BSA Gold Star 650. Reborn as a Modern Classic Motorcycle. Does the New Contender Make The Grade?
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 24 мар 2023
- The Ol’ Man finally gets to ride the BSA Gold Star 650 and gives his honest appraisal of this modern classic motorcycle.
Are you on the fence? Already discounted it? Or have you already taken the plunge and ordered one? This video is for each and every one of you.
This video is sponsored by Bikesure, Motorcycle Insurance. Please click the link here to get a personalised quotation:
www.bikesure.co.uk/?...
Rather than a full spec review, we go into the feel of the bike, and whether or not it makes the grade. We’ve already got the Triumph Bonneville range, with the T100 being the closest perhaps, then of course Royal Enfield. Are they in good company with the new BSA Goldstar?
Don’t forget to watch Darcy’s full spec review here - • BSA Gold Star 650 Revi...
And his comparison between the BSA Gold Star and the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650cc here - • HEAD TO HEAD! Royal En...
We are connoisseurs of modern classic motorcycles, cruisers and retro bikes; we're not sports bike or super naked riders, so from us, you will get the perspective of someone who understands this genre of motorcycle.
BUY ME A COFFEE: www.buymeacoffee.com/mdatom
Instagram: / mrdarcyandtheoldman
Facebook: / mrdarcyandtheoldman
LINKS TO PRODUCTS WE USE TO FILM AND GEAR WE WEAR:
Sony A7iii: amzn.to/3Msrhbx
Sony ZV E10: amzn.to/3IzIQFC
Sony 30mm lens: amzn.to/422XrjR
Takstar affordable shotgun mic: amzn.to/3ok38w3
Rode video micro mic: amzn.to/
423ymFc
Rode video Micro 2: amzn.to/3IANSl6
Rode wireless go mic for talking: amzn.to/3WsGVIx
Synco wireless lav mic: amzn.to/3oqLcQd
Simpson Venom Motorcycle Helmet: amzn.to/3q8ayCO
Premier trophy helmet: amzn.to/3q8R8y0
Go pro hero 10: amzn.to/3MOctp4
Texspeed marlon Brando style leather jacket (the Ol’Man wears): amzn.to/435UFvp
ARMR Moto olive green bomber jacket: amzn.to/3q09q4h
Purple panda Lav mic: amzn.to/3OACrxQ
Slik tripod: amzn.to/3Wsj77I
Sony 50mm F2.5 lens: amzn.to/432qeGn
Zoom recorder and lav mic: amzn.to/3BRI4Qz
DJI Action 2 action camera: amzn.to/43qtjA1
Mac M1 for editing on: amzn.to/3MusSOe 
Авто/Мото
I really enjoyed this review, I'm retiring soon so your very credible and real world views on this have pushed it into my shortlist of bikes to take for a test run....
The BSA is such an aesthetically pleasing bike....I've been meaning to check if they made it to the United States yet
First off, fair video as always. Secondly, yes I've been out on one and yes, we have had one in the workshop now. We also had a look at a third, demo bike from Eddys. Admittedly a sample experience of 2.5 but they all had dreadful casting finish. Bits of crud beneath paint (in casting corners, several, different place on all 3) and both had a low speed brake squeal at less than 100 miles. Finish is generally just acceptable that I've seen. We had a close look at switchgear and control relays..because we could..actual wiring etc is neat but i felt the controls were not as good as later RE stuff (post HD shared input,.meteor hntr classic).
People who bang on about "just like a goldie" etc etc...have never seen, sat on or lived with the old bike. In truth the new machine is better in every respect, go, stop, handling, lighting, the list goes on ad astra.
Enjoyed our chat yesterday vis classics.
GET OFF THAT FENCE! it upsets the neighbours.
The reason I love this channel is that you always focus on the positive of every bike you ride. That and the beautiful countryside you ride them around makes a case for pretty much everything you get on. If only I had more money and space!
I really enjoyed this review , Its sound is addictive, but I don't think it can replace the Royal Interceptor 650. The production quality of BSA seems lower, the huge radiator makes the motorcycle look ugly!
