I think sometimes people that complain about bikes like this appear to forget it’s a cheap bike and they are built to a price. It is what it is. Good review 🤙
Good to see a balanced view and great vids btw. I think it’s a good bike for the money and as you say a couple of hours out on a Sunday is all you need from this type of bike. Be interesting to see a back-to-back review with the Royal Enfield if Mansell have one in the showroom….
I've owned one for a week or 200 plus miles and absolutely love it. For me it pretty much ticks all the boxes for the style of bike it is. My guess is the majority of it's detractors are disgruntled Interceptor owners though, personally I see the benefits of more choice. Personally I like the distinctive character of the single. Each to their own. Regards the seat... I'd have to take issue as I've not had any problems despite going for fairly long runs. As for over taking. Perhaps the other reviewer was judging the bike against a Ferrari as I have no problems and the mid range surge is really strong. One thing though that I'd suggest is an absolute must. The bike is strangled by the baffle in the silencer. Only held in with two rivets and easy to remove/replace. Transforms the bike IMHO. Below is a link to a RUclips video I made. (Disclaimer: Tampering with an exhaust system may well be illegal in your country, affect your warranty or insurance). ruclips.net/video/ud0gvwfQi60/видео.html
Great review of a stunning looking bike this red one really does it for me its the best colour, I grew up with BSA's in the 60's, no BSA dealers in Aberdeen yet though so will have to wait a while can't wait to take one out for a blast
It’s a bike to ride not to go screaming around on, everything about it is built to a budget so what do some of these so called test riders want! It’s based on a classic bike, much better than the original, first of all it won’t leak oil, second you don’t have to kick your guts out to start the bloody thing. It is what it is, I quite like it and if I can stretch to it I’d have one to potter about on. Good review, like he said, it’s a budget bike.
Thank you for the review very helpful when buying.. yes built down to a price but plenty good enough for my needs .. riding review spot on and not ridden mine for long enough to judge the seat.. Main issue is with the suspension mostly the back not being progressive but seriously under damped (why they released it like this i do not know as aftermarket shocks are only £80 a pair in the UK) . They now have panniers as aftermarket items but stick to a back pack as i think they are well overpriced. The issue with the right footpeg is a problem for me, (size 12) first ride i started to melt the sole of my boot and the brake pedal is set so high you cannot ride with your foot straight on the peg ( reviewers is held at an angle in video and you can see marks on the review bike silencer) I have fitted an exhaust heat shield by Oxford products (£18) on mine which seems to help.
Some idiots say that it's based in JAWA platform but I own a jawa classic and I am 100% sure that's not the case, Jawa frame is smaller than BSA, also BSA is based ona complete new platform with BMW Rotax engine
It's made in India which has a totally different climate to northern Europe. Hence expect rust and issues. But as the reviewer says its likely to be kept indoors during winter. The mk2 will be interesting when it comes.
They are selling it in the UK, the climate where it is made is irrelevant. They know where they are trying to sell it. India is perfectly capable of producing goods to the highest of level and much of their industry does. There is no excuse.
I had a Thruxton R that started to rust and mark after just three months summer riding and being garaged. Looked after if like to think the BSA would be fine.
I'd like to see Rotax offer sports touring and full race cams and remap info . This could also be a good platform for other Goldie models. How about close and wide ratio gearboxes. Twin disc conversion?
Original DBD34'S were designed to be raced and so everyone used to ride with ace bars or clip ons and maybe rear sets, discomfort was disregarded in favour of speed. At least the new version has an electric start - the original used to break your ankle!
Enjoyed that a lot better than mine haha but yes everything you say is correct. I have the legacy along with a few older BSA,s Love it Only had it a few days
I personally think they let it down for an almost 7 grand machine with the little details, your point about the radiator is a bit weird as other bikes make E5 without the use of this agricultural large radiator, a USB which looks like an after thought, stickers on the casing, please! Give me a break! That's the best they can do for 7 grand, it's nice to see old British brands come back, but really this could and should have been better especially given the two year delay in release.
Good review. From your riding experience, BSA still stands for Bloody Sore Arse. Let's hope, with modern design and manufacturing, that it won't be Best Scrap Availabe or Bits Stuck Anywhere.
