2024 BSA GoldStar 400 mile pillion Touring review! & Surprising fuel consumption performance!
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- Опубликовано: 7 сен 2024
- 400 mile test with the BSA 650 GoldStar carrying a pillion to find out what it is like as a two up Tourer!
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PATREON. / stuartfillingham
#bsagoldstartouring
#motorcycletouring
#bsagoldstarpillion
Just as I was settling into a glorious hour of Morris dancing, you had to spoil it with some motorcycle ramblings.
😂😂
"I can watch this all the way through, I'm immune to it" had me in stitches 🤣
You wife sounds like a very pleasant person to share your life with.
You are blessed.
'Its a big but!' Living dangerously Mr F.🤪
I learnt to ride pillion old school in 1959, aged 15. "Hold onto the rider," "Stay with the rider." This gives the rider positive feed back and makes the pillion rider move as one with the rider.
Use the back brake as the primary brake, better to have the rear tyre lose grip than have the front tyre slide out and stop steering. That was on a BSA 650 parallel twin, a soft smooth ride. I loved the BSA sprung riders seat with added cushioning, good shock absorbers, big wheels and tyres. The top speed wound up to 95 mph, Triumphs claimed they did over 100 mph.
My Honda ADV 150 has small wheels, a ridged sloping unforgiving seat. I bought it for the softer suspension. After 65 years of riding compression of the spine becomes a pain in the butt, literally. At 80 years I no longer take a pillion passenger, or heavy baggage, and I don't ride at night. Shorter rides 70 km out and 70 km back is a fun ride exploring Thailand. When will motorbikes have CVT as an option like scooters? A few days of twist and go in heavy traffic and I'll never ever again buy a manual gear box bike or car.
The new BSA 650 looks like a great bike for touring. I may need to stand on rough roads and one can't easily do that with the pegs forward like a Harley Davidson.
I bought a new Honda CX500 on the basis that the pillion approved of the pillion seat. We then set off on a 8,000 km round trip from Sydney to Perth and back. After 8,000 km, she was still happy with the seat.
I had two back in the day and an R75/6 a few years later. The cx was better handling by far, same power and economy, very very comfortable on long trips, good relaxed riding position, with decent brakes for the time, dam good headlight, light clutch and a silky smoth engine and gear change. Could have used a bit more power two up and camping gear as head winds did limit top speed.
Downside, not very stiff steering head setup, top heavy when manoeuvring and its reputation (which didn't bother me). Great bike.
Had loads of others, mainly mid sized or big in the day.
Currently, NTV650, pegs too high and far back and a bit of a lean to the bars, otherwise very good. Goes round bends on rails. At my age I don't need more and it's also a bit heavy maneuvering.
The gold star does present itself well in this review. Rotax engines are quite good. The riding position also looks comfortable.
Good report, especially including the pillion viewpoint. Glad she felt part of the ride and could think with you. That's why you couldn't feel her on the back, she's a good pillion rider.
Let's hear more of the bike during the ride please, how many revs through the gears, changing down the box etc. How smoodoes all that play together with the power delivery. Hints for your upcoming ride appraisal.
"Real world" impressions, not any racing testers' thoughts! 👍
CX500 - Best seat ever. Modern bikes’ seats aren’t made for comfort. Maybe a conspiracy theory is in order?
I had a 1978 CX500 here in the states. With a good set of tires I found that, to my tastes, to be just about the best handling bike I have ever owned. It was super confidence inspiring.
A epic ride!
I was able to convince the Mrs. to get her own endorsement. It's a win-win. 💪
"An hour and a half of unbridled, uncensored Morris dancing to Waltzing Matilda" 🤣 Love it! Maybe one day BSA will be imported to the U.S. Until then I'll just have to watch you and Paula having fun on it.
This video is like a ray of sunshine! It brightens my day.. -- "In the canvas of life, your actions paint the masterpiece.."
That intro was intense 😂😂😂
I had a CBR 1000f hyper sport back in the day and it did everything. Took me to work. Took my partner to hospital to have a baby. Took me past Blenheim palace at a ton ten.Then grew up it was expensive. Retiring with a a svartpillen and a Goldy👍🏴
What an excellent video. Very professional and captivating. I wish they would release this bike in the USA.
