BSA 650 Gold Star Review | ROYAL ENFIELD Interceptor beater?
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- Опубликовано: 3 авг 2024
- BSA 650 Gold Star Review | ROYAL ENFIELD Interceptor beater?
My Review of the BSA 650 Gold Star 2023 and can it compete with the Royal Enfield 650 interceptor
And of course it’s Birmingham small arms. Sorry for the slip of the tongue!
POV rides round the New Forest
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Pictures of old BSA motorcycles are not my own
www.deardenmotorcycles.co.uk/
Timecodes
0:00 - Intro
0:05 - BSA History
1:20 - New BSA, Engine size, price
2:06 - Close up
4:05 - Seat height
5:00 - Start up
6:00 - On the bike
7:59 - Mid ride impressions
8:45 - Stalling
9:40 - Enfield vs BSA choice?
12:58 - Back on the bike
14:00 - Summary
18:19 - Dearden Motorcycles 
Авто/Мото
I had the cutting out problem when the standard baffle was removed
I bought a small baffle from bike Tec parts when it had its ist service my bsa dealer
Let the bike tick over for 15 minutes to let the ecu recognise it and it hasn’t cut out since
Hi Henry, thanks for watching! That is great info for other owners. Not sure if the baffle was removed on the one I rode, it’s hard to fully tell on the video.
@@pintsizedbiker hi I paused the video and zoomed in on the end of the exhaust it looks like the baffle has been removed
@@henrysmith5604 I suppose when the exhaust is significantly changed you normally have to adjust the fueling or mapping so it would make sense. Surprising it would be that bike an impact. I am no mechanic so won’t say either way but if putting it back resolved it then that’s an easy win! Equally BSA could rightly wash their hands of any warranty claims from the stalling of bike isn’t standard spec.
Everything else the bike going ok?
@@pintsizedbiker it was the dealership’s technician who told me to remove the standard baffle it’s over a foot long! As he had done it to his own BSA 650. Also at the press launch with classic motorcycle channel all the new BSA’s had their baffles removed as they wanted to get that original Goldie sound as they had a original Goldie there
@@henrysmith5604 Sounds like better to leave it be or pay the £18 from TEC for a halfway house option
I have owned three British motorcycles; a 650 BSA I owned in Guam while stationed there in the Air Force, A Triumph 750 SiIver Jubilee, and a Norton 850 which was my favorite.
Some excellent bikes, which commando did you have? I had an interstate for 5 years
Hi, great to see content from less tall rider...well done.
The BSA M24 Gold Star was launched before the War in 1938 after Wal Handley earned a 'goldstar badge' for lapping Brooklands on a BSA Empire Star at over 100mph!
Cheers keep up the good work.
Hi Paul, thanks for watching. Cheers for the info on the Goldstar, I wasn’t aware of that and probably should of done a bit more detail research rather than rely on memory or patchy knowledge. Brooklands is such a great place to visit 😊
I love the idea of all these classic bikes coming back, but if you're doing a 650 you should at least do a twin cylinder. I ride a single and indeed it does have enough power for everyday use, but 650s are expected to be at least twins. You can find 90s and 2000s era second hand bikes, but you can't find too many first generation MT-03 with that 600 single because nobody really bought them. Other than that the BSA is a beauty.
Yes it is a surprise. Especially as they have a history of twins to lean on. Plus I don’t think it would matter if the Gold Star was a twin.
That said I have a soft spot for singles, but it would put people off against a tried and tested twin (enfield, Guzzi etc)
660 single yammy was a great little engine used also by Aprilia.
Hey this is the same 650 BMW used in their F650 and G650 bikes, plenty of them still out on the road. I personally really enjoy a thumper, especially now that basically every bike 500cc and above is just a parallel twin. Do we really need to throw another ptwin retro bike on the pile?
Nice to see a review from another short rider. You confirmed for me it would be lighter and easier to saddle up on than an Interceptor for me. I can't wait for the Goldstar to make it to the US.
Thank you Ken! I would say try both before chucking the money down but the Goldstar did seem very easy to move about, things like U turns were a breeze
“ I can't wait for the Goldstar to make it to the US.”