That tyre did say tubeless on it but I suspect it is just a tubeless tyre fitted onto a regular tubed spoked wheel. If it really was tubeless they would be making a bigger deal out of it. It is a cracking bike though.
If you look at the tyre valve, if it has a lock nut on the base of it then it is an inner tube, if it all just moulded rubber onto the rim then it's tubeless 😎
@@andrewpatterson5349 incorrect Sir, many tubeless valve stems have a external nut as well. This keeps them from turning while checking or adding pressure which could loosen the seal. T. S. RACING 🏁
The rims are more important than the tyres when it comes to tyre types,tubed tyres can be fitted to a tubeless rim with an innertube but any tyre be it tubed or tubed less cant be fitted to a tubed rim without an innertube.
Why do euro youtube videos always blur the speedo is big brother so intrusive they sit and watch videos to give you tickets? I am actually impressed you actually rode a bike without immediately tearing it apart and screwing around with it.
Stay tuned the strip down and screwing with it are in the next video and never trust big brother . Have a great weekend and looking forward to your content as and when you get it onto the tube . Ride safe 🤪
I owned a 1957 Goldie, loved the bike but it was not without its problems, the main bearing was weak, rebuilt it several times. I love the Retro Idea of this New BSA, from what ive seen on youtube the Brits are just aching for this bike ,there definitely is a market for this bike. As I see it Mahindra has done a great job of bringing out a Retro bike at a certain price point that your everyday working guy can afford. I can see down the road where Mahindra could sell upgrade kits for this bike witch is all part of the fun of owning a single like this, to trick it out to suit your self either like a Goldie Clubman or the Catalina scrambler or a cafe racer. the possabilities are endless.. To put the bike down, and call it trash just show's how stupid some people are. I rest my Case.
2 reasons 1. To meet the new euro 5 regulations and 2. To make it accessible for the "beginner license" to get a greater market share. I think 48bhp is the limit? Not sure about the UK but here in Germany it is 48HP
I love the so called experts...so I call myself an Expert after riding bikes for 66 years and still do. The B.S.A. Gold Star is just a name it does not resemble the original bike in anyway apart from the badge! I like the fact it's a big single and it is good value for the price you pay.
Exactly!! Anyone who thinks they're riding British iron and reliving the glory days of Empire, need to re-evaluate. A true Brit bike is designed in the UK, made with materials forged and machined in the UK, with ancillaries manufactured in the UK (that means no Italian brake calipers either), for sale in the UK and export around the world. Then it's a Brit bike. Anyone thinking otherwise, you need to take your rose tinted specs off. These bikes, together with RE's, are about as British as 'snails in garlic butter'! As products, however, I'm sure they're fine and those owners who have acquired them, I sincerely wish you many happy miles and years of ownership...... Just don't imagine they're something they're really not.
@@markfranks1329They were designed and assisted in project management in Birmingham, England, with Rotax in Austria commissioned for the engine. The Indian makers, Mahindra's, Director, previously worked for Triumph and Royal Enfield. I think they have done an amazing job, given that we can't seem to build anything here anymore. The EU saw to that, with fees of over £250,000 to get any design approved for manufacturing, before production started! If you look @ the bike you can see some of the original DNA of BSA has been built into it. Incidentally, I owned Birmingham BSA's for 12 years. With some improvements in say fine tuning, I think it would be an amazing machine, Clubman, Street Scrambler to follow. They are even talking about building them in Birmingham again!
I would never lisen to what others think of the style if you like it get it also not every. One whonts to do high speed rideing me i like 60 to 70 b roads 70 plus motor way 76 year old life long biker no car licennce
I know which RUclipsr you was referring to and I think he had decided to slag the bike off even before he rode it! I gave a comment on his negative review and he replied in quite a rude manner
Oh dear . He did say that the bike was not very good on the comments above . Maybe he got one of the first batches possibly put out without proper checks in place ? Hopefully he may try a recent demo model again . 😊
Great review, fully agree. I spent two days with the bike and its a nice machine to spend time on. The F650 derived engine should be very reliable having been around since the early 90s. The seat is about the only detractor on a days ride, otherwise its perfect for plonking around brit B roads. I look forward to a scrambler version.