Another down-to-earth, useful review from you two. Many reviewers could learn from your style.
Fair review. Rotax 652 was always a good engine.
However this is a pastiche and parts bin special. Unfortunately it's a here today gone tomorrow product. Expect to lose your money.
very glad the ol man is feeling better
What more could you want ? Beautiful Motorcycle ! Beautiful Countryside ! And a enjoyable review ! Bloody excellent !
It's great for people who don't know anything about the gold star legacy but it's a slap in the face to dbd34 fans
I think BSA are almost there with this bike. As you say, better engine casings with embossed logos rather than the tacky stickers they've put on would make a big difference. That radiator needs to be a bit more subtle too.
I was really excited to see one of these in the flesh. I thought it looked great as I walked in the showroom - apart from the hideous radiator. However the more I looked closely it was less and less convincing. So much so I didn’t even bother with a test ride. I need to love a bike to enjoy riding it but there’s so much on this that niggles. Let’s see what they’re like after 2 years in British weather .
“Pointy, plastic, piece of rubbish”. Love it !
Popped into my local BSA outlet in the New Forest yesterday! They had about a dozen on display....all the colours! Impressive!
We're they for sale? I haven't seen one on the road yet.
@@splodge5714 They were for sale! Indeed, some of them were labelled up as Sold! I think they may have just been delivered!
I like the minimalist instruments. For me, the whole point is flying on the ground and enjoying the surroundings. I don’t need to bury my head on a TFT screen when I’m riding. Well done video…I’m very happy to see sponsors are recognizing your channel.
Sorry old man, your goat had my attention, what did you say? 😂
I've got one . I like it . Well worth the money .
Nice vid. Had I never laid eyes on a Royal Enfield Classic 350, I'd probably drool over this. As it is, the Royal Enfield Classic 350 is simply the only "retro" bike that doesn't look new trying to look old. If RE fit a 600/800 motor in the Royal Enfield Classic 350, it would be the only bike I need.
I honestly didn't even like the sound of this motor - from here of course which may not be fair...
My son is 30, and he too loves his Royal Enfield Classic 350. We went out to lunch yesterday since we finally got a break from the rains...lovely and all three of our Classics were polished up and looking fantastic.
Our Hitchcock "decat" pipes are coming Friday, can't wait to fit 'em!
Have a great week, and...
Ride Safe 🙏🏼
Awesome! We love the RE Classic 💯
@@MrDarcy-OlMan only limitations of course are small motor. But we literally got these to tool around town and go to the local pubs, bars, eateries. We don’t drink and ride but 0% alcohol beers taste good when you’re hot and/or thirsty. Wherever we go, it’s guaranteed that we’ll be in deep conversations re the Classics. Nothing but fun and at a low cost. I don’t even get pissed when I fill up with gas as it occurs so seldomly.
Ride Safe 🙏🏼
I'm on my second 350 Classic and also have the 350 Meteor, both cracking good value bikes and the 350 J series engine is a peach.👍
Here we are with the Goldstar review and here's you lot going on about the Classic 350 🤭. I'm not surprised though - it really is as good as everyone says it is and we've got one on order in Halcyon Green. Two weeks for delivery and I can't wait 😁. Not been this excited in years 🤗.
@@PhilipBallGarry enjoy it!! My buddy has the halcyon green too. Lovely in the sun! They’re so beautiful. The Decat pipe with the DNA stage 2 kit is amazing! Highly recommended.
Ride Safe 🙏🏼
I love my 2013 Royal Enfield B5 Bullet 500, converted to a carburetor and an aftermarket exhaust. Sadly, like this Goldstar, it has tube type tires, which makes it a stay close to home bike only. A flat on a bike with tube type tires means a tow truck, and a tow truck is going to cost hundreds if not thousands of dollars. Been down that road. Stay close to home on bikes with tube type tires.
Good review. I think beauty is in the eye of the beholder with this bike. It is essentially an Indian made motorcycle, that was manufactured on a budget. Nothing at all wrong with that, I own a Royal Enfield myself which I love, and it’s pretty much a similar deal. You can always pretend it’s a real BSA Gold Star and descended from classic British lineage, but in truth and despite it probably being a decent and capable motorcycle, they just bought the badge and stuck it on.
