BSA to set foot in India with Gold Star to take on Royal Enfield

Mahindra-owned Classic Legends brings yet another classic motorcycle brand to the Indian market. Classic Legend has already resurrected the Jawa and Yezdi brands with good help from Mahindra (including the Mojo engine). However, the upcoming Gold Star 650 will bring a new engine to the country. The launch event is set to be held while we celebrate Independence. The Brits are coming back, but this time with a motorcycle.

Also Read: Upcoming Royal Enfield Motorcycles.

BSA Gold Star 650 Design

The motorcycle is firmly rooted in a classic design: a teardrop-shaped fuel tank, flat single-piece bench-like seats, curved full fenders, spoke-wired wheels, and circular headlamps. The chromium paint is used lavishly throughout the motorcycle. In European markets, the motorcycle is offered in Insignia Red, Highland Green, Midnight Black, Dawn Silver, and Silver Sheen, all with chrome bits. Interestingly, the Gold Star 650 only has a single horizontal chrome exhaust, or since it is a classic motorcycle, let’s refer to it as a silencer. However, all the Classic Legend's classic motorcycles have a twin silencer setup. Even though they are smaller in capacity, it will be cuckoo to draw parallels between these brands. Like most of the Classic Legend lineup, the BSA will directly be a Royal Enfield competitor. Just by the looks? You may ask, but I am afraid it just starts here. 

BSA Gold Star 650 Engine and mechanical specs

The renowned British marque will likely bring its potent 652cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder DOHC four valves twin spark plugged motor with the Gold Star 650. The engine generates 45 hp at 6500 rpm of power and 55 Nm of torque at 4000 rpm, par with the RE 650 twins. The engine is mated to a 5-speed transmission with a slipper clutch. Unlike the RE 650 twins, the BSA falls short of a gear and a cylinder. It could be a good thing or a bad thing. Let's wait until we get our hands on it.  But to give a retrospective, what else is there with a 650cc single cylinder in the country?

The classic motorcycle is based on a cradle frame and telescopic forks in the front, with twin springs in the back holding it in place. Other cycle parts include a single 320mm floating disc, Brembo twin-piston floating calliper, 18-inch Pirelli Phantom Sportscomp tyre on top of spoke alloy rims on the front, and a single 255mm disc, Brembo single-piston floating calliper, 17 -inch Pirelli Phantom Sportscomp tyre on top of wire spoke alloy rims at the rear. The motorcycle will be 11 kg heavier than the RE Interceptor 650. 

BSA Gold Star 650 Price

When it comes to purchasing decisions, the Indian pricing of a motorcycle is a significant factor, especially considering the better brand value and resale value of Royal Enfield. Rest assured, BSA is expected to price the Gold Star 650 competitively, on par with the RE 650 twins, just as they do internationally. In that case, we can expect the motorcycle to be priced between Rs 3 Lakh to Rs 3.30 Lakh, making it a compelling option for motorcycle enthusiasts.  

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