Yea, me too! Hurry up BSA, I am getting old and can’t wait forever!
A fair review but, unfortunately there never will be a centre stand as there is no space for it unless you redesign the engine and weld the requisite brackets onto the frame. There are also no threaded inserts to install paddock stand bobbins. I told the BSA rep at the last NEC show that I thought this was an oversight but he didn't understand what I was talking about.
Thanks for the comments Richard.
Ah I didn’t know that. It is a massive oversight I agree. Retro bikes should all have centre stands or capability of installing one. I personally think sports bikes should also. I know everyone says extra weight or you ground it out but that’s bollocks really.
& Paddock stands are just a pain, can’t take them on holiday with you 😂
Not bad but not for me. Watercooling. Nah. An oil cooler would have been OK.
Certainly is a good looking bike and sounds great too. I have only passed my test this year and opted for the RE Hunter 350, very nearly went with the Zontes GK350 you mentioned though as I had the GK125. I didn’t go with it in the end as there was not a dealer local that had one in stock that I could test ride or even get a sit on one. I would love to see you review the GK350 !!
Hi Michael. Thanks for watching. They said at the dealerships that I could test one. They also said that they are super reliable, his exact words were they don’t see them again other than services. They looks really good.
How you getting on with the 350? I’ve yet to try it but super keen to have a go!
The stalling problem sounds like they haven't got the idle valve and fueling settings quite right for this engine set up or it just doesn't react fast enough to keep it turning over when you shut the throttle. Not a problem you get with old fashioned carbs. (Unless the pilot jet settings are wrong!)
Most fuel injected engines will stop fuel flow completely when the throttle is closed and when you're running down to a junction or when encountering traffic but to stop completely at a standstill is not what you'd expect from a modern motorcycle. We've had fuel injection on bikes for long enough that you'd think they'd have some idea about it by now.
Agreed Roy, when it happened I instantly thought of the issues I had with my old carbs on the Norton but as you say you wouldn’t expect it out of a brand new machine! Thank you for your insight on fuel injection
Ridden both .. bought the goldstar . Love mine . Enfield is missing a lot of things the bsa has and I know the Enfield is cheaper .
Happy new year John! Glad all is well with the BSA. It was very fun to ride I have to say. Any upgrades or plans to modify it?
@@pintsizedbiker decat full exhaust 17t sprocket
Nice bike, worth spending a bit more for the Silver sheen Legacy. I wouldnt take one from the showroom until they solved the cutting out problem. That is dangerous. Cheers for the review.
Thanks for watching, I’ve seen on the Facebook group that it’s worryingly relatively common. It would be a no for me if it was happening. Too dangerous, things like roundabouts or junctions then become a risk you should never have to think about on a modern bike.
I enjoyed that and being an owner of the GoldStar Legacy and other BSA’s
Mine tho hasn’t stalled yet once
But not touched mine ie removed the baffle
I’m happy with mine so after seeing the boring comments I’ve heard so many times and are from people who haven’t got one or don’t want one obviously 🙄
Take no notice of them
Birmingham Small Arms but heh it’s an easy one 😊😊
Oh I have have the T100 too 865
Excellent bike
All the best phil green
Thanks Phil! I have heard the baffle removal might be a cause of this issue. Like many things sometimes best to wait before pulling bits off!
Yeah the Birmingham small arms slip was a mistake 😂
865 T100 are lovely, I had the first FI 865 SE and it served me very well
I have a Kawasaki KLR650. It is water cooled single cylinder bike with a 5 speed gearbox. I llove the sound of a big single. The engine has a balance shaft so vibrations are not a problem. The riding position is the sit up an beg style. The seat height is 35", so it is not a bike for shorties. It is a good tourer, if you ride at legal speeds.
Hi Gary, I was unaware of that Kawasaki, looks a great bike! Something about a single that feels and sounds nice.
I tend to ride pretty much at legal speeds these days 😂
Thank you for that review. I currently own a Guzzi V7ii and have been looking at Royal Enfields, but they don't do a bike that fits the bill for me. I really like the look of the Classic 350 but not the low power figure. A Classic 650 would probably do it though. The BSA ticks most of the boxes for me, especially the look of it, so I think I will look to get a test ride.