If you want a retro look, Indian built, medium quality, mediocre riding bike with an off the shelf name, here it is. Not for me. I still get a buzz from Japanese bikes for none of those reasons.
A Suzuki Savage 650 single engine looks and performs much better. Bike is cheaply built with cheap parts but an expensive price. Stick some BSA badges on a Honda which is a better bike. Fake and phony like so many things today.
Slapping "BSA" on it turns me right off, just like a Chinese "Benelli" or "Moto Morini", l wouldn't be seen dead on it. If they'd created a new name l may have been a customer, each to their own.
@@SCALE_SLOTCARS_AND_RC Absolutely not. Bloor achieved a miracle, turning a long term tinpot company into a world class one. Using significant investment to produce new bikes with new engines in England. What we are getting with BSA in my opinion, and the same with Benelli, Fantic & Moto Morini, are homages and that's being kind, to me it's a fake. A cobbled together bike with a readily available Rotax engine, fair enough, but BSA is only on that tank to add some fake authenticity, l couldn't live with that. Each to their own though.
@@saltaireorangebicyclechopp8555 but they are built in another country so whats the problem.... Maybe you are jumping on the anti China/india bandwagon 🤔 Where are Triumph motorcycles made? Around 20% of all Triumph bikes are built at a new Hinckley assembly facility. 71% are built at their 3 Thailand facilities and the remaining 9% are assembled at their Brazilian plant..... Made in England.... Nah!
The reviewer who poo poo'd the bike seemed to have an amended. He is one of those who titles his videos 'things I hate about....." just to attract viewers. His review of this bike was mostly crap.
There is nothing at all I like about this bike. I have watched dozens of reviews and looked and listened to the thing, and in my umble opinion, it's trash.
I think sometimes people that complain about bikes like this appear to forget it’s a cheap bike and they are built to a price. It is what it is. Good review 🤙
I have the Legacy model; it looks even more like the originals. I am loving my new BSA. Mahindra have done a cracking job.
Good to hear
Mine and my brothers are brilliant. And we have 6 other original BSAs
For years I have wished I still had the 500 single Matchless G80 CS I had in 1969. Now I want this BSA!
Good to see a balanced view and great vids btw. I think it’s a good bike for the money and as you say a couple of hours out on a Sunday is all you need from this type of bike. Be interesting to see a back-to-back review with the Royal Enfield if Mansell have one in the showroom….
Appreciate the comments . Yup man bag and open face helmet , job done . 👍
Excellent review. You summed the bike up perfectly👍 I love mine!
Thanks! 👍
Excellent review thank you.
Going for a second test ride after enjoying a rainy one far more than I expected to.
Peter
Enjoy 👍👍
I've owned one for a week or 200 plus miles and absolutely love it. For me it pretty much ticks all the boxes for the style of bike it is.
My guess is the majority of it's detractors are disgruntled Interceptor owners though, personally I see the benefits of more choice.
Personally I like the distinctive character of the single. Each to their own.
Regards the seat... I'd have to take issue as I've not had any problems despite going for fairly long runs.
As for over taking. Perhaps the other reviewer was judging the bike against a Ferrari as I have no problems and the mid range surge is really strong.
One thing though that I'd suggest is an absolute must. The bike is strangled by the baffle in the silencer. Only held in with two rivets and easy to remove/replace. Transforms the bike IMHO.
Below is a link to a RUclips video I made. (Disclaimer: Tampering with an exhaust system may well be illegal in your country, affect your warranty or insurance).
ruclips.net/video/ud0gvwfQi60/видео.html
Had to google IMHO 😂
Great review of a stunning looking bike this red one really does it for me its the best colour, I grew up with BSA's in the 60's, no BSA dealers in Aberdeen yet though so will have to wait a while can't wait to take one out for a blast
Great to hear an honest review 👏
It’s a bike to ride not to go screaming around on, everything about it is built to a budget so what do some of these so called test riders want! It’s based on a classic bike, much better than the original, first of all it won’t leak oil, second you don’t have to kick your guts out to start the bloody thing. It is what it is, I quite like it and if I can stretch to it I’d have one to potter about on. Good review, like he said, it’s a budget bike.