Your point is...?
Made clearly above in English.
Can't argue with the analogue dials.
Certainly can't argue with the merits of a big single, practically getting all the torque it's capacity suggests without a huge increase in weight, consumption, mechanical complexity and maintenance multi cylinder engines come with.
Sure, not a lot of power so you actually get to reach home in one piece 😁
Great, another good sympathetic review, many thanks. I really like these bikes, I'm presently a CCM 604 owner and an ex BSA B31 owner so obviously a thumper lover and I could see myself getting one, if I do, I'll not ride it in the wet at all but store it highly polished and gleaming in my living room so I can sit in my armchair and turn to look at it whenever the TV gets too boring or the fancy takes me, to me it's motorbike porn and I just like looking at it 🤪
If ever a bike needed to be aircooled it's this one, shame..
Or with a small oil cooler.
Bruh….here in AZ our bikes cant survive on air-cooled😂
You re very very Right!
Only a 650 as well. Girls bike. A man's bike is over 750. This bike looks like a shandy drinker's bike made for girls and small men with short legs. Indians maybe.
@@dotdashdotdashmade in UK for UK. Poda punda
It sounds more like a 1970s moped than a snorting 650 single. It looks right though.
I will not be replacing my old CB 750 with a new Gold Star
We miss you ol’ man..
best real world review I have seen on one of these bikes, nicely done
Many thanks for this. It really helps when someone of my age and height reviews bikes I like. I will test this bike now it has the ol’man seal of approval. Keep it up chaps.
Great review ! Beautiful sound quality and you gave us a glimpse of a marvellous rainbow 😀... I love your LJ 👍
The sheep was listening to every word ...
The Sound of the Royal Enfield 350 Classic is much better, i think….
100% agree. So is the sound of the RE 650
Thanks for doing the review. Lots of clarity
“Pointy, plastic, piece of rubbish”…. Classic!🤣
So far,I see the resurgence of these legendary British marques to fall way short of doing justice to the originals,with the possible exception of Triumph.Having owned a Norton back in the day,I was particularly thrilled to hear about it coming back.If and when it does,I hope it's finally successful.🤞
Gotta love the little goats approaching you at the beginning of the video. Thanks for your opinions and the beautiful footage!
Excellent explanation Ol' man.
I understand your torque range description.
Where I live, Central Pennsylvania it's country and hills so my 1996 Harley Dyna Low Rider Convertible with the Evolution Engine loves 3rd gear across and up and down and curves thru windy back roads and slopes with 30 mph to 45 mph speed limits.
I'll admit becoming 'one' with that machine it's not unusual for me to traverse those 30mph to 45 mph winding turns and slopes at 50mph to 55 mph excitedly comfortable!
Twist the throttle, lean in, straighten up and twist some more, release and twist again.
Your descriptive reviews allow the listener to partake in your experience, thank you.
So good to see you riding a proper bike again. It's nice to have some choice at this engine size. I like it.
Ey up Ol' Man, thanks for another fair and balanced review. The bike looks quite big until you get on it and it does seem at home down on the farm. Keep on truckin' mate.
Thank you for the reviews. I do enjoy the content a lot. A thumb up.
Great review, you got me going during the on-road sections, I was looking out for traffic. The camera work makes me feel as though I'm riding it, and that would be a worry.
I had the yamaha 500 single. Great until I was rear ended. I hope I am able to get this bike here..
Thanks fir great review that I can relate to. 73 years here in Virginia , USA.
That’s such a beautiful area.
These radiators really mess with the lines in todays classic retro bikes
Your review is very interesting and detailed. Every classic bike suits your personality
Glad you think so!