I was really disappointed not to test the V7, can I ask why you thinking of changing?
My intention was to do a review of a new BSA vs used V7 as they would be similar price and a likely choice for buyers
@@pintsizedbiker I have had the bike, 2015 v7ii, for three years and only done about 300 miles. I am looking for a lighter, old-Brit style bike. I love the looks of the Royal Enfield Classic 350, but fear that I would find it just too slow. I don't want an old bike: Too much potential trouble, and I can afford a new one - Just! My bike is sorned and has no MOT, else I would say come and try it. I think you really need to compare the BSA to the new Moto Guzzi v7 850. It is, it seems, a much better iteration of the v7.
Try looking at the Super Meteor 650
@@paulshenton6527 why so Paul? I struggled to get enthused by it, but I haven’t ridden a cruiser for many years so unfair for me to judge
@@guzz1jon thank you that is a really kind offer. I hear what you are saying about the weight. I have sat on the 350 about a year ago and it did feel very tall, which seemed really odd for a 350.
How about 500 Triumph Daytona?
Water cooled Rotax lump is way off retro goldstar for many purists.
They want old school air cooled with perhaps an oil cooler at most.
Soon as it gets a water jacket all the fun of home maintenance is gone.
I see the point, for that I’d go for the 535 continental GT. Actually I think I would anyway
Looks stunning and a great finish, however sat on one at GT Motorcycles and its feel big and front end heavy, did not like it.
That’s why it’s so important to see for yourself. Often I’ve seen a bike online or in a mag and then seen it or sat on it and thought ‘nah’
bsa stood for birmingham small arms, i saw them recently but they dont look anything special up close
Of course yes, what an oversight. That serves me right doing a recording off the cuff.
It’s no Rocket 3 (the old one not the silly triumph) but it’s a good price for a good simple bike in my opinion aside from the engine stickers
The stalling problem is entirely unacceptable and is dangerous. If this is common, BSA should issue a recall to sort it out.
Nice hand signal, I still do that.
Haha forgot I did that. Sometimes it’s needed when someone is too close
OK so why have they used a single led for the rear light, very small and indistinct
Yeah that does look a bit shit. But then again many replace the Bonneville one with a small one. I will one day change mine for a Lucas type but not a tiny version. And Lucas indicators
Is this the same or close to a 650 Gold Flash ??
Hi Ian, no it’s sadly a totally newly designed bike with an engine from a different supplier. Now an original 650 would be fun!
@@pintsizedbiker oh, I should have watched all the video first . Lol.
Was curious as my dad used to have one my birth forced him to get a car,, then ruin the rest of his biking life 😁
@@ianjones4116 haha Ian it was all your fault! 😂
The RE's are much better looking . Mixed feelings about it, it's no DBD34 a real legend . More reliable no doubt.
You do know it's a 25 year old Rotax Engine with a BSA badge on it,
And the Royal Enfield 650 Interceptor was designed from the ground up, by ex Triumph British engineers,
It makes me laugh to hear folk's comparing them,
Also there's no main stand on the BSA, and there won't be an after market part, because it's not made to fit one,
Cheers Paul Foster
Hi Paul, thanks for watching. I do. They are compared as they are both retro and similar price. I was unaware until this week that it wouldn’t take a centre stand which is a ridiculous over sight or dumb design
As I say I’d choose the RE or go for a used V7. Actually if I wasn’t taking pillions I think I’d choose a 535 and spend the extra ££ making it the ultimate single. But that would be a silly choice probably 🤣
@@pintsizedbiker
I have had a GT Continental 535, they are good bikes, just lacking in speed, that's all,
But very good. 😊
Radiator.... Sticks out a bit! Yeah like a land rover
🤣
I can't understand this idea that you spend thousands on a bike and accept that you have to buy a new fuelling map. It stalls and jerks at low throttle, that's just rubbish and demonstrates they didn't map it well, so what other fundamentals have they missed? I sold my Triumph because it was unusable in traffic because it just jerked forwards and backwards as you cracked open the throttle, despite installing various tunes and accessories. My RE is smooth and totally reliable. :)
Yeah fair point, it’s why I said on reflection it would have to be right. No idea of the issue on the BSA but I assume my 2 Bonneville jerky throttle is down the emissions stuff. After upgrading the map to match the silencer my Bonneville is now fine. But it never stalled or anything like the BSA did which to be honest was dangerous especially if it caught you out first time. Once I knew I just rode round it, but that isn’t ideal..
i've been riding a BMW 750 and I have to say, zero jerks at low throttle, totally smooth in traffic. I'm really surprised to hear this issue on a modern bike (though frankly it wasn't an issue on an old bike!)