What a good, informative review because its all too often that nobody mentions how it is for the pillion rider and I like to ride with my wife which adds to the pleasure, for me. I've already read several reviews of the Gold Star which have impressed me and I am tempted by the Royal Enfield 350 and 650 but I'm starting to lean more in favour of the BSA and this review has added a lot to this change of opinion. Thankyou both, the pillion feedback was most informative.
I love Morris dancing. Thanks.
Thanks for this Stu, ive wanted to sée a review with pillion on this machine, as most of the time im riding with a pillion
On the classic 500 i replaced the pillion pad with a riders seat, which in my opinion not only looks in keeping but my wife loves the comfort and we can spend hours on end on the bike.
Thanks again Stu
Great review Stuart, love the interchangeable helmet logo , you should sell them as a diy kit! 😅 😅
Cheers Mel 🍻
My wife coming with me on a ride would rather defeat the purpose of the trip
😅
We get you, we really do 👍
Unless it was snowing I guess....
Now that is genius
Hehehehe
Great vid surprised the B S A was more comfortable then the Triumph T120 . But as your partner said having more upfront vision the Pillon can see more whats going on and feel more part of the ride . Ride safe .
Really enjoyed that Stu with Paula's interaction. The wife joined in as well. Thank you, see you Friday.
Great vlog, lovely to see your partner take part in the video, really enjoyed it.
Great video, particularly the hilarious introduction!!
Bringing Paula in to talk about the pillion aspect was a great idea, and her thoughts on the differences between using the seat strap and grab handle was extremely useful, detail that is generally entirely overlooked in other reviews with pillion comments.
Enjoyed this video stuart well done ! 🇬🇧
So pleased you managed to out run that little cloud that was chasing you both up that hill. Great review.
Joining a main carriageway it appears to hoover up the white lines rather swiftly!
The aforementioned socket box on the bars is more symmetrical with the reservoir viewed from a camera angle, and no doubt a frontal aspect too. Climbing the long hill there was a lone cloud in the mirror and it stayed perfectly clear.
Hello again, Stu, The Rotax motor on the BSA Gold Star 650 has two balance shafts to dampen the vibration.
i am sold
As a famous fortune teller and Clairvoyant and Listening to your and your wife's appraisal of the Beeza I can see a purchase looming in my crystal ball for your near future Stuart !..
Lovely to see Bev and E.Riding. I miss it a lot.
Great video Stuart. How did you know Morris Dancing to Waltsing Matilda is our nation dance down under. 😂😂😂
Don't get to like the Goldstar too much, the Classic 650 will be with us soon.
Any idea when thats out? Ive seen reports ranging from 2024 to 2027
@@jypsumfantastic has i am in india i came to know a few things, they are expecting to launch the bobber 350 later this year and guerrilla 450 in july(this i am pretty sure). And for the classic 650 it is said this year end before December. We got to wait another 6 months , but i am willing too.
@saikrishnathiwakarrk thanks!
Morning Stu , Brilliant video mate , looking forward to your main review , ride safe
Great clip and great sense of humor
Brilliant video as always Stuart and a great insight into being a pillion, can't wait for the final review 😃👍🏻
Great reporting ,from the lovely Paula. Thank you.
BSA doubts, appear to disappear.
Great Review Stu and a good pillion insight from your lass , lovely little town Beverley I`ve been in the Green Dragon before not a bad little pub and I think one was called the Monks walk which was nice too , My missus has tried my Interceptor twice and just says its too unconfutable and the vison thing same as Paula said (that's with the OME seat and a custom one I had done with Gel inserts) , nothing to do with the power , it makes me laugh when folk say the smaller cc bikes cant handle pillions I used to have the girlfriend on the back of my Suzuki GP100 back in the day doing 100s of miles , keep up the great work Mate. And well done Paula , mainly for putting up with you 🤣🤣
My wife rides her own bike!! :)
But, surprisingly, she's told me recently she might want to start riding pillion again. She was on the back for decades before she got her own licence.
It's about time this bike became available in Australia. It's available in New Zealand so we're hopeful it's only a matter of time.
we’ve only just got them in NZ but worth the wait! still running mine in. hope you get them soon!
what a great review from both of you. Pillion is so important and often overlooked. Cant wait to give one a fly. Nice to see the places I was born. A long way from where I am now. Fond memories of the bridge being built.
Great review Stu, could this be your next purchase 🤔 seems to tick all the boxes. Thank you.