I enjoyed the ride and it would be a great 2nd bike to potter about on. Made me smile 😄
My legacy doesn't look like it's built to a budget ! If it is, it's better value than HS2 😂
Sat on a red demo at Bridge MC in Exeter, thought the finish was excellent for the money.
I had a test ride Tuesday on BSA Gold star, what a lovely bike to ride didn't want to take it back. 10 out of 10. Pulled like a train 😊
Couldn't agree more!
I rode a demonstrator yesterday, the bike was lovely. the other road users put me off a purchase at present.
Thank you for the review very helpful when buying.. yes built down to a price but plenty good enough for my needs .. riding review spot on and not ridden mine for long enough to judge the seat.. Main issue is with the suspension mostly the back not being progressive but seriously under damped (why they released it like this i do not know as aftermarket shocks are only £80 a pair in the UK) . They now have panniers as aftermarket items but stick to a back pack as i think they are well overpriced. The issue with the right footpeg is a problem for me, (size 12) first ride i started to melt the sole of my boot and the brake pedal is set so high you cannot ride with your foot straight on the peg ( reviewers is held at an angle in video and you can see marks on the review bike silencer) I have fitted an exhaust heat shield by Oxford products (£18) on mine which seems to help.
Appreciate the input 👍
If the new Gold Star had a kickstart I'd still use the electric start but also I'd order one.
good review you mention V2 is one due out soon?
Hi , sorry for delay. V2 ...not sure. 🙈
Some idiots say that it's based in JAWA platform but I own a jawa classic and I am 100% sure that's not the case, Jawa frame is smaller than BSA, also BSA is based ona complete new platform with BMW Rotax engine
It's made in India which has a totally different climate to northern Europe.
Hence expect rust and issues.
But as the reviewer says its likely to be kept indoors during winter.
The mk2 will be interesting when it comes.
They are selling it in the UK, the climate where it is made is irrelevant. They know where they are trying to sell it. India is perfectly capable of producing goods to the highest of level and much of their industry does. There is no excuse.
I had a Thruxton R that started to rust and mark after just three months summer riding and being garaged. Looked after if like to think the BSA would be fine.
India makes royal Enfield too and they don't seem to rust except in the first ones
I'd like to see Rotax offer sports touring and full race cams and remap info . This could also be a good platform for other Goldie models. How about close and wide ratio gearboxes. Twin disc conversion?
Original DBD34'S were designed to be raced and so everyone used to ride with ace bars or clip ons and maybe rear sets, discomfort was disregarded in favour of speed. At least the new version has an electric start - the original used to break your ankle!
Enjoyed that a lot better than mine haha but yes everything you say is correct.
I have the legacy along with a few older BSA,s
Love it
Only had it a few days
Enjoy, I had a lot of fun on it.
Nice review!
Thanks!
I personally think they let it down for an almost 7 grand machine with the little details, your point about the radiator is a bit weird as other bikes make E5 without the use of this agricultural large radiator, a USB which looks like an after thought, stickers on the casing, please! Give me a break! That's the best they can do for 7 grand, it's nice to see old British brands come back, but really this could and should have been better especially given the two year delay in release.
I know what you mean but go and try one . 👍Appreciate your input and ride safe .
It is a 650 Rotax engine big cc non common or conventional. It is unique and trouble free😊
@@buzzlightyear1484 and so it should be, given that the basic design is around 25 to 30 years old
Good review. From your riding experience, BSA still stands for Bloody Sore Arse. Let's hope, with modern design and manufacturing, that it won't be Best Scrap Availabe or Bits Stuck Anywhere.
Indeed !
Yawn!
That tyre did say tubeless on it but I suspect it is just a tubeless tyre fitted onto a regular tubed spoked wheel. If it really was tubeless they would be making a bigger deal out of it. It is a cracking bike though.
Terence I couldn't find anything on the internet or any manuals ,but the technician said they were tubeless and who am I to argue.🙈
If you look at the tyre valve, if it has a lock nut on the base of it then it is an inner tube, if it all just moulded rubber onto the rim then it's tubeless 😎
@@andrewpatterson5349 incorrect Sir, many tubeless valve stems have a external nut as well. This keeps them from turning while checking or adding pressure which could loosen the seal.