I really liked the look of the black one they had at the shows with the union jack on the tank, but sadly it was only a promotion bike, I would like a black one and get it done,
Cheers for the reviews of the BSA I love the bike and simplicity of it, I agree that some of the parts are a bit bargain basement but it's an affordable bike which to me is more important, some of the brands are so expensive they price themselves out of the reach of a lot of potential buyers. In 30 odd years of biking ive never had a brand new bike but the likes of RE and BSA make it more of a possibility great scenery as ever thanks
Think it captures the look of the BSA B33 quite well
Good looking bike and nice music at the end. Thanks!
The motorcycle looks great, but the landscape looks even greater! What a dreamy place to ride! Wish I was there. My main issue with this bike, vs the REs, is the radiator, which sort of marginalizes the connection to the past. Anyway, have a great time riding and stay safe.
Personally I think its cheaped out with those BSA rifle stickers on the right side mock engine cover, seriously that should be moulded or etched in, the huge agricultural radiator with it's tin metal shroud looks poor, and I'd have doubts about it holding up to the weather in the UK, they basically let it down on the detail, and as ever the devil is in the detail!
Looks good. Has a good single cylinder sound. Good torque. Nice cruiser.
Thanks for show us this bealtiful machines. Cheers from Brasil 👊🇧🇷
1:19 The Goat knows the ol man well
Coz he is a vintage GOAT
She is a rare breed manx sheep similar to goats 👍🏼
@@MrDarcy-OlMan i forgot it's a Sheep 😂😂😂
Didn't see that one coming
By the way does the peashooter deliver the charm or an aftermarket would work
Just looked and sat on one at Fowlers and I have to say I was impressed. I've been a critic of the radiator but have to say that in the flesh it blended in well. I don't think the niggles of some critics are very valid. I'll certainly be taking a test ride.
After seeing your sheep taking over, a name change to Mr Darcy, The Ol’ Man & “Ram(?) Lamb” may be more fitting?…🤪Good review btw & the BSA certainly has great appeal!👍🏼😎
As a seasoned big single fan, my thoughts are it's absolutely HORRIBLE.
Who wants a 650 single fitted with a umongous radiator,?
Totally uneccessary.
AIR COOLED EVERYTIME.
The smaller rear wheel,looks wrong on a traditional style motorcycle, and it's sounds more akin to a Honda CG125.
The only thing that's BSA are the plastic tank badges.
All In all, give me anAir Cooled 650 Royal Enfield everytime.
I will keep my Honda GB500. Yes, that's the fake Britishness of the nineties, but it's better than the RE650 which we bought recently.
Very enjoyable review, your riding videos and audio are really high quality.
Would love to see you in high heels.
Nice review, thanks.
Looks like a great bike. Deal-breaker for me is lack of centre stand, with no apparent way of fitting one as an accessory or aftermarket. Why on earth?! The rear light and number plate unit would look much better mounted higher up behind the seat. Otherwise really nice.
Apparently BSA/Mahindra have promised an add-on centre stand is coming.
The Ol' Man's tests are my favourite on YT. Perhaps it's because I'm a bearded old man myself, but I find his bike sensibilities are the closest to mine. Because of this, I was very much looking forward to hear his views on this new BSA. I don't know if it will ever be imported out here in Canada, but I hope it will be. There's just something about thumpers.
Great video! Yes a lovely bike but I agree would look even better with some good cast parts 👍🏼
last shot is amazing wowwwwww😍😍😍
I have 1100 kawasski and 1300 yam which i love but i would love one of these its got so much charater and looks brill fun
Unfortunately the nasty bits kill it, like the plastic fake pushrod tube, overly heavy looking front end and ooh that radiator.
This is a handsome bike with good period detail, for eample, the high rear mudguard. I agree. Low speed rideability is important. And 2,250 to 4,500 rpm is plenty when it goes as well as this, as 6:36 demonstrates. I don't think the engine casings need to be shiny. I like bench seats. I prefer this to the RE Interceptor.
Nice bike, looks good. A classic for modern times, just as it should be. I think the legacy version comes with polished engine cases. All retros should have a centre stand. Nice review, cheers.
You had a Live audience and a friend. LOL great video.
Great review.. I’d buy one.. the only thing stopping me is the chronic lack of dealers and I don’t want to do a 250 mile round trip just to get it serviced. More dealers please BSA.