@@jowen85 certainly never had it on a carb bike, well unless there is an underlying issue. And actually never on a 4 or Japanese FI bike. Only ever on my 2 Triumphs and this BSA
Sorry to be pedantic, but The Starfire was a single, that should be Birmingham not British Small Arms. And Continental 535 not 525. I think My Interceptor is the right choice. And its cheaper not similar price.
Hi John. Yes that is why I corrected myself when I said it was a 250, I meant to say spitfire!. None of this is scripted and all has to be done within the hour or so I get the bike so you get the odd slip of the tongue. and 0 time to retake or watch through. I am not Jake Humphrey sadly
I did also say 535, sorry if unclear with my Hampshire accent. 535 is a cracker and I have wanted one since trying it in 2014 but one way or another it hasn't happened or not been practical. So was quite sure I wouldn't of made that slip as slightly obsessed with them. Id chose that over the 650 BSA any day of the week. And the Interceptor is better which is why I say id choose that unless it was just a Sunday morning tool. Even then actually id go with the bullet which I have owned briefly before turning into a sidecar for my dad.
Thanks for watching. Have a great weekend!
what kinda shoes ure wearing man?
Lewis Leathers. I did a little video of them ruclips.net/video/rXFiRdSF6gs/видео.html thanks for watching
@@pintsizedbiker thanks so much.
not bad but the rad the plastic bits on engine cruel it for me
Hi Malcom yes few pence spent here and there would make a big difference. That BSA sticker is very tacky
Nice video but I hope it isn't Six and a half thousand grand to buy one 😄 1:37
Haha is that what I said?? 🤣 well inflation.. it’s possible
What is your inseam ? You are almost up to tiptoes with both feet down.
Hi Doug, thanks for watching. I am about 28 inch leg. It didn’t feel tip toes in the sense of other bikes, for example the 350 is very much tip toes. I felt quite confident with one foot down
@@pintsizedbiker ….. Hi, thanks for the reply. I am also somewhat vertically challenged and I have had some bikes that left me on my toes. At 71, I’m not as spry as I once was so seat height is a concern but I’m not old enough or short enough for a cruiser type bike. The BSA and a RE Scram 450 are on my short list of possible replacements for my Bonneville. Cheers.
Six and a half thousand grand ? So that's £6.500,000 ? A tad beyond my price limit , I guess it's a bargain basement Bimoto H2R for me then !
haha get saving! they would have to fix the stalling for that though!
There is nothing 'cool' about plastic logos.
Or stickers on the engine casing 😯
The Gold Star was a racing bike, this is a commutersomething... Way to heavy, and has nothing to do with a propper BSA. It ends on historys scrapyard after this, never to be heard of again.
Perhaps, but I remember that being said in 2000 when Triumph redid the Bonneville as that was originally a performance machine and in many ways the newer one was heavier and slower.
Is it as good as that 2000/01 Bonneville? Probably not but it isn’t as expensive either relatively speaking. I’d of rather they called it an A10 or something but that wasn’t likely to sell. And they used the basis of an older single and repackaged so yes it’s clearly a bit of a bitsa (ironically) but it’s not a bad price for what it is.
But the RE is on paper even better price for what it is and with its reputation
Did he say that the gun logo represents the name of British Small Arms? What a fundamental mistake.BSA stands for Birmingham Small Arms.
