BSA Gold Star 650 Review: Pros & Cons

Ever since it first broke cover more than three years ago in the United Kingdom, I had been itching to get my hands on the BSA Gold Star 650, simply because the 500cc+ motorcycle segment in India is dominated by premium brands like Ducati, Triumph, Kawasaki, and to some extent even Honda and Suzuki.

However, it was a certain manufacturer from Chennai which actually pushed the envelope in the 650cc displacement category with the launch of its twins back in 2018. Now, that brand has an entire lineup of 650s up its sleeve and more to come. Now, while BSA or Birmingham Small Arms might sound very British, it is actually more India than you would think.

Yes, it has been developed keeping the requirements of European and UK buyers in mind, but it has been made and assembled in India by Mahindra-owned Classic Legends. And by now, you might already have developed some opinions about it but urge you to hold onto your thoughts for a while. 

Launched in August 2024, we only got an opportunity with the BSA Gold Star 650 until recently. Yes, it’s another 650 but very different from its arch nemesis and hence very unique. Before we get into our opinions, let’s get some key specs out of our way first.

BSA Gold Star 650: Pros

Looks classic

Yes, looks and design are very subjective but every reader will agree that for a moment or two, it instantly grabs your attention. Every time I stopped at a signal, there were eyeballs ogling at the Gold Star. It looks classic retro from every corner and Classic Legends have done a nice job of providing an ample amount of bling to make it look old school without going overboard.

Comfortable ride & ergonomics

The most impressive aspect of the BSA Gold Star 650, in my opinion, has to be its ride quality. At a time, when more and more motorcycles are opting for a stiff rear suspension, Classic Legends have gone for a softer rear, offering a plush riding experience for most parts. Yes, there is a small trade off with handling but overall ride quality is beautifully balanced.

Secondly, the riding ergonomics of the bike is bang on. The low 780mm saddle means it is accessible to riders of all sizes. With slightly forward-set footpegs and a tall handlebar, the riding stance is very upright and neutral, offering a very comfortable posture for long duration.

Clean Performance

The performance of the Gold Star 650 may not be exhilarating but it does the job adequately. More importantly, it is smooth and devoid of vibrations for most parts unlike the smaller 334cc unit operating on its cousins from Jawa and Yezdi. There is not much oomph in the top end but there is plenty of grunt in the low-revs and mid-range making it an ideal city bike. The 652cc single-cylinder unit is at its best between 2000-5000 rpm, pulling cleanly with more than ample torque at its disposal.

Prompt braking

Another positive attribute of the Gold Star is its impressive braking which is sharp and will inspire a lot of confidence even to novice riders. The braking is aided by grippy Pirelli Phantom Sportscomp rubbers which do a fine job on tarmac, at least.

BSA Gold Star 650: Cons

Average quality

While there is no doubt that the quality of BSA Gold Star is a notch above its brethren from Jawa and Yezdi, it still falls a little short from what you expect from motorcycles in this segment, especially considering it has been developed primarily for European and UK buyers. The use of stickers for the BSA logo on the side panel, misaligned buttons / parts, and average switchgear are few examples of the bike’s average built quality.

Barebones equipment

There is nothing wrong with a simple, old-school motorcycle but some features should be standard on all automobiles in today’s day and age. Yes, it does pack both USB and C-type charging ports which means charging phones and other devices won’t be an issue but there is nothing else to write. Even the equipment the Gold Star gets isn’t faultless.

For instance, there is no gear position indicator or LED headlights and taillights. On top of that, the tell-tale lights aren’t properly visible under daylight, the digital fuel-gauge is highly unreliable, and the halogen headlamp has a very poor throw and spread.

Thirsty Engine

Now we have praised the engine for its smooth performance, but it is a very thirsty unit which gulps down fuel at a rapid rate. While we didn’t get a chance to do a tank-to-tank refill for a thorough fuel-efficiency test, our estimates indicated a fuel efficiency of not more than 25 kmpl.

BSA Gold Star 650: Verdict

It’s slightly tricky to give a clear verdict on this one but all things considered I can come to a clear conclusion that Classic Legends has surely made an effort with the BSA Gold Star 650. It is definitely one of the better products from Classic Legends I have ever ridden. This may come from my small bias for old-school retro motorcycles, but Classic Legends have produced a winner when it comes to BSA Gold Star 650. However, challenges like availability of spare parts and service need to be addressed for a smooth ownership experience.

The India-spec Gold Star is identical to the UK-spec model and available in six colour options including Highland Green, Insignia Red, Midnight Black, Dawn Silver, Shadow Black, and Legacy Edition – Sheen Silver. The price of each shade is mentioned below.