to BSA management is within the last two years. Had a great visit at sprocket and hubs and three BSA's were available what look brand-new but no price was shown. Personally, I would go for a Royal Enfield. Whilst I love the look of Italian bikes, I suspect their reliability is not aligned with Japanese no Triumph no BMW that's just my personal fear and I have little evidence to support it. You'll make the right choice on your next bike and good luck on that.
When l was at Sea...fifty five years ago. We did day work for two weeks then rotated four on, eight hours off watches for 6 months... this allowed one month off.... those were the days!
I'm a member of many FB Goldstar owners pages...I've seen around 5 owners complaining about the loss of value when trying to trade in...its a new model that has as a rule taken a pasting from non owners yet attracts compliments from just as many non owners (but these instances are rarely posted online),the bike market is very depressed at present selling wise,yes BSA have knocked money off a new one but any brand new budget bike will tank in value (look at some of the budget Chinese brands) it's the risk you take with a new brand/model...I'm not defending it as a perfect bike but on the whole it's a bad bike thing has affected its reputation when many of us have had the issues we encountered sorted and are happily chugging around on our Goldies...its the only way I could run and afford something like a 'classic' 'real' BSA thanks to limited funds and a knackered knee stopping me kick starting a 'real' one...I love mine and have no plans to sell it...but I agree that Mahindra are letting down the dealers and owners with the aftersales
People love to slag off something different and new, something that pushes the boundaries. AND.....The GS does that by far! You get expert reviewers who have no clue. And they are just pushing a certain agenda - most usually for themselves. One has to be objective and in my ownership, I was. I was always fair. The GS is what it is, it is not a GSXR, nor is it a Goldwing. It is a reflection of times gone by with modern tech (and to be fair, not too much modern tech - which is just enough👍). Only a very few have had a poor experience mechanically but I suspect that number is less than 10% if we are open and honest. All bikes have teething problems and this was Mahindras first attempt so I think perspective is the word. That said, as my video states, Indian management is blindly stupid at times and this is what has let the process down.
Excellent video, I really enjoyed the tour of the ship. I bought a new RE Interceptor 650 in the USA a year ago. It’s a leftover 2022 and I paid $5,500 US for it. I’ve been very happy with the bike. We don’t get the new BSAs here but if we did and if the used ones were dirt cheap I’d buy one as a base for a scramble project.
Hi black dog, thanks for enjoying the tour of the ship and the rest of the video. Well done on the Royal Enfield interceptor a great bike and looks like a great price. I tried connecting with BSA to do a tour of the US on a BSA. But they never came back to me I guess they were not interested. But I do think that they are coming over to America. When, Not Sure.
Regardless of how much sentimental attraction and passion in a product that once (by name) shone globally, there’s no sense in getting invested and involved in something that simply has a zero support network, and a management structure that doesn’t give a shit. That’s why they’re discounted…. Because the ship has already sunk.
hi Melvyn, regardless of sentiment, you speak sense. It's such a pity that BSA have gone down this road. I do hope BSA recover from this situation however the journey to recovery is going to be a hard road to travel.
Came across your channel by chance. Very impressed. Fascinating video with impeccable delivery. Some RUclipsrs have real talent for making content. Unfortunately many don't. Look forward to seeing further videos from you on the subject of BSA and other topics, too.
Thanks ever so much for the compliment DM, much appreciated. It sort of tells me that I'm on the right track of which sometimes I sometimes doubt. Let's see what the next videos look like and give me a opinion on those. Many thanks, Richard.
Royal enfield hunter delivered to customer in a van on 3/5/2023 with 2mls on the clock...owners son drove it 2 more miles to new house . Kept in heated garage...decided to sell it..dealer offered £2000 in p/ex against £10,000 Honda!...I purchased it 12/10/2023 for £3000...I'm happy!
I traded mine due to engine cutting out. 2 re maps and 3rd visit they said can.t find anything wrong. Original dealer would have got it sorted but he stopped selling them. I paid 5500 new. Got 2900 on trade which is actually about right when you can get new for 5k or less sometimes. Told me they would want 4k in showroom and I.ve been told they expect to make 1k on a sale. So 2900 around right. Glad I didn't pay Original 6800 though. I liked the bike but I.ve been down this road with a guzzi a few years back. A whole year back and forward and ended up trading on advice of dealer before warranty ran out. Simple issue but if they can't find it I have no confidence. Would do 200 miles no issues then on one ride it cut our 6 times.
My local RE dealer didn't want it but when pushed he said they wouldn't be able to sell it for much more than 4 grand so if i bought a new bike from them they'd go to 3 on mine.
Interesting story Zed, now that is a problem. What we need to know.....is this typical or a small percentage I guess. Sad for the price drop but your logic on the prices seems to hang together very well. Once you lay the cards out and think of the price the bike will sell in the dealers showroom, I guess the price you were offered seems.........reasonable - based on the logic. Damned pity for those who paid the original prices a years ago.
I traded mine back due to cut outs and dangerously fuel leak over exhaust and spark plug. I was lucky to get the dealer to take it back at a loss of 2k to me after 6 months old. This dealer now has stopped selling the BSA
Amazing Richard- Since I brought my computer problem up to you, I received your latest video just tonight. Someone released the jinx on my machine! Technology can really f--- you up..... Have a great day!! Cheers!!!
Well done, Larry, I started my IT career in desktop support. Really pleased that you're getting notifications from the channel again. Let's see what happens with the next video.:)
When I bought an RE 3 years ago, RE paid £38 for PDI,s to dealers. There labour rate was £90 per hour. Which tells you PDI,s probably did not get done.
In 2015 I retired to rural France. At 76 my Triumph Sprint is getting a bit too heavy for me so I thought about replacing it with a Royal Enfield, thought the BSA Gold Star also appealed. There are eighty Royal Enfield dealers throughout France but only one BSA dealer, right in the middle of Paris. I know which one I shall be buying.
Hi David, yes you have to be sensible if there's only one dealer in the centre of Paris, picking the right bike where support is available locally or extended locally is important. Going with Royal Enfield, you'll have no surprises and a great ride, I love Royal Enfield.
If you've got the £5-6,000 for a new BSA you could afford an Enfield Continental, Interceptor or Shotgun (a Super Meteor is slightly over £6,000), all at Colchester Kawasaki which is a BSA dealer, or you could look at a secondhand Triumph Bonneville or Street Twin. All similar British heritage, high-torque low-power bikes, from manufacturers which support their dealers and product. Alternatively there's the Kawasaki W800 which also has BSA heritage -- not currently available new here in the UK but there are some secondhand ones around, unless you can get one from somewhere in Europe they do still sell them. Unless you can do all the maintenance yourself or you want something to learn that on, why get a bike with no manufacturer support from an unproven manufacturer when there's plenty of better alternatives?
A very interesting video, Richard, especially regarding the BSA management hierarchy. I can't help but think that one of the issues was all the early hype and then a big void before anything happened. Also, who was the market target for these bikes? Youngsters with their A2 licences? - really? Oldies with nostalgia and rose-tinted specs? - nah! Looking forward to the next episode 👍
Seems very much based on old British management styles. I have certainly worked for Uk companies with the same senior management style. Fortunately seems to have improved now. Maybe a result of companies owned by someone who started out with money far in excess of those who they employ.
I worked with Indian's in a professional capacity for many years, they were wonderful. In my own experience they have a can do attitude, no matter what you ask I found the people I worked with would always want to go above and beyond. The kindest and most genuine professionals I have worked with. I'm a big fan of the Indian culture, and have at least one Indian bike. On BSA, the market is tough, the dealers of many motorcycle franchises are going bust. These like RE I would assume in my opinion are a volume play, you have to sell a lot to make the same profit as you would on a 1250GS, and the market right now with everything that's happening, the never ending and increasing attack on normal peoples wages through tax and government wastage, has a huge impact. Also it's important to note, the BSA appeals to an older rider, who aside from having their pensions nicked, are dying off, and not being replaced by a new market. Peosonally I would like to see a big push to more motorcyling as a cost effective way to travel... Love the channel BTW
If you look at Interceptor prices in India, they are exactly half the price of UK, most of the cost here is importer and retailer margins. The 1300gsa is nearly 25k now with basic options, in basic terms 2 wheels and 240kg of metal and plastics and minimal tech. Now for twice the price you can buy for 52k a mercedes E220cdi with leather stanard and way more gadgets, at1800kg nearly 8 times the amount of plastic and metal, but more tech. And on the other note, it's money up front with me on the culture you lavish praise on. Something I have never done with any other culture.
You should know how it works…if everyone switched to motorbikes for cost effectiveness, they’d be taxed to death. There’s a war on ALL personal transport, and you as a professional person should know that
I love India and it's people. Wonderful place and such a great culture (generally). I have had one RE and the BSA GS. Great bikes - end of subject. Mahindra need to get a grip on the BSA journey and offer realistic after care to the dealers and subsequent buyers. This has been the downfall over the past year or two. I do hope that the last period of time has not tarnished BSA to the point where the future has stopped. A few gripes, but overall, the bike is sound.
@@checker3694 I take it you're not an importer.... VAT, tax, shipping, dealer support at UK prices, 6k is the bargain of the century, my mountain bike cost 4k more!
Once dealer margins are taken into account then the real market for bikes at this price is the second hand market. Small bikes used to have a worth as new riders would buy gear from their dealer when they got the bike and thats’s where the margin was. The likes of sportsbikeshop etc. and the internet have seen this margin disappear so the bikes have to pay for themselves in a dwindling market. BSA have to get a track record for parts etc (a problem Chinese bikes will also have when it comes to longevity of availability). RE don’t have these problems as they have a huge domestic market that parts will be available for for a number of years. The best market for these bikes will be private sales.
For an electric bike I have little interest in buying one. But if I were then good support would be essential. As to Mahindra, my only memory of the company is them selling cheap badly made Jeep clones 30 odd years ago.
Hi Katy, you alright about Mahindra with the Jeep but I understand that they are a much bigger organisation than just the jeep. But maybe you're right maybe they only do the Jeep. I'll have to have a look into it.