Yeah cock up on my part and slip of the tongue. I don’t do scripts, I just speak as or retakes as that is more natural & due to the little time I get the bikes. But with that will come the odd error, I like the starfire mistake also. I nearly owned one a few years ago but still accidentally called it a 650…
Thanks for pointing it out though 😊
Easy slip of the tongue, no big deal. I own a 1959 a10 and occasionally say the same.😂
@@splodge5714 how long you had the A10? What is it like to live with?
8 years, good fun but I only use it for occasional rides of about 40 miles and it's been reliable. For me it's a second bike that's more just a pleasure to own.
I think it's a bit of a cynical exercise to throw the Rotax 650 liquid cooled single in a retro bike tbh and call it a BSA. Equally cynical but if BSA basically did a Himalayan tyle bike with this engine I'd snap it up in an instant.
Thanks for watching, I see your point. My T100 is liquid cooler and I wish it was air cooled but to be honest I forgot about pretty rapidly 😂
@@pintsizedbiker at least Triumph came up with a new in-house liquid cooled engine though, whereas BSA has pulled one from the 90s BMW lineup.
@@Geshmaal true true. Somewhat ironic a fake Brit leaning on old tech just like the Brits did which partially lead to their demise!
Royal Enfield rocks and they run right. Radiator ? no thanks.
th bsa engine was beautiful. a rotax engine is not. the RE engines are true to form. this is why i'm unconvinced by the new bsa's. frame and everything, lovely. engine, which is the heart of the machine is not.
I was told this is a rebadged jawa
I think you are right George
Looks nice! but sounds like a dumper.
How do you mean Ian? Thought it sounded ok.
Too much plastic, and iffy paintwork on tank. Re 650 twin super meteor wins hands down, for quality, so does the latest Interceptor.
Interceptor on quality wins for sure. If I was looking and I’m not as the Bonnie ticks my boxing then I’d choose RE just based on the idle issue and longer security
Shame, it could have been so good... sadly it will probably be assigned to the bin after this first generation...
If the rest of the models have fuel/idle issues yes, If resolved then maybe, maybe not. Worse bikes have become favorites
@@pintsizedbiker thanks for the reply, yes time will tell..... 👍
@@chriscurrie5597 no worries mate, that’s for watching! I did a bit that I couldn’t quite fit where I said I wish they would do lighting 650 twin or a 750 triple. I would say maybe that’s next but it took RE about 50 years to do another twin!
yup...as my post..
When they are built in Birmingham I might but its still a plastic, sticker BSA
True true. I suppose for that to happen it would treble the cost like the Norton. Though the new Norton looks fabulous and hopefully considerable improvement over the last one as a company
@pintsizedbiker it was always said its to be made in brum...replacing the plastic bits and stickers I concour would indeed add to costs, triple pricing however I feel a little exaggerated, but getting their foot in the door of that segment even if its to be plastic and stickers so be it...but I fear it will put alot off
@@johnmoore4577 sorry I meant by making it UK and a better quality would likely make the cost go through the roof. Yes the badges, especially the engine ones are crap
Birmingham small arms not British.
Hi Mark, yes it was a slip of the tongue.
Thanks for watching and point it out
Sorry but if you are going to talk about the history of BSA it needs to be accurate else you are going to upset us owners of classic bikes. Better to just cover the new bike in my opinion.
Hey mate, it’s just a slip of the tongue. Like the starfire error when I meant spitfire. I have owned old Norton’s and enfields and my father and grand father also had many a Brit bike so know enough about Brit bikes to compare or talk if I wish to. But we all make errors, plus I get the bike for less than 2 hours so don’t do scripts just jump on talk so mistakes are possible.
Not a presenter just a very experienced rider offering opinion to help others. As a classic bike rider like yourself I can do that
Ride safe
It sure does sound better than the stock interceptor.
Thanks for the watch. It certainly had a pleasant rumble. I do prefer the look of the standard RE silencers though. These had already blued/golden up a bit
Lol 😂 No
@@paulfoster5432 you just say that cause you own one. The whistle sound is so annoying, same of my Scout, that's why I changed the pipes the first day.