Just I thought it would be, looks the part, funny thing when my wife still was permanently pillion she did not get on with our t120, she always plumbed for the trusty old XV750 virago, she loved it, I just got a feeling that the BSA was comfy from looking at em in the showroom, thanks both great summing up
An important review as pillion from Paula. Also a forensic review of such riding which is also important for me as my wife is not too happy with me riding my v strom even though I’ve had it lowered. I must be getting shorter and have had issues stopping/ parking on a camber. I’m looking forward to your next review
“Spouse APPROVED!!!” --- Sooo true!!!!!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣
What a different video this is really enjoyable getting the pillion through as well much better and much improved visually as well
Excellent video! Great insight from the pillion's point of view.
I am looking forward to hearing more of the Goldstar!👍
Great to get a pillion review, many thanks 👍
Original and very intelligent video on the topic, congratulations. The BSA looks fantastic.
Nice vídeo uncle Stu.. 👌
Thanks very much for looking into the pillion perspective of riding.
I bought a Honda CB1300, hoping to give my Mrs the best comfort but the seat put her, she felt, above me which gave the sensation of leaning way over on minor bends and the high and far back pillion pegs cramped her up like a frog.
Neither of these gave confidence or comfort to do any more than a couple of miles.
A shot of you both, seated on the bike from the side is the only thing I hoped for in the video. Other than that, thanks to you and Val for a more real worldly and complete review.
Fringe
Good to see the lass, Stuart. I like this bike. Nick
Very good, Stuart - great to get Paula's opinion as well.....which (unless there are some negatives to come) means that it is a strong contender for your next bike - BUT that tends to contradict your earlier videos extolling the virtues of smaller capacity bikes.
I was on that bridge on Saturday Stuart. What an amazing experience. The mighty Humber bridge. Hayabusa coming through! On way back up to Durham from Suzuki Live at Cadwell Park. A great day out and an awesome ride home along the coast. I wish us all many more days just like it!
Amazing!
Absolutely love this video. My Mrs has started to come on each ride with me as well on my Interceptor. Although she likes it, only short journeys or regular breaks are the order of the Day because of comfort (upswept exhausts and short reach pillion pegs).
Like the majority of Royal Enfield fans, I’ve been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Classic 650 but I think RE will just keep producing other motorcycles in-between (knowing that everyone just wants the Classic 650). 😂
The BSA Goldstar looks very tempting, even more so after watching Paula’s comments. 👊😎👍
…& I’ve only just noticed what you did with your helmet! 😂😂😂
Was exactly looking for this kind of review. Subbed. Will wait for that long term review!
I've had a pillion on the back of my BSA Golds start a few times and not a single complaint, good bike.
Another great video. I’m glad you stopped Morris and her mates at the beginning, the jingling is too much. You should try and sell the interview with Paula to BSA. Got to help their sales to couples. 😂
Good a afternoon Stu. Late to the party again. Another honest video. Nice to hear the pillions view of the bike too. I do think you should be given one these Goldstars by BSA. I think their sales would go up.
Thanks 👍
My favorite sing song in Yorksire was at The White Horse (Known as "Nellies " since the 18th century ) .WHen you got to the town center I almost thought we were in Ripon but it was too big . Lots to love about Beverley ... Lots of music in Hull as well .. I played with a Morris dancer's band in a back room at Ripon so I didnt hit like till we got to Beverly .Thanls for a great clip .Yours from New England , Guy
Interesting take on the bike review not many people would ask their other half for their opinion but fair play and some notable comments. The bike seems to be growing on you as well Stu although I keep waiting for a but to come , will have to wait for the final review I guess.
⭐️Morning Stuart You’re riding my favorite routes exactly where I take my Gold Star and others Market weighton roundabout up and all over the area ⭐️⭐️⭐️ love it ❤
Great that your Mrs enjoyed it and great to see you in Bev 😊😊 and brilliant video and brilliant to see youre Mrs answering questions by the Humber bridge “bouncing on the mattress 😂😂”
I agree with the grab rail 100% they’re all charging extra for everything these days
Really glad you both liked the bike
All the best Phil Green
Good video Stuart, totally agree that a grab rail should be included.
An excellent video. My wife and I have toured on a motorcycle for over thirty years and now we're getting older, we're looking for something a little less bulky than a Moto Guzzi SP3 and your video has persuaded us to look for a dealer offering test rides. Thank you
That is awesome!