Well done! That makes so much sense. I live in Ontario , Canada and we have been subject to Indian outsourcing of customer service by many companies but Bell media are the most egregious! Your comments pull it all together. The Indian people mean well, I think??? but simply behave exactly as you say. It is a nightmare getting a straight answer and obvious that they have very little ( or no!) real training . I bought two Royal Enfields here and the first was the old 500 bullet, the most recent a new Continental GT. Night and Day difference in quality! BUT...the dealer network is the same..both dealers now defunct and the closest too far for me to be viable. I recently read a very revealing novel by Aravind Adiga called White Tiger which has been made into a movie recently. Though it is fictional it ties in neatly with your assessment of Indian business hierarchy and Indian culture in the much the same way as the novels of China by James Clavell. To understand the product ( BSA, R.E etc etc) it is important to understand the culture that produced it. Thank you for such a professional , well balanced and insightful video👍👌
At last, a comment that sort of understands what I'm trying to say. It's all about culture. When I go over to a country to assess a supplier, I do three things. Number one, what is the Driving like on the roads? Chaotic or controlled? Number two, when going to a supermarket with a trolley, is everybody going in the same direction or again is it chaos? A number three, when using an ATM, does it flash and sound and make everything so confusing that you just can't draw any money out? If the answers to the questions above are fairly negative, then this may be the experience you get from your supplier from the country that you are in. Do the three points make sense? Love to know your thoughts.
Yes that makes complete sense . I think back to the U.K in the 70s when I high tailed out of that economic mess of awful government bureaucracy, disconnected management and militant unions resulting from the former. That culture created the downfall of the auto and motorcycle industry. Discontent/ incompetence/ willful disruption at all levels results in shoddy products , poor or non existent service, and a nightmare of parts supply ! So absolutely the culture of a country is reflected in its output.
THANKS. I am interested in a BSA Gold Star. I'm thinking of buying this bike. I hope that the future will vindicate the prestige of BSA at the beginning of the 20th century. Do you think that the BSA Gold Star is only for starting the electric motorcycle ? Thanks, I don't speak a word of English but I'll subscribe! I will meet BSA (Peugeot) dealers in France during my visits to purchase a BSA.
Hi Pierre, the BSA Goldstar is a wonderful bike and I would buy another. I had a great time riding the Goldstar and to see the smiles on other peoples faces was worth it in the big picture. Not sure about the electric version of the bike and not sure what BSA are going to do, but they certainly have to sort out their relationship between manufacturing BSA importers and the dealerships around the countries of the world. This needs to be addressed and fixed. I do hope they do well and fix the problems in management because the BSA is a wonderful bike and if you do buy one, I am sure that you will have a wonderful ride.👍
Like Richard says and i concur there's hardly been a problem with his and my GoldStar it's not the bike that stinks it's the company introducing a product and the massively reducing its price just a year on because they have to get rid of overstock.
I really wanted to listen to your insight into this debate ,well i heard the comments the first time ,i heard it the second time ,i heard it the third, boy was i bored and frustrated by your delivery .
I feel the BSA was too expensive to begin with,now they come with a 2+2 warranty and priced under £5k now.Thats got alarm bells ringing for reliability long term and trade in prices. I had a BMW G310R (also built in India) and I had a hell of a job getting a trade in price if at all from some dealers in Scotland.I ended going into England for a slightly better deal....Incidentally the Indian built Harley Davidson Streets are taking a hit on trade ins too and bad press about problems with them.
Hi there, the bike was purchased specifically for an up-and-coming new channel on RUclips. Really enjoyed riding the BSA great bike. But it was bought specifically to add energy into a channel which you did and still does :-)
Very interesting information from an experience level. It is sad. I was looking forward to BSA coming to the States, hopefully it still happens. Mahindra tractors do well over here, in Northern California anyway. BSA should have supported you riding Route 66, the marketing would have been huge for them. I've wanted to ride a classic motorcycle on Highway 50, the loneliest road in the USA. I'm also interested in the healthy eating tips. Congratulations on doing better!
So sad pinkie the BSA didn't support me to ride across America. It would've been great marketing for the business and the bike, but sadly it was not meant to be. I do hope that BSA come to America and the guys and gals over there enjoy the experience of riding such a bike. Just hope the support that BSA offer is better than that over in the UK.
The Royal Enfield/Bsa dealer in Adare, as you probably now know, are dropping BSA once they clear exisiting stock. The one and only BSA dealer (that I know of) in the Republic of Ireland gone. Was looking to move up from my Meteor 350 to a 650 next, either the Goldstar or a Shotgun..... choice now somewhat more limited. Pity.
I was at sprockets and hubs over the weekend looking at the bikes and three BSA's were in stock. No prices on them but the look wonderful and brand-new. It's a pity that this dealer is dropping BSA but needs must I guess from a business perspective.
Many relevant comments here. My ha'penny worth is 1) We have a cost of living crisis, and have had a c**p summer. Bikes are a highly discretionary spend, so small wonder prices are depressed if people are not buying them. Second hand prices especially as hard-up dealers do not want to be stuck with stock they cannot shift for months. Dealers are going bust hand-over-fist at the moment. This problem is not brand-specific. 2) Bikes are not an investment. They are toys for most of us and this is part of the problem - their emotional value is far higher than their cash value. Nobody should ever buy a bike expecting to be able to sell it on for most of what they paid (unless it is a Brough Superior). Like cars, you can lose up to 50% just by driving it off the forecourt. 3) BSA have apparently shot themselves in the foot with reliability issues compounded by poor dealer relationships and poor customer support. There seems to be a problem with sensors and wiring looms, and in the age of the internet bad news spreads far and it spreads fast. Nobody should be pointing fingers at reviewers who point these faults out - they are doing a service to motorbike shoppers after all - and its now up to BSA to step up to the plate and do something about this. I honestly feel sorry for BSA owners who want to trade in - but the resale value problem is not exclusive to BSA.
Hi Muzz, you're right on all points here. Everything this year has gone against motorcycles which in the UK and many western countries, are simply a toy. It can't be easy for the dealers and that can be seen with dealers closing down left right and centre. And then you have the competition of purchases being online where prices are usually much cheaper. Many valid points in your comment of which I'm sure men will read and agree.👍
it isn't plummeting - the lowest priced bike is 4195 on auto trader with 1800 miles and is a 72 reg FFS, considering a new one is just shy of 5 grand (the right price for the bike while they find their feet and build the network) that is proof that it is not failing - stop trying to build a self fulfilling prophecy with doom stories. Do you have the full story on what dealer he spoke to, what state his bike is in, what finance is owed if any, how many services has he done and so on. He paid the slightly higher release price, tough shit that it dropped a grand or so but that is life - traders not wanting it could be for any number of reasons - perhaps the fella should just sell it for cash instead of being lazy and trying to trade in? IF THE BIKE IS CLEAN WITH NO FINANCE THEN IT WILL BE AN EASY SELL PRIVATELY...
What a load of tosh, here we've got someone who knows more about my bike and me than I do. You haven't a clue if you think it's good practice to sell a bike at 7 grand then cut it by 2 grand just one year later your thicker than you sound.
You really haven't a clue have you about me or my bike so why come out with such stupid comments. If I want advise on how to sell a bike, you'd be the last person I'd listen to.
Hi John, I didn't get much time over in Limerick to go and see sprockets and hubs. But the short time I was there the shop looked very very quiet, however it was Saturday lunchtime. Three brand-new BSA gold stars were there with no price on. Plenty of Royal Enfield. Looks a great place to go by classic machines and you should take a visit if you get the opportunity.
I know its your decision and lots of factors to take into account, but why didnt you go Liverpool to Dublin ? On the map its a much shorter sea crossing and a shorter drive to Limerick.
Hi John, great question. I am meeting a collgue from work in Belfast Monday (tomorrow) lunch time. And I thought the 8 hour journey on the boat going to Belfast would give me plenty of time to get on with a few things with the laptop 😆. And on the way back (Monday night), I get to have a reasonable sleep on the boat - however, the winds are strong at the moment and the journey through the night might be interesting 🤢
Can’t see how this is sustainable. It may be an ok bike but I wouldn’t buy one given BSA may not be around in 12 - 18 months. I can still buy genuine BMW parts for my 31 year old K1100, what happens long term for BSA owners that need parts or technical support?
That is the right question Mick, a problem for the BSA owners of today. Recovery of the current situation may well be hard work on Mahindras side I guess 👍 But hopefully so 🤞
Why are people trying to ‘trade-in’ their new BSAs? They haven’t been out five minutes. They kissed goodbye to the VAT, the moment they put their name in the registration document. The things only cost five grand to start with. At a year old the resale value, from the dealer. is about two thirds of the new price, providing its in perfect condition. £2600 for a green one - £2800 for a silver one, as a trade in sounds about right to me.
Very good question, Harry. Motorcycle is also transient and people swap them yearly regardless of the cost. I appreciate this makes no economic sense, but I suspect that people or most people purchased their motorcycle emotion rather than logic. Maybe a bit of logic to be fair but most of its own emotion. Do you agree?👍
@@bankruptpensioner We should be grateful to them for providing the rest of us with such a wide choice of low mileage used bikes at really cheap prices.
Electric bike 🤣🤣🤣 thank god it won’t happen totally spoils the point of motorcycles ! BSA would have done so Mac better had they built a 650 twin air cooled ROCKET GOLD STAR !🤷♂️
I think you're right, George. You take off the VAT, and then you take off maybe another 20% for the bike being a year old as an example, and the price just comes down and down and down. Gone of the days now where post Covid, the prices were high. I can also see this in the secondhand market for older bikes where they were commanding £4000 and now it's down to £1200. The bubble has certainly popped and I don't see it returning. Good point, thanks George.
Bought new gold star a couple of months ago, couldn't agree more that it is a fantastic bike and a very authentic ride. Its easy for me to be happy as I only paid 4.3k brand new. All recall work had been completed so don't expect too many problems. Only issue I have is there is now no support within a hundred and odd miles. Dealer I bought from went into receivership. Trev
If it’s that good why are so many trading them in? My Bullet 500 is with me to the end and will pass on to my son. BSA from the off didn’t inspire confidence with their delays launching the bike. So for me this news comes as no surprise.