Absolute nail on head with the engine part. I'm an Enfield guy so call me bias but it would look great with cast bits.
Sounds great as standard, though. Imagine what a pair of Tec Cannons would do to this!
Love the sheep...... BSA isn't bad either
I used to love my XBR500 between 2 and 4k
I agree on the engine casings.... they could have been better sculpted. The sharp edges don't suit the bike
Great honest review, as usual. Bike looks good, but I agree with your fit & finish opinion. Is lacking in throttle response and seems to perform the same as a BSA motor did back in the 1960's . I would have the RE Super Meteor 😎 Cheers.
Very interested in getting one when they come to the USA. It would be my first bike. The man I consider my surrogate dad had a BSA thunderbolt. So it would be to honor him.
I think the carburation [injection] is off , while down shifting , you were matching revs. for a smooth shift , but the engine did not respond with crisp revs .
My preference for the exhaust would be a little more bark . Thanks for the care and time you spent to make this .
Unless the casings are some kind of composite they would polish up lovely on a Sunday afternoon!
Really enjoy your reviews. Well presented for all kind of audience, and the location is just great!
You guys should plan to visit India to review a few motorcycles available here. You could collaborate with some classic motorcycles collectors/enthusiasts. If you do consider it, I would suggest you to pick North/NorthEastern/Southern zones. Good luck.
It is a better looking bike than the Interceptor i think. I am not looking for this kind of bike but if I was it would be top of the list. Maybe in a few years i will treat myself.
Sign me up! Thank you for your perspective, always enjoy your channel.
Wasn't expecting the Sheep love 😅 Great video mate 🙂
Good review, however we still haven't got them in Australia, I might have to import one.. The sound reminds me of the Yamaha XT500, another bike I would like
I see a lot of comments about cheap parts on it etc. This is how the manufacturer keeps the cost down. You're getting a decent looking 650 with a Rotax engine for ~£6.5k. That's a lot of bike for the money. This is around the same price as a new Japanese 125. Going off the review, it's a nice bike to ride, what more do you want? I would recommend to Mahindra that they make a cruiser with that engine, it would suit it better. I am going to have a look at these though.
It looks good, however, when you give it a thorough inspection it has been put together with minimum Q&A.
Sometimes I wish I lived in a place where a ram would just come up and say hi randomly 😂
Really enjoy your reviews enjoy eny chances you could do a kawasaki z650rs I think it's a real cross over from modern to retro .I like to watch you as the Old man is nearly the size of me I actually ride a 1987 suzuki gs 850 as my daily but she is getting long in the tooth looking for a replacement not selling her just turning her in to a fine weather bike
Enjoy your reviews. The petrol tank seems to have a very large seam which looks a bit cheap. Nice bike though. Thank you.
1:41 "That's enough of that, Shawn!"
thanks for your review, very interesting, stunning location, where is this, its beautiful.
It is North Wales 🏴
Nice classic cruiser..I wouldn't mind having this bike!
I really like the clatter from the engine and clunk into gear .I wonder what degrees the crank shaft is .
Thanks for your interesting information. I too an older bike guy owned a few BSAs back in the early 60s. Back then most British bikes were very in expensive to buy. The older BSAs were one huge vibrator. Ride one for a few miles and your butt and palms became nun from the vibrations. However, when one was 17 years old didn’t become an issue. Some months back I got the opportunity to ride the Gold Star 650 thumper. A rolling vibrator. No thanks. I also rode the off shore British Royal Enfield 650. That bike for less money was a more refined bike. Pretty smooth machine and a much better suspension than the BSA. I’m no motorcycle expert, but I have been riding for about 65 years of my life full time. Owned just about every street bike available since the 60s. To included most Japanese street bikes. Got a few Harleys that have some age on them but I believe they’re better than the new very expensive junk. To add to my collection I’d buy a Royal Enfield 650. However, a more refined bike for a cruiser would be the Kawasaki twin 800. That is a very impressive bike. Handles very well and pretty good suspension. Little faster than a 650 for the highway traffic. But more money. Would not consider any 350cc beginner bike. Waste of money cause you’ll sell it for a larger 650 as soon as the new wears off in a couple of days. Save your money and frustration, buy the 650 if you’re shopping you will be glad ya did. Just another opinion from a Yank who restores older bikes and addicted to them…..
