BSA Gold Star 650: Top 5 features of Royal Enfield Interceptor rival

Classic Legends has entered the 650-cc fray with the introduction of the BSA Gold Star 650. Royal Enfield, the long-standing leader in this segment, now faces a formidable challenger. We take a closer look at the new kid on the block’s features and find out if the Gold Star has what it takes to make the Interceptor 650 nervous.

BSA Gold Star 650: Instrument console

The Gold Star 650 sports a retro twin-pod instrument console with a multi-information display nestled in between. The left console houses an analogue speedometer, a digital screen for the odometer and a low battery indicator warning light. The right pod sports an analogue tachymeter, a digital screen above that reads out the fuel gauge and a low fuel indicator warning lamp. The multi-information screen has numerous warning lights like low fuel indicator, low engine oil pressure, ABS warning alert, side stand and neutral lamp, left and right indicators and more.

BSA Gold Star 650: Charging ports

The Gold Star 650 might not get Bluetooth connectivity functions like the new modern-day motorcycles, but it offers charging ports for a phone or other devices. Mounted on the left handlebar, the Gold Star offers multiple charging ports — USB and a Type-C — but to mount a device or a phone, one will have to opt for an aftermarket holder.

BSA Gold Star 650: 12-volt socket

BSA has left no stone unturned when it comes to charging options. The Gold Star 650 is the first motorcycle to come with an additional 12-volt socket. Tucked in the left body panel, the socket gives you an option to plug in a tyre inflator.

BSA Gold Star 650: Engine

The Gold Star’s 652 cc is the big daddy of all single-cylinder engines in the Indian market. Its arch-rival, the Interceptor 650, on the other hand, has a parallel twin 647 cc air-cooled engine. The Gold Star 652 cc is a liquid cool engine with an output of 44 bhp and a class-leading 55 Nm of torque and is mated to a 5-speed gearbox. The Royal Enfield 650 has an output of 47 bhp and 52 Nm and is paired to a 6-speed gearbox. Like the Interceptor, the Gold Star comes standard with a dual-channel ABS.

BSA Gold Star 650: Price

The Gold Star costs from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 3.35 lakh. The BSA retro motorcycle directly goes against the Interceptor 650 which is priced from Rs 3.03 lakh to Rs 3.31 lakh.