Good point, but based on UK sales, I don't think that many, as a percentage, are trading them in. It really is a small %. RE have listened, acted, changed and are the masters of their own destiny. Mahindra could have done the same. Personally, I loved the BSA when I owned it and I also loved the RE HNTR when I owned that. Both channel bikes - as neither business would give me the bikes on long term loan. I wonder if in the future, RE will let me have a bike for a few weeks - that would be an honour for me and the channel ❤
Your friend has bought a bike from a dealer, so it's peak price, and is trying to part ex back to them, so minimum price. He'd be better off selling it for £4K on ebay. The BSA gold star is peak boomer bike and appeals to a VERY narrow market who are (literally) dying off so demand will inevitably shrink. You're also being very anglocentric; the UK is a tiny market and the south asian bike market is huge, so that's where BSA will be focussing. Mahindra / classic legends have a lot of experience in running the jawa marque and the glitches with the BSA seem similar to what was being reported about the Jawa 5+ years ago in india. However, that still sells well in India and so will the BSA. I've always thought that launch +5 years will see gold stars being available for buttons with next to zero miles on them but with serous solvol damage. then again, the UK bike market is so tiny as to be largely irrelevant, so if it's selling well in india, i doubt they care. We need to think outside our rainy island box to understand BSA.
You are right about the UK market. Is that the reason Kawasaki stopped selling the W800 in the UK while still selling it everywhere else in the world? Also these types of bikes appeal to a small and shrinking portion of the market. BJ
With ‘The Bingley Wheeler’, ‘Mindful Motorcyclist’ & Stuart Fillingham owning BSA’s & promoting the Goldstar, we’ll see some interesting feedback. I for one hope they keep going, it does seem they’re listening & acting but maybe too slowly for some.
No doubt about it, this is a wonderful bike and I do have owned one. Thinking broader, or motorcycles have been reduced in price now due to the marketplace of the UK and other countries I assume.
@ it’s a fact that motorcycle prices are having to fall to keep the market buoyant, KTM in particular are slashing thousands off some models. I had a bike refused by a dealer as a part ex before, I just kept it till things changed & they did. If you are buying new, you’re probably best thinking you’re gonna have to keep it for a good few years. So buy what you like & enjoy..
Hi from Sweden 🇸🇪 Just found your channel & subbed, I'm getting closer to the big 60 soon, & jumped in the arena of biker vlogs & started a channel myself, no where near your size or editing skills but having fun, I enjoyed this vid, you have interesting points to think about, I managed to reverse my pre diabetes with Keto & intermittent fasting, glad you got what need , I will backtrack through some more vids , Cheers & Ride safe 🤛 🤜
Welcome to the channel Steve and thanks ever so for the sub 👍. Great to see the Vulan on your channel - i have subed you 😆. I see you are at the start of your YT journey, and the ore you do it, the more you will enjoy it for sure 👍. I am working on the diabetes and it has been hard over the past 8 weeks but I am feeling so much better in myself - and I thought it was old age (at 57) but it is not. Whilst starting on the drugs, over the past four weeks, life appears to be changing - for the better I say. Watch out for the upcoming video on this subject. I fear many are in the position that I was in (and you too I guess) and no realising the problem in hand. Question, you do not sound native to the Sweds 😆. Where are you from and what drew you to Sweden?
@bankruptpensioner Thanks for checking out my channel & the sub it's very appreciated 🙏. It can be a bit daunting starting up, but I'm learning new things & it's enjoyable I'm very glad you're feeling better, I've heard diabetes described as the 21st centuries most undiagnosed disease..most don't even know they are on the road to developing it.. Well spotted mate, I'm Brighton born, lived in Lewes, & rode bikes from 16-24, Moved here at 26, after my self employment went south in the recession of the early 90,s, unemployed, Fiancee then left haha, but was invited for a 2 week holiday catch up with my Biological father who's English also & moved here with a new wife when I was 9 Just didn't go back lol, 31 years now. Married, grown daughter, divorced years ago , single for 13 years now, bought a bike last year & started a YT channel to fill up my time & for fun 😁 What made you start up a channel mate? Cheers
@@SwenglishSteve650 Wow, interesting story. I'll do a video on diabetes soon 😆. Feeling so much better every day to be fair. What started my channel? Great question. I have two boys of 26 and 29. I work in IT. Used to fly aeroplanes - which the boys would have followed in my footsteps however, that stopped in 2003 - reasons another time. In answer, I said to the boys that they should start a channel and I said that in 10 years, they would be independant and not need to work. They said prove it. So about two years ago, I pushed and pushed on YT. In February 2024, the chanel was monitised, that means since February this year, above the 1000 min subs, I have added another extra 2400 subs. The boys are still not convinced 😆. I showed a graph on monitisation at a rate of 20% per month - December 2026 has a monthly payment of £16'000. They channel over the past 3 months has averaged about 39% payment increase and assuming continued rate of 39% per month, this equates to December 2026 have a monthly payment of some £1.04M. Of course, these are gross figures and not net. And this does not include affiliate payments. It is pure adsense. And, the boys are still not interested. Of course, from their perspective, I am an old fart. Of which I understand 😆. Motivation - that's the thing really. The boys have very good savings etc and very good wages and all that. Whereas with me, I am highly motivated. Officially divorced in 2017 and was left absoloutly broke. Hard work has pulled back the financials but I still reside in rented accomodation - so, that potential of December 2026 from the 20% growth per month allows me to consider the purchase of a modest house 😆. Thoughts on the prospect of your channel getting to 3500 subs???? Does this inspire you? At worst, you could have a collection of bikes 😆. Hope you liked the story 👍
@bankruptpensioner That's frigging amazing mate, you certainly are a well experienced person & hats off to you with the channel, ..yeah ive been dragged across to coals also in divorce, even though it was me who initiated..so not exactly swimming in it mate haha, I am enjoying my channel & building it , but honestly monetization seems so far in the distance it's not a thing I'm thinking of just now, The fun of doing it Is enough at the moment, meeting new people like your good self for example, If it starts to become something then of course I'll dig into it, Now I'm still trying to find an audience & channel style, + actually make posts that people want to watch, but you are persuasive & convincing with your future plans & I truly hope it happens for you, Your channel style is great & entertaining & hopefully I'll stumble across my own channel hook soon enough just by continuing to edit & post, I'm certainly not quiting anyway, but it will slow for a time when the bike goes into winter storage, Thanks for the story & future projection, it's appreciated & inspiring Cheers mate, ride safe ..
@@SwenglishSteve650 Steve, YT is loneliest job on the planet 😆, but great fun. You will get negative comments, but just learn to throw them over your shoulder. If you ever get stuck, just reach out to me. Cameras, audio, tripods, bike clamps, editing software (I use VideoProc Vlogger - free 👍), hemorrhoid cream 😆, just reach out and maybe i can put you on the right track. It took a year before the 1000 subs - so keep at it. Less editing is more 👍
Just look at the BSA site talking about their history complete rubbish considering that Mahindra just bought the rights to the name (mind you same as Triumph and RE). Would anyone have purchased this bike if it came with a Mahindra Motors badge (or Classic Legends Private)?
Old retro style bikers don't want a water cooled huge radiator clad bike that's supposed to look like an air cooled classic . It really is that simple, and that's why the Enfield 350s and 650s sell so well
I have no problem with the radiator and I am one of them seem to remember when I changed from my 1972 bsa a65l to a suzuki gt750 all the comments about the radiator yes some people don't like the goldstars radiator then.its best to look the other way and let the rest of us oldies enjoy a great machine best not to get sleepless nights over it
I've had original BSA bikes from the early 1980s and I was in the bike trade for 13 years .I know a lot of people who have done thousands of miles around the world become they know how to work on them . I was shocked to learn how many of the modern bike riders haven't got a clue how to do even the most basic maintenance and think you have to get a mechanic for everything. It was a mark of how you were perceived by your fellow riders if you knew how to keep it in top condition.sad state of the modern nation, this makes me questions all the moaning critical wingers who don't have a clue and just jump on the band wagon to shout about something they don't own or have ridden. ....but keep shouting how bad these are it will keep the price down for everyone who wants to try one 😄
hi Ced, interesting world we're in today where men can't use a screwdriver. Not referring to many of my followers as these are screwdriver friendly people. Screwdrivers have been replaced with Microsoft Office :)
@@bankruptpensionerI remember the "local bike youth community", gathering in a shed to fathom, learn and fix problems. I don't envy youngsters today as even the few with interest will be flummoxed by technology now forcing them to be fleeced unless It's a basic job. I am gobsmacked what people get changed for car oil changes now. 😳
Who wants a bike, no matter how cheap, that you may struggle to get servicing or replacement parts for? No one with any common sense. BSA or Royal Enfield?......It's a no brainer!
If you're looking to invest in an asset that holds it's value then you're better off looking elsewhere. Just buy a bike and enjoy it and if need be save up for the next one. We don't expect to be able to trade in our fridges, TVs, cycles, sofas and get back 90% of what we paid for them do we. Also I feel that as far as modern classics are concerned, it's a bit like E-type Jags. Everyone who wants one has one, and owners are dying off. There was a huge resurgence in all leisure good from 2020-22 especially in motorcycling with the Freddie Dobbs hipster cafe type image, but I'm feeling that's beginning to wain. A large chunk of bikers on the road now only jumped on the bandwagon over the past 4 years and have known no different but huge demand and resale values. Things are just getting back to sane levels now.
Based on your experience unlike mine I had a three month old A65L back in 72 don't remember any problems with it sold it after four years to a mate again trouble free my early 23 Indian made goldstar trouble free would I recommend it to a perspective buyer Absolutely not bike is great and as I won't be selling it trade in prices don't worry me but there is no back up from bsa at all so go else where
I agree! They should expect as much maintenance and repairs as for a typical helicopter! It is not the driving that is the best part, but how much time you can have with it to fix it!
BSA water cooled 650cc compared to RE air cooled ?? Mate in the 1960s all single cylinder machines were air cooled. To say the Gold Star is the most modern retro you can get and takes you to a time in the past is as you say opinion and certainly not fact. As to why BSA may not have taken up your offer to do R66 you must realise you only have 3.5K subscribers not 100K+ so this is likely the reason. You also make comments on the BSA dealer relationship and say it's "opinion" and then seek information from dealers as to the facts, perhaps it would have been better to seek facts first before offering opinion which may or may not be true. In any event thanks for sharing.
Hi Michael, great question. I suspect 40 years of smoking cigs has brought this on. Terrible habit but it is what it is. Over a colourful life, cigs have been a close friend - terrible statement, but I feel it is true.