Here's a thought Stu, flog that Bobber and get the Goldstar...👍
Great video Stuart, and all the better that the subject matter and assessment was done over in real life use, and not a quick trip around the block. I am really looking forward to your final thoughts, however, I get the impression that it's going to be very positive👍
I want more Waltzing Morris Matilda!
I clicked the like button like a mad man, but the waltzing Matilda continued😂. Nice topic and important for a lot of us. Still can't get used to seeing the upside down clocks though. Some of my best rides were with my better half on the back.
Nice to have a review from a passenger. As you say, most reviews neglect that aspect, but to my mind carrying a pillion is all a part of motorbike riding and needs reviewing. How about Morris Dancing Attack Kittens next time, I'm sure you could train them in time.. 🙂
Great vid uncle Stu could have watched the Morris dancers dancing to the Australian national anthem for hours.
You're a wicked man Stu, subjecting viewers to very sedate Morris dancing. Good video. 😂
😃 We love dancing 😆 I m happy that my wife didn't want me to sell our GSX 1400! It stays our pillion bike and is great for it (but she sometimes has to hold on when I turn the right handle 😉).
Thank you both a good review , shame about the lack of grab rail and main stand.
I am looking forward to the full review and your thoughts of the BSA.
Lovely review and nice to see your better half.
I think it is fair enough that the bike comes without a grab rail and one costs £150, as you can now buy the bike (in Highland green) brand new for £5K
I don't think you can expect more at that price to be honest.
I always listen to my lady!
A great review Paula. After that endorsement a BSA will be on on order then! 😜
Love your down to earth reviews Uncle Stu
You got my wife watching your content now well done
I can see you purchasing 2 BSAs for your channel in the near future
Having the wife on the back could have saved me ££££££££ in speeding fines cos silly speeds costs me a dig in the ribs OUCH
This sounds like a well thought out bike. That they went with a Single 650 shows courage. I hope this bike does well.
It's the Rotax unit which has been around for years.
Looking forward to your full review. After 60 000 km on an Enfield 500 (my first bike, for my 60th birthday) I'm addicted to the sound, feel and torque of big thumpers. So I've been reading every review of the Bsa replica. The question : As it's hypersquare, I've read it lacked torque below 4000rpm. The only long stroke 650 on the market seems to be a Chinese license production of the late Honda dominator's 650. Reputedly a good engine, but mounted only on cheap Franco - Chinese bikes who's finishing is reputed so cheap that all previous dealers in my country have given up. I had been hoping RE would develop a new long stroke 650, but that seems unlikely as even their new himalayan 450 is hypersquare, with, according to comments from ordinary Indian riders used to the 410, leaves a gap between the low rev torque and the high rev power... So I'm looking forward to your full appraisal of the BSA. Enjoy the Humberside country roads.
Your wife is a lovely woman, I've got one myself and I am grateful and all my life I loved BSA singles.
If you put the radiator between the front tube with a chrome cover vast improvement
Great video as always Stu, very tempted after watching this & your previous walk round. However, I am put off until BSA address the following (which has been said many times before): 1. Sort out that god awful radiator, they need to fit something along the lines of the Bonneville, you know slightly longer & slimmer following the lines of the down tubes. 2. Engrave or cast in the logos on the engine casings. 3. Maybe change the grey on the engine to silver, although its not as much of a deal breaker as the first 2 points. If they put another couple of hundred quid on the asking price to cover the improvements, its gotta be worth it. Minor niggles I know, but I am a finickity bast...
A very positive review. For the boys & girls who carry a pillion, an excellent piece on the pillion’s perspective. Without asking which one is best. If the BSA had been available when you bought the Interceptor, would the choice have been the same? And if the Interceptor gets the nod, would the Continental have never made the garage?
Was sat a few benches nearer the bridge yesterday, enjoying the sunshine, after a tour around the Lincs wolds.
Enjoying your new sound track Stuart, BSA is not bad too.
Hang on ,you said that if we didn't add a like we would see an hour and a half of Morris dancing .....you only showed his wife and daughters dancing 😁🤣!!.
Peace out ✌️
I was sacred when they still kept dancing 😂😂😂
@@saikrishnathiwakarrk ,me as well mate ,me as well 😁
Very good review. I don't personally take a pillion but I get the point of the video. If it's good enough for 2 then it's more than good enough for one. I really like the look of these classic looking bikes, especially the Royal Enfields and now the BSA. I feel more spending coming up...
