Here Are The Top 5 Highlights You Need To Know About The Upcoming BSA Gold Star 650

Published: Monday, August 12, 2024, 11:54 [IST]

The BSA Gold Star 650 is set to launch in India soon, marking a significant move for Mahindra-owned Classic Legends. This motorcycle aims to compete with Royal Enfield's 650cc models and will be positioned above the Jawa and Yezdi brands as a premium offering. Here's an overview of what we know about the upcoming BSA Gold Star 650.

BSA Gold Star 650: Launch & Availability

Classic Legends plans to launch the BSA Gold Star 650 on August 15. The model has been available internationally for over a year but is only now making its way to India. The delay was due to legal issues concerning the use of the BSA name, which have since been resolved.

BSA Gold Star 650: Engine Specifications

The BSA Gold Star 650 features a liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine, distinguishing it from Royal Enfield's 650cc models. The engine is a modified version of the 652cc Rotax motor, previously used in bikes like the BMW F650 Funduro from the early 2000s. Co-developed with Austrian engineering firm BRP-Rotax, this engine produces 45hp and 55Nm of torque.

Compared to the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650, the BSA Gold Star offers slightly less power but more torque. Specifically, it has 2.5hp less power but gains an additional 2.7Nm of torque, which peaks at a lower rpm (4,000rpm compared to Enfield's 5,150rpm).

BSA Gold Star 650: Weight & Variants

The BSA Gold Star weighs in at 213kg, making it just five kilos lighter than the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650, which weighs 218kg. How this weight difference affects performance will become clear once we get to ride the bike.

BSA Gold Star 650: Colours

BSA's UK website lists two versions of the Gold Star: a standard model available in five colours and a Legacy Edition featuring a unique Silver Sheen colour scheme with more chrome accents. Both variants share identical specifications.

BSA Gold Star 650: Pricing Strategy

In terms of pricing, the Gold Star is positioned slightly higher than the Interceptor 650 in the UK market due to BSA's premium brand heritage compared to Royal Enfield. However, it remains to be seen how Classic Legends will price it in India, where BSA is primarily known for bicycles rather than motorcycles.

The Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 currently starts at Rs 3.03 lakh ex-showroom. Given that twin-cylinder engines generally command higher prices than single-cylinder ones in India, it will be interesting to see if Classic Legends can justify a higher price point for the Goldstar.