Hi Richard, superb video from you sir and very interesting too. I've been into BSA since I was 14 yrs old. I bought my Starfire when it was 18 months old and still have it. I've had a few Starfires over the years. I've not long sold my '62' A10 which was a superb bike. I have a couple of HDs and recently bought a Triumph Speedmaster with only 297 miles on the clock. Two years back I was over in the UK at a bike show in Ingliston just outside Edinburgh. I was really interested in a Gold Star as BSA are still my favourite motorcycle. I went straight to the BSA stand to look at them as I'd never seen one other than on a video. The bikes were there and looked terrific but all had signs on them forbidding folk to sit on them. There wasn't anyone from BSA at the stand so I hung around for 30 mins but still nobody turned up. The whole day I kept popping back to see if I could speak to someone but nobody from BSA, a dealership nor an importer was to be found so I gave up on the idea of buying a Gold Star hence the reason I bought the Speedmaster instead. If prices are falling that much I might take another look at the BSA. Thanks again Richard. 🇮🇲
Hey sky, the BSA is a great bike and I would have another one without a doubt. If you get the opportunity to get one, I would suggest you go buy it because you're gonna have great fun. The speed master is a completely different game and the BSA just takes you to another place or it certainly takes me to another place. Like you, I've been riding since I was a kid and the love of motorcycles has just taken over most of my life which has been great when it comes to riding. Every day I just wanna ride, it's just the weather that stops it. :)
It certainly looks that way Alan, only three in stock looked brand-new and more focus on the Royal Enfield stuff. Great dealer shop to be fair and bought the T-shirt.
Doesn't surprise me. They already have enough trouble getting parts from RE. Selling at cost price, Alan? They're priced at 9-10,000 euros on the S&H website.
In the video you must have said about a dozen times you really enjoyed owning the BSA Goldstar and it was a great bike. However, after a short ownership you no longer own it. I'm a bit baffled by this because you loved the bike so much??? Are you still a bit miffed BSA wouldn't fund you riding one down Route 66. FWIW, I love my Goldie and residuals are of no consequence to me because I'm keeping this fantastic bike. It pulls like a train in the low and mid range on A and B roads, not to sniff at its top end willingness as well at motorway speeds. A very characterful engine indeed, and let's not forget it was designed by Rotax and used for 20 years in the BMW G650 range.
Hi Stuart, yes I am the BSA Goldstar for about nine months. I bought this bike to encourage this channel of which it did. I had loads of fun on it and no major issues at all. I would recommend the BSA Goldstar to anyone and if finances come available then I will buy another one. That said, there's a lot of choice at this moment in time from Royal Enfield and I'm tempted over in the Royal Enfield side. So, the BSA Goldstar was a channel bike👍
This RE interceptor is a great bike. My pal has one so ridden both. The two are difficult to split in the performance department but the BSA has more low end and mid range grunt. I also found the BSA far more comfortable. My pal has owned his Interceptor for four years and it's proved to be a great bike. There's some very good used deals at the moment for the RE which I blame a general downturn. Admittedly the BSA is suffering a bit worse in the UK, but Mahindra are exporting to a global market where I do believe it will be better received as a tried and tested product. The UK market was the first country the bike was launched and suffered some teething problems that have now been resolved. The UK owners have been the guinea pigs and done the companies testing for them. I now believe globally the bike will go from strength to strength and hopefully restore it's reputation in the UK.
@@stuartbeech3875 hi Stuart, I hope you're right. BSA have really sent a bitter taste in some of the owner's mouth. With the new B 65, at a price of some £6700 (I believe this is the price), I suspect new potential owners will be very cautious especially when BSA reduce the prices a year or so ago. There's nothing worse than buying a motorcycle and as soon as you ride it out, it's worth 50% of the value that you paid. That's the reality. Good observation about the UK being guinea pig for the marketplace globally. You're probably right. Some really good points in your comment.👍
Hi, what do you mean about it being unsupported? 4 years warranty, higher dealer warranty payment than other similar brands, parts supply by Fowlers..... What do you mean?
@@lukegregory908well luke you gave me no support when mine was unusable after 6 months. Neither your company or BSA answered my emails. I lost about £2k and was lucky to get a trade in on a better brand. My dealer no longer sells BSA now. It seemed as no one would listen to bad news at that time.
Hmmmm 1 year old ? 600 miles ? and for sale ? if that doesn't cry out lemon to all and sundry, nothing does ! OK, it may be good but that is the worst advert you can have for any bike.
This story certainly doesn't help the reputation of BSA but it's one guy who's story is being repeated all over the internet. The Goldstar is a decent bike but suffers badly from poor or non existent factory support and poor marketing. Too bad. There will be other stories of woe about other bikes as machines purchased at top price are now not worth much due to the time of year and tuff economic conditions in the UK. These conditions may not be as severe elsewhere in the world but the bike market is slow everywhere.
You've no idea what your talking about, lemon my aunt fanny. The reason it's done so few miles is I've had a heart attack and a stent procedure and the reason I'm changing it is not the bike but the hopeless company BSA. You should keep your stupid and ill-informed comments to yourself if you don't know the facts.
Do people really hate BSA? Some people still say Royal Enfield are cheap third world junk, others say they're the best bike they have ever owned. If you take notice of what other people say, especially other bikers, you would never buy anything. At the end of the day the market speaks, and no amount of negative publicity will kill a good bike, or positive hype will redeem a lemon. There's clearly more going on with the manufacturer's relationship with the dealership, and the dealer's link with the purchaser, than people sounding off on the internet.
RUclips is peppered with whingers about this bike. "The triple gun logo is stick on". "The exhaust is ugly". "The radiator is ugly". "The USB port is ugly". "The frame welding isn't smooth". Has anybody ridden a Kawasaki triple from the early 70s. Then you would have something to complain about. Spaghetti frames. Rubbish ignition. We just got on the with the job and rode them and now they are legendary.
I had a Kawasaki S3 for a couple of years, bought it new 1974 and absolutely loved it no problems, used toride from Portsmouth to Manchester and back over weekends as I was in the Navy, only got rid of it because my girlfriend wanted a car, the folly of youth . 🤔🤣
![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
Just buy the bike you like and ride it. Half the problem here is youtubers with click bait doom and gloom headlines. Trade in prices are rubbish for all bikes, not just BSA.
spot on
But when they introduce them at 7 grand only to sell them at 5 grand one year later that knocks your trade in value for six.
This guy sounds like he's bitter that they would support a jolly across America on his Goldie.... Stuart Fillingham is worth a believable watch on this subject.
I bought my road king to ride and waste money on. Not for an investment. Motorcycles are toys. Enjoy them
@@ianhalliwell8604 So why buy it i the first place if you're going to sell it a year later, then whinge about the price drop ? Go buy a Mercedes or BMW and get back to me about depreciation, they lose a pile of value the minute you drive it away from the dealership.
On the plus side, it means they represent fantastic value as a 2nd hand bike for someone who knows how to maintain it themselves.
@@michaelreid5307 At last a sensible comment, if your paying under 5 grand its an excellent bike to own, I was daft enough to be taken in by the original hype and paid 7 grand so i judge it differently
I love my Lagacy model, no problems from new and a very good Dealership in Maidstone, Kent. I highly recommend the Gold Star for both young and old riders. Such fun at very little cost. They have never been cheaper and are fully depreciated already on used bikes. A real bargain just now.
Right on
Every video I've seen about the BSA price fall has referenced the same one person who can't get good money for his one year old Goldstar. I hesitate to make any rash judgments based on one owner's experience. There is a bit of a slump in the UK market due to economic conditions and a riding season with not so good weather. No dealer wants to take a bike on trade this time of year unless he can get it for a steal. It's going to sit in his shop for a long time. I don't think this is necessarily a problem with only the BSA. Might be a good time to buy a used one though.
Lack of dealer support and long parts delivery most definitely are playing a part here.
Cheers: BJ
In the time you guessed and wrote your conclusion that the problem is non existing you could have found Gold Stars for sale in your area on the internet and written a proper comment - maybe even with some value.
@@fuglbird I don't know who your comment is directed at but if it is directed at me I will say the following: I have no personal experience with the Gold Star and I'm not sure they are even sold here in Canada so I have no chance of finding out about Gold Stars for sale in my area. My only source of information is content from the UK so that is the only market I am referring to. I'm sorry you don't find any value in my comment. I was simply indicating that it may not be prudent to come to any rash conclusions based on one owners experience. No where in my comment did I say the problem is nonexistent. I simply pointed out a number of factors that may be contributing to the problem and these factors may be a problem for all used motorcycles at the current time. I am drawing no conclusions. Simply offering points of discussion.
@@fuglbird What a whiny reply. Here's a reply from someone that is IN the industry. Motorcycle businesses are closing down right across the UK, people aren't spending money, the economy is in a bit of a mess and dealers want to shift stock, not buy back bikes that they'll then have to resell in said fickle market. If you people are silly enough to buy something you didn't research properly and decide to sell it virtually straight away, what the hell do you expect ? Bike businesses are doing it tough, you lose VAT as soon as you decide to sell, plus the natural devaluation of the market, the WORST time to sell any bike/car is straight after you've bought it, if you aren't smart enough to work that out then you deserve to lose money....
The bikes should be made as simple to maintain as the older BSA's. Remove all the electronic crap, leave only the electronic ignition and you will lose almost all the problems.
Yes agreed, but your lunatic leaders make that virtually impossible with legislation designed to make life difficult for manufacturers…think climate crisis scam!
I do remember that BSA was a popular and lovely bike back in the 60s here in the US when I was a teenager. Those were the days for all these bikes from the Bonneville on down.
If, as you say, it is a brilliant bike, why did you sell it?
Can't keep everything we all sell bikes we have loved owning
good question Ian, the reason I sold it was it was because it was a channel bike. I bought it to push some energy into the channel and it certainly did put energy into the channel. I owned it for about six months maybe more. And I had great fun riding that bike. Other than the engine light, the bike run like a dream all the time, sun or rain. Funds permitting, I would buy one tomorrow.
All these vloggers buy bikes for 'content', none keep a bike for very long. Check out EnglishBikeDan or HippoDrones.....
Great video Richard love my goldstar but we recently lost the original bsa dealer here in northern ireland and the new one basically told me to go away when i went in to find out about the health check which leaves me with a bike that i can't get any warranty work needed done he chased me because i b purchased it second hand from a none bsa dealer so anyone thinking of buying should think about that i contracted lukas but haven't had an answer back yet
I’ve travelled on that ferry many times and you’re right it’s a lovely ship.
I was on the verge of buying a BSA. (as a second bike). Sprocket & Hubs, whom you’re planning to visit would have been the dealer for BSA however they’re selling off the few bikes they had due to them not taking off/selling here. As per my conversation with them a couple of weeks ago, they won’t be remaining a BSA dealer, and the new dealer hadn’t yet been found.