@@phoenix3580
Mine has Reverse Cone Megas fitted, so it sound's a lot better than a standard one, I also fitted a DNA air filter, and the 16 tooth cog replacement fitted, I probably wouldn't recommend it if you go two up or Touring, but I ride solo a lot, and yes of course I'm bias The Royal Enfield 650 Interceptor is the Ultimate Machine. 😊,
After 49 years of Motorcycling, I think so. 😊 Cheers Paul 👏
One-trick pony for a very limited market…Dealers/Warranty/Spares, Mahindra's record...??...less than stellar...it will cease production in about 2/3 years.
Possibly Mark, not sure it’s a limited market though. The call for reasonable powered retro machines is clearly high. And because of that it isn’t a one trick pony as by their nature a roadster retro are Jack of all trades.
Warranty is fine on paper, in reality I couldn’t comment. The Dealers are growing too.
Maybe it won’t last though? Who knows. But they need to fix some issues that is for sure!
BSA stands for Birmingham small arms not British, do your research.
Was just an error as I do these unscripted and no retakes due to little time with bikes. Made a note in the description. Been a Brit bike fan & owner since I could speak.
Thank you though 😊
BSA = Birmingham Small Arms
Hi, yes was slip of tongue as noted in the video caption. I get one take of these videos and I don’t do any scripts or anything so was just a mistake
Should have named it Road Star or anything except Gold Star; that's a lot to live up too. The fit and finish isn't that great, those engine plastics will be yellow and cracked in 12 months times and the welds were done by a spider with ADHD. The engine rattles like mad monkeys in a spanner factory, even more so than my MT500 and that survived the Gulf War!
Gold Star? More like 6/10 Good Effort. (But no.)
BRITISH SMALL ARMS! Really?
Yeah slip of the tongue chap. Bit like the starfire mistake when I meant to say spitfire! Don’t do scripts and don’t have time to check or recaps. Hence the caption on the vid!
Thanks for watching.
BSA in name only. Too slow.
I see what you are saying if someone is expecting the Gold Star performance relative to what the original had at the time. But then it would be an R1 or something. For normal everyday riding it had more than enough, for me at least.
I want to like this bike but it's just too ugly. It will have to ride very well,, like unicorn status.
In some ways it does & some ways it doesn’t (the stalling issue)
Is the stalling issue model wide, or an issue with that particular demo? Why would a manufacturer release a production bike like that? Particularly a brand relaunch.
@@easydailytrades4205 I am hearing it’s not on all but on sounds like on far too many! I had heard of issues before riding it but not that one, it was quite a surprise! Really isn’t good no matter what the price. Shame as there is potential there in other areas
British Small Arms ???? Try Birmingham Small Arms. At least read the first line of a bike’s history before you start talking about a bikes history
Slip off tongue. I do these one take as only had bike for one hour. I added comment when notice in edit
Oh boy more commercials for fake phony British motorcycles 🤮🤮
Commercial?
@@pintsizedbiker Paid for advertisement. It that clearer? No different from any of the other videos.
No one has paid me Frank. I can’t recall anything in the video that would suggest that they have. I show the the bike stalling and the sticker peeling. And say I’d pick the enfield
@@pintsizedbiker l did not say you got paid. All of the RE 350 and BSA650 videos are nothing but advertising for them. Both are crap pretending to be something that they are not. Especially that abomination 650. Hey let's glue badges of a famous British company on the gas tank of our crappy little bikes and the Brits will buy a ton of them. You Brit can go cry in your warm 🍺🍻 . They lend you a bike for free and give a gas card and you will give them a glowing report. The RE350 is a toy and the BSA 650 is a joke and not a good one. It they had Mahindra on the gas tank it would be different. But you Brits go to water just because of the name badge. Triumph is as British as an egg roll and RE& BSA are 🍛 Curry. Go put some BSA badges on a Honda. At least they will be on a decent motorcycle. These are as fake as margarine pretending to be butter 🧈.
I think you perhaps need to chill a bit and have some understanding of economics to see why these bikes are important, affordable and popular. It would be nice for Britain if they were made here but they aren’t, the only way they are affordable is being imported. The Norton is made here and is 16k. Also the Triumph classic (which I own) is produced in Thailand so…
You can get Norvil to build you an original commando or SRM to build you a BSA for that originality at extreme cost but otherwise you aren’t going to get it.