BSA’s sole model: the BSA Gold Star 650 gets 2 new colourways
The BSA Gold Star 650 has received two new colourways: Birmingham Blue and Brooklands Black Legacy Edition, with the underpinnings remaining unchanged
BSA India has launched 2 new colourways for the brand’s only model being sold in India, the BSA Gold Star 650. While there are no mechanical changes to the Gold Star 650, it does get some visual changes.
BSA Gold Star 650 design
The design of the Gold Star 650 remains unchanged, with a circular headlamp at the front and similarly shaped rear taillamps, along with a dual-pod instrument cluster. The overall design has been kept similar to the original Gold Star that came out first in 1938. The seat height also remains unchanged at 780mm.
What has changed: the Birmingham Blue colourway brings a deep blue finish to the bike, along with a patinated silver badge on the fuel tank and a bespoke engine finish. The colourway is heavily inspired by the town of Birmingham, where BSA first started out as a small arms manufacturer, producing guns for the Allied forces during both World Wars.
The second colourway is Brooklands Black, which sports a dual-tone chrome and deep black finish, with the chrome-finished fender and chrome-accented tank getting a gold pinstripe. The colourway is pays tribute to the Brooklands circuit, where the Gold Star’s story first began with BSA rider Wal Handley's record-breaking performance earning the coveted Gold Star badge in 1937.
BSA Gold Star 650 chassis
It features a double-cradle chassis setup which sits on 41mm telescopic forks at the front and twin shock absorbers at the rear, which get 5-step adjustable preload. The bike rides on spoked wheels which are 18-inchers at the front and 17-inchers at the rear and are wrapped in Pirelli Sportcomm tyres.
Braking is provided by Brembo with a 320mm front disc which is clamped on by a two-piston calliper and a 255mm rear disc with a single-piston calliper, with dual-channel ABS as standard.
BSA Gold Star 650 engine and performance
The Gold Star 650 is powered by a 652cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine, which, as of writing, is the biggest single-cylinder engine manufactured in India. The engine has been designed with a focus on torque, which it produces 55 Nm of. Power does not lag far behind, producing 45bhp at 6500rpm, but BSA claim that 60 per cent of the 55Nm is available as low as 1800rpm. Power is delivered to the rear wheel via a 5-speed gearbox with a slip/assist clutch.
The 652cc engine powering the Gold Star 650 is the biggest single-cylinder engine produced in India, making 45bhp and 55Nm of torque
BSA Gold Star 650 pricing and rivals
The BSA Gold Star 650 Birmingham Blue has a starting price of ₹3.56 lakh (ex-showroom), with pricing for the Brooklands Black Legacy Edition starting from ₹3.65 lakh (ex-showroom). One thing to note: since we last rode the Gold Star, it has now gained from Royal Enfield with the likes of the Classic 650, Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650. All of which are priced at ₹3.67 lakh, ₹3.46 lakh, and ₹3.58 lakh, respectively.