Therefore, that together with the points that you have raised is why I”m now reconsidering my purchase. I’m now considering either a Royal Enfield Continental GT or a Moto Guzzi V7.
Look forward to seeing your next video.
It's so sad to think that sprocket and hubs are dropping the relationship with BSA. However, I assume some of my comments in the video ring through regarding the management team from BSA. The bike itself, as I have said, is wonderful and really brings a great ride. The BSA management team really dropped a clanger on this one and I've no expectation of them changing their approach in the future. It's such a sad thing that a great opportunity of bringing the BSA name back on the road has been delivered in such a way. With regards to Covid and that period of time, we need to drop that excuse because that's a couple of years ago now and most of the journey and problems associated to BSA management is within the last two years. Had a great visit at sprocket and hubs and three BSA's were available what look brand-new but no price was shown. Personally, I would go for a Royal Enfield. Whilst I love the look of Italian bikes, I suspect their reliability is not aligned with Japanese no Triumph no BMW that's just my personal fear and I have little evidence to support it. You'll make the right choice on your next bike and good luck on that.
Excellent video, thank you. I appreciate your insights. I would really hope that the situation improves in future, the BSA is a lovely bike indeed.
I do hope BSA get a grip, they are a wonderful machine and the new bikes are coming out. Look just as good. I love the B65.❤
When l was at Sea...fifty five years ago. We did day work for two weeks then rotated four on, eight hours off watches for 6 months... this allowed one month off.... those were the days!
What a time Brian, they were the days.
I'm a member of many FB Goldstar owners pages...I've seen around 5 owners complaining about the loss of value when trying to trade in...its a new model that has as a rule taken a pasting from non owners yet attracts compliments from just as many non owners (but these instances are rarely posted online),the bike market is very depressed at present selling wise,yes BSA have knocked money off a new one but any brand new budget bike will tank in value (look at some of the budget Chinese brands) it's the risk you take with a new brand/model...I'm not defending it as a perfect bike but on the whole it's a bad bike thing has affected its reputation when many of us have had the issues we encountered sorted and are happily chugging around on our Goldies...its the only way I could run and afford something like a 'classic' 'real' BSA thanks to limited funds and a knackered knee stopping me kick starting a 'real' one...I love mine and have no plans to sell it...but I agree that Mahindra are letting down the dealers and owners with the aftersales
People love to slag off something different and new, something that pushes the boundaries. AND.....The GS does that by far! You get expert reviewers who have no clue. And they are just pushing a certain agenda - most usually for themselves. One has to be objective and in my ownership, I was. I was always fair. The GS is what it is, it is not a GSXR, nor is it a Goldwing. It is a reflection of times gone by with modern tech (and to be fair, not too much modern tech - which is just enough👍). Only a very few have had a poor experience mechanically but I suspect that number is less than 10% if we are open and honest. All bikes have teething problems and this was Mahindras first attempt so I think perspective is the word. That said, as my video states, Indian management is blindly stupid at times and this is what has let the process down.
Excellent video, I really enjoyed the tour of the ship. I bought a new RE Interceptor 650 in the USA a year ago. It’s a leftover 2022 and I paid $5,500 US for it. I’ve been very happy with the bike. We don’t get the new BSAs here but if we did and if the used ones were dirt cheap I’d buy one as a base for a scramble project.
Hi black dog, thanks for enjoying the tour of the ship and the rest of the video. Well done on the Royal Enfield interceptor a great bike and looks like a great price. I tried connecting with BSA to do a tour of the US on a BSA. But they never came back to me I guess they were not interested. But I do think that they are coming over to America. When, Not Sure.
What did Sprocket & Hubs tell you when you were there?
Not a lot to be fair John. Partly my fault with the lack of available time. Great little shop and full of bikes. Business was good was the statement.
Excellent analysis
Thanks, Hector, much appreciated
Regardless of how much sentimental attraction and passion in a product that once (by name) shone globally, there’s no sense in getting invested and involved in something that simply has a zero support network, and a management structure that doesn’t give a shit. That’s why they’re discounted…. Because the ship has already sunk.
hi Melvyn, regardless of sentiment, you speak sense. It's such a pity that BSA have gone down this road. I do hope BSA recover from this situation however the journey to recovery is going to be a hard road to travel.
Thanks for this…very interesting
Came across your channel by chance. Very impressed. Fascinating video with impeccable delivery. Some RUclipsrs have real talent for making content. Unfortunately many don't. Look forward to seeing further videos from you on the subject of BSA and other topics, too.
One of my pet hates, is when they add bloody subtitles to every video, even though YT provide subs at the bottom of the screen.
Thanks ever so much for the compliment DM, much appreciated. It sort of tells me that I'm on the right track of which sometimes I sometimes doubt. Let's see what the next videos look like and give me a opinion on those. Many thanks, Richard.
@@bankruptpensioner Make the subtitles bigger, I'm very deaf.
Royal enfield hunter delivered to customer in a van on 3/5/2023 with 2mls on the clock...owners son drove it 2 more miles to new house . Kept in heated garage...decided to sell it..dealer offered £2000 in p/ex against £10,000 Honda!...I purchased it 12/10/2023 for £3000...I'm happy!
HNTR is a great bike and looks like you got a deal of a lifetime David 👍
I traded mine due to engine cutting out. 2 re maps and 3rd visit they said can.t find anything wrong. Original dealer would have got it sorted but he stopped selling them. I paid 5500 new. Got 2900 on trade which is actually about right when you can get new for 5k or less sometimes. Told me they would want 4k in showroom and I.ve been told they expect to make 1k on a sale. So 2900 around right. Glad I didn't pay Original 6800 though. I liked the bike but I.ve been down this road with a guzzi a few years back. A whole year back and forward and ended up trading on advice of dealer before warranty ran out. Simple issue but if they can't find it I have no confidence. Would do 200 miles no issues then on one ride it cut our 6 times.
My local RE dealer didn't want it but when pushed he said they wouldn't be able to sell it for much more than 4 grand so if i bought a new bike from them they'd go to 3 on mine.
Interesting story Zed, now that is a problem. What we need to know.....is this typical or a small percentage I guess. Sad for the price drop but your logic on the prices seems to hang together very well. Once you lay the cards out and think of the price the bike will sell in the dealers showroom, I guess the price you were offered seems.........reasonable - based on the logic. Damned pity for those who paid the original prices a years ago.
I traded mine back due to cut outs and dangerously fuel leak over exhaust and spark plug. I was lucky to get the dealer to take it back at a loss of 2k to me after 6 months old. This dealer now has stopped selling the BSA
Amazing Richard- Since I brought my computer problem up to you, I received your latest video just tonight. Someone released the jinx on my machine! Technology can really f--- you up..... Have a great day!! Cheers!!!
Well done, Larry, I started my IT career in desktop support. Really pleased that you're getting notifications from the channel again. Let's see what happens with the next video.:)
When I bought an RE 3 years ago, RE paid £38 for PDI,s to dealers. There labour rate was £90 per hour. Which tells you PDI,s probably did not get done.
In 2015 I retired to rural France. At 76 my Triumph Sprint is getting a bit too heavy for me so I thought about replacing it with a Royal Enfield, thought the BSA Gold Star also appealed. There are eighty Royal Enfield dealers throughout France but only one BSA dealer, right in the middle of Paris. I know which one I shall be buying.
Hi David, yes you have to be sensible if there's only one dealer in the centre of Paris, picking the right bike where support is available locally or extended locally is important. Going with Royal Enfield, you'll have no surprises and a great ride, I love Royal Enfield.
If you've got the £5-6,000 for a new BSA you could afford an Enfield Continental, Interceptor or Shotgun (a Super Meteor is slightly over £6,000), all at Colchester Kawasaki which is a BSA dealer, or you could look at a secondhand Triumph Bonneville or Street Twin. All similar British heritage, high-torque low-power bikes, from manufacturers which support their dealers and product. Alternatively there's the Kawasaki W800 which also has BSA heritage -- not currently available new here in the UK but there are some secondhand ones around, unless you can get one from somewhere in Europe they do still sell them. Unless you can do all the maintenance yourself or you want something to learn that on, why get a bike with no manufacturer support from an unproven manufacturer when there's plenty of better alternatives?
A very interesting video, Richard, especially regarding the BSA management hierarchy. I can't help but think that one of the issues was all the early hype and then a big void before anything happened. Also, who was the market target for these bikes? Youngsters with their A2 licences? - really? Oldies with nostalgia and rose-tinted specs? - nah! Looking forward to the next episode 👍
Seems very much based on old British management styles. I have certainly worked for Uk companies with the same senior management style. Fortunately seems to have improved now.
Maybe a result of companies owned by someone who started out with money far in excess of those who they employ.
I worked with Indian's in a professional capacity for many years, they were wonderful. In my own experience they have a can do attitude, no matter what you ask I found the people I worked with would always want to go above and beyond. The kindest and most genuine professionals I have worked with. I'm a big fan of the Indian culture, and have at least one Indian bike. On BSA, the market is tough, the dealers of many motorcycle franchises are going bust. These like RE I would assume in my opinion are a volume play, you have to sell a lot to make the same profit as you would on a 1250GS, and the market right now with everything that's happening, the never ending and increasing attack on normal peoples wages through tax and government wastage, has a huge impact. Also it's important to note, the BSA appeals to an older rider, who aside from having their pensions nicked, are dying off, and not being replaced by a new market. Peosonally I would like to see a big push to more motorcyling as a cost effective way to travel... Love the channel BTW
If you look at Interceptor prices in India, they are exactly half the price of UK, most of the cost here is importer and retailer margins. The 1300gsa is nearly 25k now with basic options, in basic terms 2 wheels and 240kg of metal and plastics and minimal tech. Now for twice the price you can buy for 52k a mercedes E220cdi with leather stanard and way more gadgets, at1800kg nearly 8 times the amount of plastic and metal, but more tech.
And on the other note, it's money up front with me on the culture you lavish praise on. Something I have never done with any other culture.
You should know how it works…if everyone switched to motorbikes for cost effectiveness, they’d be taxed to death. There’s a war on ALL personal transport, and you as a professional person should know that
I love India and it's people. Wonderful place and such a great culture (generally). I have had one RE and the BSA GS. Great bikes - end of subject. Mahindra need to get a grip on the BSA journey and offer realistic after care to the dealers and subsequent buyers. This has been the downfall over the past year or two. I do hope that the last period of time has not tarnished BSA to the point where the future has stopped. A few gripes, but overall, the bike is sound.