T. S. RACING 🏁
@@t.s.racing which is highly unlikely to be fitted to this bike?
@@t.s.racing they have an inner tube in them 😎
It’s good that we have these choices from India bsa and india royal Enfield of reasonably priced bikes good.
nice test , and a tour around somewhere different , thanks .
Glad you liked it!
ooh just looked this up bsa G30-G35
Hey up, my bro has the same bike. I nearly bought one but bought the T100 instead 😊
Enjoy it
The rims are more important than the tyres when it comes to tyre types,tubed tyres can be fitted to a tubeless rim with an innertube but any tyre be it tubed or tubed less cant be fitted to a tubed rim without an innertube.
Wooo I like that one.
Definitely tubes are fitted to this bike.
The mechanics at the dealers said tubeless 🙈
Bsa used stickers on side panels.
Why do euro youtube videos always blur the speedo is big brother so intrusive they sit and watch videos to give you tickets? I am actually impressed you actually rode a bike without immediately tearing it apart and screwing around with it.
Stay tuned the strip down and screwing with it are in the next video and never trust big brother . Have a great weekend and looking forward to your content as and when you get it onto the tube . Ride safe 🤪
In answer, yes people have lost their licence.
Good review
Thanks!
I owned a 1957 Goldie, loved the bike but it was not without its problems, the main bearing was weak, rebuilt it several times. I love the Retro Idea of this New BSA, from what ive seen on youtube the Brits are just aching for this bike ,there definitely is a market for this bike. As I see it Mahindra has done a great job of bringing out a Retro bike at a certain price point that your everyday working guy can afford. I can see down the road where Mahindra could sell upgrade kits for this bike witch is all part of the fun of owning a single like this, to trick it out to suit your self either like a Goldie Clubman or the Catalina scrambler or a cafe racer. the possabilities are endless.. To put the bike down, and call it trash just show's how stupid some people are. I rest my Case.
Is that Jersey? Looks very nice. I work for a company that supplied equipment for Bellozanne Sewage Treatment Works.
Yes it sure is.....can't say I am a lover of the Bellozanne fragrance !!! 😂
@@gsd32i It's an acquired taste!
Why does everyone describe the clocks as “reverse rotation” They just start at a different place to conventional instruments.
Indeed 🙈
My 15 year old Rotax 650 single (BMW X Country) produes 52 HP. Not sure why the outputs down on the BSA?
Difference in tuning or maybe a completely different engine head for the retro feel and sound ?
Because everything is strangled now to meet the snowflake environment regulations....🤦🏻♂️
@@SCALE_SLOTCARS_AND_RC 🤣
I think that as the launch is in the UK they have A2 licence guys in their sight hence the BHP limit.
2 reasons
1. To meet the new euro 5 regulations and
2. To make it accessible for the "beginner license" to get a greater market share.
I think 48bhp is the limit? Not sure about the UK but here in Germany it is 48HP
I love the so called experts...so I call myself an Expert after riding bikes for 66 years and still do. The B.S.A. Gold Star is just a name it does not resemble the original bike in anyway apart from the badge! I like the fact it's a big single and it is good value for the price you pay.
Exactly!! Anyone who thinks they're riding British iron and reliving the glory days of Empire, need to re-evaluate. A true Brit bike is designed in the UK, made with materials forged and machined in the UK, with ancillaries manufactured in the UK (that means no Italian brake calipers either), for sale in the UK and export around the world. Then it's a Brit bike. Anyone thinking otherwise, you need to take your rose tinted specs off. These bikes, together with RE's, are about as British as 'snails in garlic butter'!
As products, however, I'm sure they're fine and those owners who have acquired them, I sincerely wish you many happy miles and years of ownership...... Just don't imagine they're something they're really not.
I'm glad it doesn't ride or resemble an original Gold Star. I don't race against Austin A60s on the road anymore, either.😂😂😂
@@markfranks1329They were designed and assisted in project management in Birmingham, England, with Rotax in Austria commissioned for the engine. The Indian makers, Mahindra's, Director, previously worked for Triumph and Royal Enfield. I think they have done an amazing job, given that we can't seem to build anything here anymore. The EU saw to that, with fees of over £250,000 to get any design approved for manufacturing, before production started! If you look @ the bike you can see some of the original DNA of BSA has been built into it. Incidentally, I owned Birmingham BSA's for 12 years. With some improvements in say fine tuning, I think it would be an amazing machine, Clubman, Street Scrambler to follow. They are even talking about building them in Birmingham again!
