Table of Contents
Introduction
It is the classic retro look and feel of this 2024 BSA Gold Star 650 that will capture your heart; although, its punchy performance may steal it away! Powered by a 652cc liquid-cooled engine and producing around 55 Nm of torque, this bad boy delivers personality and character the way it is supposed to. Here are all the details of what one can expect after three gruelling days on a BSA Gold Star 650.
Engine Performance Overview
Running a Rotax 652cc single engine, the BSA Gold Star 650. While some may argue it is slightly less powerful than its rivals such as the Interceptor 650, but this gives it a unique power to torque balance just where you want them at mid-range RPM. Which is all great when you consider that the engine itself responds relatively smoothly and has a pleasant, huggee sound to it as this bike moves through space (most notably around 3-5000 RPM).
First Impressions of Riding
You know it’s a Gold Star from the raspy growl of its start up. At idle, this sound might feel flat compared to the bass line of some twin-cylinder bikes like the Interceptor. But get the thing on wheels, and it sings to life with a sexy note that just screams “single cylinder.
Transmission and Gearing
The five-speed transmission on the Gold Star 650 is buttery smooth, and first gear is pretty short — you’ll be in second before long. With a flat torque curve reaching all the way down to 2,000 RPM on up, it is both pleasingly responsive and easy to ride.
On-Road Performance
Rather, the BSA Gold Star 650 is a mid-range bike. The engine is best enjoyed between 2,000 and 5,000 rpm where acceleration feels strong and the car lopes along with ease. At 90-120 km/h the bike feels well mannered, cruising easily in fourth or fifth gear. At 5,000 RPM and above acceleration suffers, but even beyond that speed the bike maintains a top end in excess of167 km/h which is fine for highway cruising.
Ideal Riding Conditions
Winding country roads, or even blurring up the highway; the Gold Star 650 plays. It is just as delighted cruising at 60-80kmh as it is spoilt for excitement above the magical two digits, granting riders such an amazing dynamic – they can cruise or bang on their RPM’s hearts out depending on mood.
Suspension Setup
The front suspension soaks up bumps well and is responsive, but the rear could use refinement. The rear especially is very bouncy and soft which can create instability for a rider over rough surfaces. And this can undermine that confidence you feel while the bike is pushing back at higher speeds.
Seat Comfort
Sadly, the Gold Star’s seat cushion lacks support. A soft seat might seem luxurious at first, but after a while it will feel like you are sitting on the wooden frame of your bike. It’s good that a bike inclines your knees like this on-road, as well; however, welts or chafing in long pants do not great touring comfort make.
City Riding Experience
The bike’s torrid single-cylinder engine generates a lot of heat, especially in slow moving traffic within urban environments. It can also be a bit of bastard to ride around town in too, with most riders needing 1800rpm on the clock not stall it at low speeds. This can be annoying in stop and go traffic as the engine will sometimes shut off when RPMs fall too low.
Highway Cruising Experience
The open road is where the Gold Star 650 really excels. Adequate passing power; feels stable at high freeway speeds. If you are cruising at 100-110 kmph or doing a quick overtake, the bike has enough power in reserve.
Refinement and NVH Levels
Classic Legends, the guys who coat Gold Star 650 have done a wonderful job in vibration management and it feels smooth till about 4,500 RPM. It is only when the engine climbs into higher revs do you feel some NVH, but unless you are actually chasing after top speed this does not make any difference really.
Handling and Stability
Ride & Handling: This bike rides with stability and predictability, especially at modest speeds. It isn’t too aggressive in cornering, and the front suspension doesn’t offer a lot of feedback or reflex for casual twistiness. The presence of an 18-inch front wheel compounds this stability on less-than-smooth roads leading to a very nice ride.
Braking Performance
The Gold Star also features Brembo brakes at both the front and rear, another performance accent point. It gets meatier 320 mm disc up front, along with a 255 mm disc at the back offering good braking and stopping power especially under hard riding conditions while enhancing safety is ABS which comes standard.
Quality and Design of the Product as a Whole
The Gold Star 650 is one very well put together, classically styled effort. This is an interesting duo as the vintage of a retro appeal to many who love old motorcycles like myself and yet it has enough modern touches, so that no one could call this bike ordinary. The fit and finish overall is solid which means Classic Legends sticks to its endeavour of quality.
Conclusion and Key Takeaways
An Engine You Can Love Low-interest financing is super, but the 2024 BSA Gold Star 650 remains a sweet bike with its fun-loving engine and retro appeal. Nevertheless, there are some disadvantages the could hinder its appeal like the gooey rear suspension and comfy seat. And while it was not a bike available for our testing, the heat and stalling issues at low RPM on an up to 45-mpg machine that is so attractive in its price might be enough for most city riders.
Yet, it is one of the best-handling Motor Company bikes to date and also offers impressive braking performance and cushy highway manners that will likely appeal to riders pining for a classic motorcycle experience with just enough modernity in tow.
FAQs
BSA Gold Star 650 vs Royal Enfield Interceptor 650
Hotness’s Horses Wanted: While both bikes make about the same power, with 49-51 hp available from each at peak output depending on whether you believe Royal Enfield or the general press scrum (and our experience), “The new engine and chassis have been developed for increased tractability to provide a more relaxed riding experience,” we’re told by Abhimanyu product manager in Chennai.
Is the seat comfortable to ride for long?
On top of that, the seat is on a softer side and it gets uncomfortable if you ride for longer. There is something for when riding extended 13, an ideal seat upgrade.
So it the BSA Gold Star 650 too hot in traffic?
The engine can feel hot in stop-and-go traffic but not unduly so. It is a key point in many large single cylinder engines.
Will the bike suffice for some long-distances, high-speed cruising?
100-110 km/h is relaxed and comfortable for the bike as well, though it can get plenty of steam up to dispatch slowpokes on motorways without a problem.
What Are the Downsides to BSA Gold Star 650?
Very, very simply put — if you own a Verses 650 and don´t buy the ER-6n´s seat with circuit fee in $1.800,- save bag for spend it on yoga lesson or to have some fun because other people are going bribe CBR competing elsewhere… even wrong part’s failures rear suspension soft goes comfort conclusion! Both are areas that could be optimised to produce better comfort and handling.
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