@@checker3694 I take it you're not an importer.... VAT, tax, shipping, dealer support at UK prices, 6k is the bargain of the century, my mountain bike cost 4k more!
@@hectorshouse7348 that is a point, they would tax the hell for their mad and crazy money wasting schemes.
Once dealer margins are taken into account then the real market for bikes at this price is the second hand market. Small bikes used to have a worth as new riders would buy gear from their dealer when they got the bike and thats’s where the margin was. The likes of sportsbikeshop etc. and the internet have seen this margin disappear so the bikes have to pay for themselves in a dwindling market. BSA have to get a track record for parts etc (a problem Chinese bikes will also have when it comes to longevity of availability). RE don’t have these problems as they have a huge domestic market that parts will be available for for a number of years. The best market for these bikes will be private sales.
For an electric bike I have little interest in buying one. But if I were then good support would be essential.
As to Mahindra, my only memory of the company is them selling cheap badly made Jeep clones 30 odd years ago.
Hi Katy, you alright about Mahindra with the Jeep but I understand that they are a much bigger organisation than just the jeep. But maybe you're right maybe they only do the Jeep. I'll have to have a look into it.
@@bankruptpensioner , quite likely a lot bigger. Just that is about the only reason I have heard of them
Well done! That makes so much sense. I live in Ontario , Canada and we have been subject to Indian outsourcing of customer service by many companies but Bell media are the most egregious! Your comments pull it all together. The Indian people mean well, I think??? but simply behave exactly as you say. It is a nightmare getting a straight answer and obvious that they have very little ( or no!) real training . I bought two Royal Enfields here and the first was the old 500 bullet, the most recent a new Continental GT. Night and Day difference in quality! BUT...the dealer network is the same..both dealers now defunct and the closest too far for me to be viable.
I recently read a very revealing novel by Aravind Adiga called White Tiger which has been made into a movie recently. Though it is fictional it ties in neatly with your assessment of Indian business hierarchy and Indian culture in the much the same way as the novels of China by James Clavell.
To understand the product ( BSA, R.E etc etc) it is important to understand the culture that produced it.
Thank you for such a professional , well balanced and insightful video👍👌
At last, a comment that sort of understands what I'm trying to say. It's all about culture. When I go over to a country to assess a supplier, I do three things. Number one, what is the Driving like on the roads? Chaotic or controlled? Number two, when going to a supermarket with a trolley, is everybody going in the same direction or again is it chaos? A number three, when using an ATM, does it flash and sound and make everything so confusing that you just can't draw any money out? If the answers to the questions above are fairly negative, then this may be the experience you get from your supplier from the country that you are in. Do the three points make sense? Love to know your thoughts.
Yes that makes complete sense . I think back to the U.K in the 70s when I high tailed out of that economic mess of awful government bureaucracy, disconnected management and militant unions resulting from the former. That culture created the downfall of the auto and motorcycle industry. Discontent/ incompetence/ willful disruption at all levels results in shoddy products , poor or non existent service, and a nightmare of parts supply ! So absolutely the culture of a country is reflected in its output.
The dealers dont seem to be reselling them at these large discounts.
THANKS.
I am interested in a BSA Gold Star. I'm thinking of buying this bike.
I hope that the future will vindicate the prestige of BSA at the beginning of the 20th century.
Do you think that the BSA Gold Star is only for starting the electric motorcycle ?
Thanks, I don't speak a word of English but I'll subscribe!
I will meet BSA (Peugeot) dealers in France during my visits to purchase a BSA.
Hi Pierre, the BSA Goldstar is a wonderful bike and I would buy another. I had a great time riding the Goldstar and to see the smiles on other peoples faces was worth it in the big picture. Not sure about the electric version of the bike and not sure what BSA are going to do, but they certainly have to sort out their relationship between manufacturing BSA importers and the dealerships around the countries of the world. This needs to be addressed and fixed. I do hope they do well and fix the problems in management because the BSA is a wonderful bike and if you do buy one, I am sure that you will have a wonderful ride.👍
Some interesting points there Richard, shame if BSA goes down instead of sorting itself out. Enjoy your trip buddy😊👍
Thanks 👍
Like Richard says and i concur there's hardly been a problem with his and my GoldStar it's not the bike that stinks it's the company introducing a product and the massively reducing its price just a year on because they have to get rid of overstock.
I really wanted to listen to your insight into this debate ,well i heard the comments the first time ,i heard it the second time ,i heard it the third, boy was i bored and frustrated by your delivery .
Isn't it standard with many people covering RE and BSA on YT. ? Journalists not 😟
I feel the BSA was too expensive to begin with,now they come with a 2+2 warranty and priced under £5k now.Thats got alarm bells ringing for reliability long term and trade in prices.
I had a BMW G310R (also built in India) and I had a hell of a job getting a trade in price if at all from some dealers in Scotland.I ended going into England for a slightly better deal....Incidentally the Indian built Harley Davidson Streets are taking a hit on trade ins too and bad press about problems with them.
You have a valid point Paul 👍
Why sell a bike within the year of buying it?
Hi there, the bike was purchased specifically for an up-and-coming new channel on RUclips. Really enjoyed riding the BSA great bike. But it was bought specifically to add energy into a channel which you did and still does :-)
Very interesting information from an experience level.
It is sad. I was looking forward to BSA coming to the States, hopefully it still happens. Mahindra tractors do well over here, in Northern California anyway.
BSA should have supported you riding Route 66, the marketing would have been huge for them. I've wanted to ride a classic motorcycle on Highway 50, the loneliest road in the USA.
I'm also interested in the healthy eating tips. Congratulations on doing better!
So sad pinkie the BSA didn't support me to ride across America. It would've been great marketing for the business and the bike, but sadly it was not meant to be. I do hope that BSA come to America and the guys and gals over there enjoy the experience of riding such a bike. Just hope the support that BSA offer is better than that over in the UK.
The Royal Enfield/Bsa dealer in Adare, as you probably now know, are dropping BSA once they clear exisiting stock. The one and only BSA dealer (that I know of) in the Republic of Ireland gone. Was looking to move up from my Meteor 350 to a 650 next, either the Goldstar or a Shotgun..... choice now somewhat more limited. Pity.
No problem, the RE Classic 650 will be along soon.
@@jimporter Aye.... looking forward to seeing that one !
I was at sprockets and hubs over the weekend looking at the bikes and three BSA's were in stock. No prices on them but the look wonderful and brand-new. It's a pity that this dealer is dropping BSA but needs must I guess from a business perspective.
Many relevant comments here. My ha'penny worth is
1) We have a cost of living crisis, and have had a c**p summer. Bikes are a highly discretionary spend, so small wonder prices are depressed if people are not buying them. Second hand prices especially as hard-up dealers do not want to be stuck with stock they cannot shift for months. Dealers are going bust hand-over-fist at the moment. This problem is not brand-specific.
2) Bikes are not an investment. They are toys for most of us and this is part of the problem - their emotional value is far higher than their cash value. Nobody should ever buy a bike expecting to be able to sell it on for most of what they paid (unless it is a Brough Superior). Like cars, you can lose up to 50% just by driving it off the forecourt.
3) BSA have apparently shot themselves in the foot with reliability issues compounded by poor dealer relationships and poor customer support. There seems to be a problem with sensors and wiring looms, and in the age of the internet bad news spreads far and it spreads fast. Nobody should be pointing fingers at reviewers who point these faults out - they are doing a service to motorbike shoppers after all - and its now up to BSA to step up to the plate and do something about this.
I honestly feel sorry for BSA owners who want to trade in - but the resale value problem is not exclusive to BSA.
Hi Muzz, you're right on all points here. Everything this year has gone against motorcycles which in the UK and many western countries, are simply a toy. It can't be easy for the dealers and that can be seen with dealers closing down left right and centre. And then you have the competition of purchases being online where prices are usually much cheaper. Many valid points in your comment of which I'm sure men will read and agree.👍
it isn't plummeting - the lowest priced bike is 4195 on auto trader with 1800 miles and is a 72 reg FFS, considering a new one is just shy of 5 grand (the right price for the bike while they find their feet and build the network) that is proof that it is not failing - stop trying to build a self fulfilling prophecy with doom stories. Do you have the full story on what dealer he spoke to, what state his bike is in, what finance is owed if any, how many services has he done and so on. He paid the slightly higher release price, tough shit that it dropped a grand or so but that is life - traders not wanting it could be for any number of reasons - perhaps the fella should just sell it for cash instead of being lazy and trying to trade in? IF THE BIKE IS CLEAN WITH NO FINANCE THEN IT WILL BE AN EASY SELL PRIVATELY...
What a load of tosh, here we've got someone who knows more about my bike and me than I do. You haven't a clue if you think it's good practice to sell a bike at 7 grand then cut it by 2 grand just one year later your thicker than you sound.
You really haven't a clue have you about me or my bike so why come out with such stupid comments. If I want advise on how to sell a bike, you'd be the last person I'd listen to.
I live in Ireland, so I'm interested to hear what Sprocket & Hubs had to say.
Hi John, I didn't get much time over in Limerick to go and see sprockets and hubs. But the short time I was there the shop looked very very quiet, however it was Saturday lunchtime. Three brand-new BSA gold stars were there with no price on. Plenty of Royal Enfield. Looks a great place to go by classic machines and you should take a visit if you get the opportunity.
I know its your decision and lots of factors to take into account, but why didnt you go Liverpool to Dublin ? On the map its a much shorter sea crossing and a shorter drive to Limerick.
Hi John, great question. I am meeting a collgue from work in Belfast Monday (tomorrow) lunch time. And I thought the 8 hour journey on the boat going to Belfast would give me plenty of time to get on with a few things with the laptop 😆. And on the way back (Monday night), I get to have a reasonable sleep on the boat - however, the winds are strong at the moment and the journey through the night might be interesting 🤢
Can’t see how this is sustainable. It may be an ok bike but I wouldn’t buy one given BSA may not be around in 12 - 18 months. I can still buy genuine BMW parts for my 31 year old K1100, what happens long term for BSA owners that need parts or technical
support?