The reviewer is mistaken. He thinks it's a Gold Star. It is actually a Mahindra. It weighs 470 pounds.
@@markfranks1329 Do your research about the R and D before commenting!
You can pick these up brand new for £5000 now! 😄
Birmingham Small Arms?
I thought it was
Bastard Stopped Again.
😂
I would never lisen to what others think of the style if you like it get it also not every. One whonts to do high speed rideing me i like 60 to 70 b roads 70 plus motor way 76 year old life long biker no car licennce
I know which RUclipsr you was referring to and I think he had decided to slag the bike off even before he rode it! I gave a comment on his negative review and he replied in quite a rude manner
Oh dear . He did say that the bike was not very good on the comments above . Maybe he got one of the first batches possibly put out without proper checks in place ? Hopefully he may try a recent demo model again . 😊
Yeah, those old bmw f650gs engines can be a bit hit and miss at very low revs
Great review, fully agree. I spent two days with the bike and its a nice machine to spend time on. The F650 derived engine should be very reliable having been around since the early 90s. The seat is about the only detractor on a days ride, otherwise its perfect for plonking around brit B roads. I look forward to a scrambler version.
Thanks for sharing
Even if its a classic, it shoud'nt bounce and twitch! would sooner go for Super Meteor for same price.
Phil, I guess some folk would say it all adds to the bikes character .👍
If I had room most defo.
As far as I'm aware, the bike doesn't have a mainstand. Big negative for me......makes maintenance etc. a real pain.
Nobody except Me seems to mention the awful frame welds.
I did mention one 👍
Not for me exhaust oil cooler too big room for improvement
Fair enough! 👍
Glad India did what BSA Regal failed at and it is honest being made there not like Triumph using Thai labor instead of paying UK workers.
If you want a retro look, Indian built, medium quality, mediocre riding bike with an off the shelf name, here it is.
Not for me.
I still get a buzz from Japanese bikes for none of those reasons.
A Suzuki Savage 650 single engine looks and performs much better. Bike is cheaply built with cheap parts but an expensive price. Stick some BSA badges on a Honda which is a better bike. Fake and phony like so many things today.
Royal enfield interceptor >>> bsa
Slapping "BSA" on it turns me right off, just like a Chinese "Benelli" or "Moto Morini", l wouldn't be seen dead on it. If they'd created a new name l may have been a customer, each to their own.
Appreciate the comment , choices , choices 👍
@@gsd32i It's the smoke & mirrors marketing that turns me off, not the bike.
So that rules out all the modern triumphs for you also?
@@SCALE_SLOTCARS_AND_RC Absolutely not. Bloor achieved a miracle, turning a long term tinpot company into a world class one. Using significant investment to produce new bikes with new engines in England.
What we are getting with BSA in my opinion, and the same with Benelli, Fantic & Moto Morini, are homages and that's being kind, to me it's a fake. A cobbled together bike with a readily available Rotax engine, fair enough, but BSA is only on that tank to add some fake authenticity, l couldn't live with that. Each to their own though.
@@saltaireorangebicyclechopp8555 but they are built in another country so whats the problem.... Maybe you are jumping on the anti China/india bandwagon 🤔
Where are Triumph motorcycles made? Around 20% of all Triumph bikes are built at a new Hinckley assembly facility. 71% are built at their 3 Thailand facilities and the remaining 9% are assembled at their Brazilian plant..... Made in England.... Nah!
The reviewer who poo poo'd the bike seemed to have an amended.
He is one of those who titles his videos 'things I hate about....." just to attract viewers.
His review of this bike was mostly crap.
Hi did make comment and it would appear that he may have had a Friday built bike!!😂
There is nothing at all I like about this bike. I have watched dozens of reviews and looked and listened to the thing, and in my umble opinion, it's trash.
Hi Roberto , pop down to a dealer and go and try one . Either way ride safe and enjoy whatever you’re riding currently 👍
I thought bsa stood for bloody sore arse
Na junk