Good one Stu. I can certainly understand why the Interceptor is not Rita's favourite. Unless you intend to pillion up a someone not bigger than a baboon and preferably have the same backside configuration - it is not going to be comfortable, unless you invest in a better seat and a pillion foot peg relocator, the whole experience is going to be a bit like being forced to watch Morris dancing 😁. Glad you are enjoying the BSA and showing the good sides. While personally I would not invest in one, as garage room and wife sentiments would prevent me of such and if I would manage to squeeze one more in, I would probably wait and see what the Classic 650 will be all about. Nevertheless, your review will be useful for those contemplating purchasing the BSA and if anything - it is always good to keep RE on their toes🙂
🌟"I'm immune to it" 😂🤣👍🏽
RE are about to launch a new bike in Barcelona so I'm told
Could be very interesting
Thanks Stuart i really enjoyed the video. I thought long and hard about getting one of these but ultimately was put off by the fact it was a single. Lovely looking bike though
Cracking video, really likes this one. Oh and the bike stuff was useful....😊
Fantastic video Stu as ever, however.... you need to stop being mean to the beautiful Officer Poncherello or I shall have to steal her away from you!...keep up the excellent work both.
Atb Sapper Baz
My wife likes the classic 350 and in particular likes the back rest (£140 well spent). We tend to ride out to country pubs and local events so round trips of 30 to 40 miles in good weather and rarely needing more than 50 mph (roads are twisty in Wales if you keep off the dual carriage ways).
£85 not £140 😂
Best like and subscribe ask that I´ve seen in a while, also a good topic and seconded opinion with the 2up situation. My partner stopped riding pillion a few years back so I guess she was only into it to please me. I don´t mind as she would propably now like to have comms and it is enough that she sometimes advices me on how to drive a car. Although I drive big rigs for a living... but I take it as proof that she is comfortable enough in our relationship to do it and I laugh it off, mostly. The looks of this bike really pleases me, maybe even enough to some day buy one. The import situation here in Sweden is still not clear. I hope that one of the major players include it in their lineup in the near future, for the moment the only way to get one is to buy abroad and that is not so tempting for the obvious reasons if buying a new bike. A used one is a different matter, Germany is not that far away. Good review, looking forward to the next one!
Excellent review…loved the unique format.
Slightly disturbed at first when ….correct me if I’m wrong….you used the word “big” with the word “but”.
It would be safer to play in traffic blindfolded.
Enjoyed this video very much.
Stuart, have a look at the Jawa 45 300cc. I like the old BSAs and of course I was waiting for the new BSA Gold Star. But I was very disappointed when I saw that the BSA Gold Star 650 is most likely based on the Jawa 42 300cc. Frame, fork, lamp, lamp holder, indicator, fuel tank, everything looks the same. Even the tank cap that was supposedly designed especially for the Gold Star can be found on the Jawa. Platform or no platform, is it enough to build the BSA 650 engine into a Jawa frame and is the chassis designed for the higher performance? In the first reviews last year, handling issues were reported. Is the BSA logo now engraved in the engine, or are they still glued-on badges? So if a BSA, then probably an old real BSA.
i think you misunderstand how motorcycles are manufactured. they are and have always been assembled partly from proprietry parts available from specialist manufaturers so there will be similarities. e.g the triumph bonnevilles use the same fuel cap top assembly but on a screw down adapter. if bsa made every part in house to bike would be prohibitively expensive.
For me, most retro bikes should come with solo rider options so as we can bolt on more kit carrying capacity in the pillion's place. The first task I did on my Classic350 was to remove the pillion pad and order a rack. My choice is to permanently stay single from now on, so a dual seat holds wasted space. I feel for bikers whose partners/spouses emotionally enforce the biker's choices and mobility. Not going back there...
Now then Uncle Stu, I'm a subscriber and I feel victimized because I was looking forward to 1.5hrs of Morris Dancing. I have therefore instructed my crack legal team to instigate a large compensation claim forthwith🤣👍
You Lucky Man , What A Great Lady !
Sounds like it might be time for Stu to make room in the garage for a BSA.
Thank you, a very good and informative video.
She is brave! My gal wouldn't get on back without a backrest. 🤣
Disappointed that the morris dancing stopped so quickly, somehow it worked well with the BSA. You make me so tempted to get a BSA, now which colour?
Your have to do a full pillion review on all your other bikes.