That is the right question Mick, a problem for the BSA owners of today. Recovery of the current situation may well be hard work on Mahindras side I guess 👍 But hopefully so 🤞
Why are people trying to ‘trade-in’ their new BSAs? They haven’t been out five minutes. They kissed goodbye to the VAT, the moment they put their name in the registration document. The things only cost five grand to start with. At a year old the resale value, from the dealer. is about two thirds of the new price, providing its in perfect condition. £2600 for a green one - £2800 for a silver one, as a trade in sounds about right to me.
Very good question, Harry. Motorcycle is also transient and people swap them yearly regardless of the cost. I appreciate this makes no economic sense, but I suspect that people or most people purchased their motorcycle emotion rather than logic. Maybe a bit of logic to be fair but most of its own emotion. Do you agree?👍
@@bankruptpensioner We should be grateful to them for providing the rest of us with such a wide choice of low mileage used bikes at really cheap prices.
A nice mix of real world thoughts & experiences (as usual). Thumbs up. Edit, yes to another GS!
Glad you enjoyed it!
I would buy one but we don't get them here in Australia 😢
Hopefully, they will become available in AU as long as BSA sort themselves out 👍
Electric bike 🤣🤣🤣 thank god it won’t happen totally spoils the point of motorcycles ! BSA would have done so Mac better had they built a 650 twin air cooled ROCKET GOLD STAR !🤷♂️
People do tend to forget vat at 20% so a £5000 bike is only a little over £4160 not counting vat.
I think you're right, George. You take off the VAT, and then you take off maybe another 20% for the bike being a year old as an example, and the price just comes down and down and down. Gone of the days now where post Covid, the prices were high. I can also see this in the secondhand market for older bikes where they were commanding £4000 and now it's down to £1200. The bubble has certainly popped and I don't see it returning. Good point, thanks George.
Bought new gold star a couple of months ago, couldn't agree more that it is a fantastic bike and a very authentic ride. Its easy for me to be happy as I only paid 4.3k brand new. All recall work had been completed so don't expect too many problems. Only issue I have is there is now no support within a hundred and odd miles. Dealer I bought from went into receivership. Trev
Hi Trev, great to see that you're enjoying the BSA, lovely machine and you'll have loads of smiles in the future, well done.
If it’s that good why are so many trading them in? My Bullet 500 is with me to the end and will pass on to my son. BSA from the off didn’t inspire confidence with their delays launching the bike. So for me this news comes as no surprise.
Good point, but based on UK sales, I don't think that many, as a percentage, are trading them in. It really is a small %. RE have listened, acted, changed and are the masters of their own destiny. Mahindra could have done the same. Personally, I loved the BSA when I owned it and I also loved the RE HNTR when I owned that. Both channel bikes - as neither business would give me the bikes on long term loan. I wonder if in the future, RE will let me have a bike for a few weeks - that would be an honour for me and the channel ❤
Your friend has bought a bike from a dealer, so it's peak price, and is trying to part ex back to them, so minimum price. He'd be better off selling it for £4K on ebay.
The BSA gold star is peak boomer bike and appeals to a VERY narrow market who are (literally) dying off so demand will inevitably shrink. You're also being very anglocentric; the UK is a tiny market and the south asian bike market is huge, so that's where BSA will be focussing. Mahindra / classic legends have a lot of experience in running the jawa marque and the glitches with the BSA seem similar to what was being reported about the Jawa 5+ years ago in india. However, that still sells well in India and so will the BSA.
I've always thought that launch +5 years will see gold stars being available for buttons with next to zero miles on them but with serous solvol damage.
then again, the UK bike market is so tiny as to be largely irrelevant, so if it's selling well in india, i doubt they care. We need to think outside our rainy island box to understand BSA.
You are right about the UK market. Is that the reason Kawasaki stopped selling the W800 in the UK while still selling it everywhere else in the world?
Also these types of bikes appeal to a small and shrinking portion of the market.
BJ
With ‘The Bingley Wheeler’, ‘Mindful Motorcyclist’ & Stuart Fillingham owning BSA’s & promoting the Goldstar, we’ll see some interesting feedback. I for one hope they keep going, it does seem they’re listening & acting but maybe too slowly for some.
No doubt about it, this is a wonderful bike and I do have owned one. Thinking broader, or motorcycles have been reduced in price now due to the marketplace of the UK and other countries I assume.
@ it’s a fact that motorcycle prices are having to fall to keep the market buoyant, KTM in particular are slashing thousands off some models. I had a bike refused by a dealer as a part ex before, I just kept it till things changed & they did. If you are buying new, you’re probably best thinking you’re gonna have to keep it for a good few years. So buy what you like & enjoy..
@@Inshock22 completely agree on all points 👍
Hi from Sweden 🇸🇪 Just found your channel & subbed, I'm getting closer to the big 60 soon, & jumped in the arena of biker vlogs & started a channel myself, no where near your size or editing skills but having fun, I enjoyed this vid, you have interesting points to think about, I managed to reverse my pre diabetes with Keto & intermittent fasting, glad you got what need , I will backtrack through some more vids , Cheers & Ride safe 🤛 🤜
Welcome to the channel Steve and thanks ever so for the sub 👍. Great to see the Vulan on your channel - i have subed you 😆. I see you are at the start of your YT journey, and the ore you do it, the more you will enjoy it for sure 👍. I am working on the diabetes and it has been hard over the past 8 weeks but I am feeling so much better in myself - and I thought it was old age (at 57) but it is not. Whilst starting on the drugs, over the past four weeks, life appears to be changing - for the better I say. Watch out for the upcoming video on this subject. I fear many are in the position that I was in (and you too I guess) and no realising the problem in hand. Question, you do not sound native to the Sweds 😆. Where are you from and what drew you to Sweden?
@bankruptpensioner Thanks for checking out my channel & the sub it's very appreciated 🙏. It can be a bit daunting starting up, but I'm learning new things & it's enjoyable
I'm very glad you're feeling better, I've heard diabetes described as the 21st centuries most undiagnosed disease..most don't even know they are on the road to developing it..
Well spotted mate, I'm Brighton born, lived in Lewes, & rode bikes from 16-24, Moved here at 26, after my self employment went south in the recession of the early 90,s, unemployed, Fiancee then left haha, but was invited for a 2 week holiday catch up with my Biological father who's English also & moved here with a new wife when I was 9
Just didn't go back lol, 31 years now.
Married, grown daughter, divorced years ago , single for 13 years now, bought a bike last year & started a YT channel to fill up my time & for fun 😁
What made you start up a channel mate? Cheers
@@SwenglishSteve650 Wow, interesting story. I'll do a video on diabetes soon 😆. Feeling so much better every day to be fair. What started my channel? Great question. I have two boys of 26 and 29. I work in IT. Used to fly aeroplanes - which the boys would have followed in my footsteps however, that stopped in 2003 - reasons another time. In answer, I said to the boys that they should start a channel and I said that in 10 years, they would be independant and not need to work. They said prove it. So about two years ago, I pushed and pushed on YT. In February 2024, the chanel was monitised, that means since February this year, above the 1000 min subs, I have added another extra 2400 subs. The boys are still not convinced 😆. I showed a graph on monitisation at a rate of 20% per month - December 2026 has a monthly payment of £16'000. They channel over the past 3 months has averaged about 39% payment increase and assuming continued rate of 39% per month, this equates to December 2026 have a monthly payment of some £1.04M. Of course, these are gross figures and not net. And this does not include affiliate payments. It is pure adsense. And, the boys are still not interested. Of course, from their perspective, I am an old fart. Of which I understand 😆. Motivation - that's the thing really. The boys have very good savings etc and very good wages and all that. Whereas with me, I am highly motivated. Officially divorced in 2017 and was left absoloutly broke. Hard work has pulled back the financials but I still reside in rented accomodation - so, that potential of December 2026 from the 20% growth per month allows me to consider the purchase of a modest house 😆. Thoughts on the prospect of your channel getting to 3500 subs???? Does this inspire you? At worst, you could have a collection of bikes 😆. Hope you liked the story 👍
@bankruptpensioner That's frigging amazing mate, you certainly are a well experienced person & hats off to you with the channel, ..yeah ive been dragged across to coals also in divorce, even though it was me who initiated..so not exactly swimming in it mate haha, I am enjoying my channel & building it , but honestly monetization seems so far in the distance it's not a thing I'm thinking of just now, The fun of doing it Is enough at the moment, meeting new people like your good self for example, If it starts to become something then of course I'll dig into it, Now I'm still trying to find an audience & channel style, + actually make posts that people want to watch, but you are persuasive & convincing with your future plans & I truly hope it happens for you,
Your channel style is great & entertaining & hopefully I'll stumble across my own channel hook soon enough just by continuing to edit & post, I'm certainly not quiting anyway, but it will slow for a time when the bike goes into winter storage, Thanks for the story & future projection, it's appreciated & inspiring Cheers mate, ride safe ..
@@SwenglishSteve650 Steve, YT is loneliest job on the planet 😆, but great fun. You will get negative comments, but just learn to throw them over your shoulder. If you ever get stuck, just reach out to me. Cameras, audio, tripods, bike clamps, editing software (I use VideoProc Vlogger - free 👍), hemorrhoid cream 😆, just reach out and maybe i can put you on the right track. It took a year before the 1000 subs - so keep at it. Less editing is more 👍
I'll stick to my Royal Enfield thanks. Especially now they've brought out the Classic 650 and the Interceptor Bear 650 scrambler.
Hi Jez yes, the RE models mentioned are absolutely wonderful ❤
Just look at the BSA site talking about their history complete rubbish considering that Mahindra just bought the rights to the name (mind you same as Triumph and RE). Would anyone have purchased this bike if it came with a Mahindra Motors badge (or Classic Legends Private)?
Grates on me when badge buyers waffle on about Heritage when there is none really
Old retro style bikers don't want a water cooled huge radiator clad bike that's supposed to look like an air cooled classic .
It really is that simple, and that's why the Enfield 350s and 650s sell so well
I have no problem with the radiator and I am one of them seem to remember when I changed from my 1972 bsa a65l to a suzuki gt750 all the comments about the radiator yes some people don't like the goldstars radiator then.its best to look the other way and let the rest of us oldies enjoy a great machine best not to get sleepless nights over it
The radiator is only noticeable if you're looking for it. Most people aren't but people looking for things to criticise are.
4 hours Belfast to Limerick? Let us know how long it took you in reality.
Did I say four hours? That is incorrect. It actually took eight hours, sorry for my mistake.
take 2 ,thanks yt , ev`s are doomed ! drill baby drill !