Undoubtedly a very fair review, I'm also on the fence.
8.04..not that different, original goldie clocks (sounded like goldielocks) swept that way. A lot of good points covered.
Very classic looking bike. I agree, with the covers matching the shiny tank, this bike would be a step higher than it is.
Look at the Legacy that has the chrome casings etc
The bike seen here is the Dawn Silver with the striped tank and rear mudguard
Lovely tho 😊
I love the style of these modern classic motorcycles.
Here in Brazil, we only have Triumph and Royal Enfield, which have modern classic motorcycles.
Thank you for your views. You must be the last reviewer in Blighty to get one to test ride. I know from past videos, that you are quite a tall bloke. At about 5:18 or so there is some footage with you on it and remarkably, you don't make it look too small or conversely, you don't look over sized for it, which I think is interesting.
In my country, I am allowed to remove the catalytic converter, so on my BMW R1150GS that has been done, after many years of ownership, and it is like a different bike, the bike it was meant to be I suspect, as it jumps off the idle revs and get on down the the road without fanfare, where as before, it was wheezy off idle and you had to be careful it didn't stall. Now the mid range is punchy and extremely usable, in a bad lad sort of way.
Tbh I think there would have been a more positive take up of this motorcycle if we were to have got one in the early stages. Most reviewers are track day racers so have a completely different take on bikes like this. 👍🏼
For a second bike to take out round the back roads suppose it would be ok, looks ok but sounds a bit naff...a bit like a diesel generator, might get a second hand one next year when they're £2500😊 nice review as usual.
Is it true that in India they can get the b.s.a with a 90 hp engine ?, if so why in India and not in Europe?.
Glad to see you on your feet 👍
Peace out ✌️
Perhaps the most un inspiring MC I have ever heard, great review as always old chap 🇦🇺☺️
Man, it’s been said a lot, but that radiator absolutely kills it. I wish RE had a classic with a bit more power than the 350. The interceptor isn’t quite it, but I couldn’t live with that radiator. It just makes it look like an imposter.
Well as i read your comment i understood that you would never be ok with any bike in classic series
The beautiful Ram...(Being a city boy.. I think it was..) was so funny having a lot of interest in you. I like the bike too. Blimey! I just read a few comments from some who really don't like it...
Good guess 👍🏼 It was a manx ewe, the rams are even more magnificent!
@@MrDarcy-OlMan Cool. I send ewe my apologies...
bonsoir Mr Darcy .. dommage que les sous titre de la vidéo ne sont pas disponible . merci de vos belle vidéo , un bonjour de Belgique ..
Congratulations on retaining your cool despite the Sheep nibbling at your bits. I can almost forgive you for being so tall... Seriously, this is now at the top of my list. I've ridden it several times now and have warmed to it, despite the well known niggles. To the 'It's not a genuine...'(insert insult here) Crowd, I would say, you don't know what you are talking about.
We also have some great custom BSA videos which if you have not seen, would be great to watch as it also gives you ideas on what customisation you can do to this bike 👍🏼
I would love to see your take on the mash dirt track 6.5, there’s hardly any review on this bike. Especially the original one with the flattracker square front plate.
I’d like to see that too. At a grand and a half cheaper the mash certainly looks the business
I would like the BSA better if it had shiny aluminium engine covers, Cats in the silencers and therefore easily removed, logos other than stickers, oh and an extra cylinder 😁😁
Let's see what reliability and residual values are like in a couple of years. I suspect the initial surge to buy this bike are by people who have nostalgic reasons for doing so but when that initial market had been catered for well, let's see what happens, brand identity isn't everything as Vauxhall found out when they revitalised the "Viva" brand, that didn't last long before it was withdrawn from the market.🤔👍
I think I've only ever seen 1 new Vauxhall viva on the British roads after your comment.