I've had original BSA bikes from the early 1980s and I was in the bike trade for 13 years .I know a lot of people who have done thousands of miles around the world become they know how to work on them . I was shocked to learn how many of the modern bike riders haven't got a clue how to do even the most basic maintenance and think you have to get a mechanic for everything. It was a mark of how you were perceived by your fellow riders if you knew how to keep it in top condition.sad state of the modern nation, this makes me questions all the moaning critical wingers who don't have a clue and just jump on the band wagon to shout about something they don't own or have ridden. ....but keep shouting how bad these are it will keep the price down for everyone who wants to try one 😄
hi Ced, interesting world we're in today where men can't use a screwdriver. Not referring to many of my followers as these are screwdriver friendly people. Screwdrivers have been replaced with Microsoft Office :)
@@bankruptpensionerI remember the "local bike youth community", gathering in a shed to fathom, learn and fix problems. I don't envy youngsters today as even the few with interest will be flummoxed by technology now forcing them to be fleeced unless It's a basic job. I am gobsmacked what people get changed for car oil changes now. 😳
Who wants a bike, no matter how cheap, that you may struggle to get servicing or replacement parts for? No one with any common sense. BSA or Royal Enfield?......It's a no brainer!
If you're looking to invest in an asset that holds it's value then you're better off looking elsewhere. Just buy a bike and enjoy it and if need be save up for the next one.
We don't expect to be able to trade in our fridges, TVs, cycles, sofas and get back 90% of what we paid for them do we.
Also I feel that as far as modern classics are concerned, it's a bit like E-type Jags. Everyone who wants one has one, and owners are dying off.
There was a huge resurgence in all leisure good from 2020-22 especially in motorcycling with the Freddie Dobbs hipster cafe type image, but I'm feeling that's beginning to wain.
A large chunk of bikers on the road now only jumped on the bandwagon over the past 4 years and have known no different but huge demand and resale values. Things are just getting back to sane levels now.
Great comment Paul, I think there's a lot of sense in what you're saying in your comment
I don't know why BSA owners are upset. It's the authentic British bike owner's experience from the classic era. 😂
Based on your experience unlike mine I had a three month old A65L back in 72 don't remember any problems with it sold it after four years to a mate again trouble free my early 23 Indian made goldstar trouble free would I recommend it to a perspective buyer Absolutely not bike is great and as I won't be selling it trade in prices don't worry me but there is no back up from bsa at all so go else where
I agree! They should expect as much maintenance and repairs as for a typical helicopter! It is not the driving that is the best part, but how much time you can have with it to fix it!
That crew work for 5 pounds an hour they were fired and rehired , by the company, most northern Irish boycott the company, if that's the ferry he's on
That is interesting, and would not surprise me. Sadly.
Bankrupt ?
A future world 😆
BSA water cooled 650cc compared to RE air cooled ?? Mate in the 1960s all single cylinder machines were air cooled. To say the Gold Star is the most modern retro you can get and takes you to a time in the past is as you say opinion and certainly not fact. As to why BSA may not have taken up your offer to do R66 you must realise you only have 3.5K subscribers not 100K+ so this is likely the reason. You also make comments on the BSA dealer relationship and say it's "opinion" and then seek information from dealers as to the facts, perhaps it would have been better to seek facts first before offering opinion which may or may not be true. In any event thanks for sharing.
It's all opinion Michael 😆👍
have you got breathing problem or is your mic poor
Hi Michael, great question. I suspect 40 years of smoking cigs has brought this on. Terrible habit but it is what it is. Over a colourful life, cigs have been a close friend - terrible statement, but I feel it is true.
Hi Richard,
superb video from you sir and very interesting too.
I've been into BSA since I was 14 yrs old. I bought my Starfire when it was 18 months old and still have it. I've had a few Starfires over the years. I've not long sold my '62' A10 which was a superb bike. I have a couple of HDs and recently bought a Triumph Speedmaster with only 297 miles on the clock.
Two years back I was over in the UK at a bike show in Ingliston just outside Edinburgh. I was really interested in a Gold Star as BSA are still my favourite motorcycle. I went straight to the BSA stand to look at them as I'd never seen one other than on a video. The bikes were there and looked terrific but all had signs on them forbidding folk to sit on them. There wasn't anyone from BSA at the stand so I hung around for 30 mins but still nobody turned up. The whole day I kept popping back to see if I could speak to someone but nobody from BSA, a dealership nor an importer was to be found so I gave up on the idea of buying a Gold Star hence the reason I bought the Speedmaster instead. If prices are falling that much I might take another look at the BSA.
Thanks again Richard. 🇮🇲
Hey sky, the BSA is a great bike and I would have another one without a doubt. If you get the opportunity to get one, I would suggest you go buy it because you're gonna have great fun. The speed master is a completely different game and the BSA just takes you to another place or it certainly takes me to another place. Like you, I've been riding since I was a kid and the love of motorcycles has just taken over most of my life which has been great when it comes to riding. Every day I just wanna ride, it's just the weather that stops it. :)
Says he would buy tomorrow
Then comes up with reasons not to, while quoating figures of the top of head
Sprocket and hub getting out of bsa and selling off their bsa bikes at cost price.
It certainly looks that way Alan, only three in stock looked brand-new and more focus on the Royal Enfield stuff. Great dealer shop to be fair and bought the T-shirt.
Doesn't surprise me. They already have enough trouble getting parts from RE.
Selling at cost price, Alan? They're priced at 9-10,000 euros on the S&H website.
In the video you must have said about a dozen times you really enjoyed owning the BSA Goldstar and it was a great bike. However, after a short ownership you no longer own it. I'm a bit baffled by this because you loved the bike so much???
Are you still a bit miffed BSA wouldn't fund you riding one down Route 66.
FWIW, I love my Goldie and residuals are of no consequence to me because I'm keeping this fantastic bike. It pulls like a train in the low and mid range on A and B roads, not to sniff at its top end willingness as well at motorway speeds.
A very characterful engine indeed, and let's not forget it was designed by Rotax and used for 20 years in the BMW G650 range.
Hi Stuart, yes I am the BSA Goldstar for about nine months. I bought this bike to encourage this channel of which it did. I had loads of fun on it and no major issues at all. I would recommend the BSA Goldstar to anyone and if finances come available then I will buy another one. That said, there's a lot of choice at this moment in time from Royal Enfield and I'm tempted over in the Royal Enfield side. So, the BSA Goldstar was a channel bike👍
This RE interceptor is a great bike. My pal has one so ridden both. The two are difficult to split in the performance department but the BSA has more low end and mid range grunt. I also found the BSA far more comfortable.
My pal has owned his Interceptor for four years and it's proved to be a great bike. There's some very good used deals at the moment for the RE
which I blame a general downturn.
Admittedly the BSA is suffering a bit worse in the UK, but Mahindra are exporting to a global market where I do believe it will be better received as a tried and tested product. The UK market was the first country the bike was launched and suffered some teething problems that have now been resolved. The UK owners have been the guinea pigs and done the companies testing for them.
I now believe globally the bike will go from strength to strength and hopefully restore it's reputation in the UK.
@@stuartbeech3875 hi Stuart, I hope you're right. BSA have really sent a bitter taste in some of the owner's mouth. With the new B 65, at a price of some £6700 (I believe this is the price), I suspect new potential owners will be very cautious especially when BSA reduce the prices a year or so ago. There's nothing worse than buying a motorcycle and as soon as you ride it out, it's worth 50% of the value that you paid. That's the reality. Good observation about the UK being guinea pig for the marketplace globally. You're probably right. Some really good points in your comment.👍
But with no support its literally just like a junk bond , useless
Irish lad i know calls Northern Ireland "West Scotand"...
Now that if funny :)
I heard that the BSA chrome is not done well.
No value as they are a poor unsupported product.
But your self a new Triumph Single.......Very very well made.
Hi, what do you mean about it being unsupported? 4 years warranty, higher dealer warranty payment than other similar brands, parts supply by Fowlers..... What do you mean?
@@lukegregory908 You try getting parts Sir.
And in 12mths when they are no more you will be stuffed.
@@lukegregory908well luke you gave me no support when mine was unusable after 6 months. Neither your company or BSA answered my emails. I lost about £2k and was lucky to get a trade in on a better brand. My dealer no longer sells BSA now. It seemed as no one would listen to bad news at that time.
Hmmmm 1 year old ? 600 miles ? and for sale ? if that doesn't cry out lemon to all and sundry, nothing does ! OK, it may be good but that is the worst advert you can have for any bike.
This story certainly doesn't help the reputation of BSA but it's one guy who's story is being repeated all over the internet. The Goldstar is a decent bike but suffers badly from poor or non existent factory support and poor marketing. Too bad. There will be other stories of woe about other bikes as machines purchased at top price are now not worth much due to the time of year and tuff economic conditions in the UK. These conditions may not be as severe elsewhere in the world but the bike market is slow everywhere.
You've no idea what your talking about, lemon my aunt fanny. The reason it's done so few miles is I've had a heart attack and a stent procedure and the reason I'm changing it is not the bike but the hopeless company BSA. You should keep your stupid and ill-informed comments to yourself if you don't know the facts.
What a stupid comment from someone who knows nothing about me or my bike. Ignorance like this doesn't deserve an explanation.
Looks like all the BSA haters are getting their way. These are not true motorcyclists.
Do people really hate BSA? Some people still say Royal Enfield are cheap third world junk, others say they're the best bike they have ever owned. If you take notice of what other people say, especially other bikers, you would never buy anything. At the end of the day the market speaks, and no amount of negative publicity will kill a good bike, or positive hype will redeem a lemon. There's clearly more going on with the manufacturer's relationship with the dealership, and the dealer's link with the purchaser, than people sounding off on the internet.
What haters? Load of bollocks
Stupid comment it's not the bike i hate, far from it, mine was very good indeed it's the company that stink and the way it does business.
RUclips is peppered with whingers about this bike. "The triple gun logo is stick on". "The exhaust is ugly". "The radiator is ugly". "The USB port is ugly". "The frame welding isn't smooth". Has anybody ridden a Kawasaki triple from the early 70s. Then you would have something to complain about. Spaghetti frames. Rubbish ignition. We just got on the with the job and rode them and now they are legendary.
I had a Kawasaki S3 for a couple of years, bought it new 1974 and absolutely loved it no problems, used toride from Portsmouth to Manchester and back over weekends as I was in the Navy, only got rid of it because my girlfriend wanted a car, the folly of youth . 🤔🤣