Whilst recognising that some BSA owners are riding significant miles on their bikes , the majority are probably not . Talking to potential owners the perception appears to be that the BSA is a “Sunday bike” , for runs to the local cafe and a gentle run on a Sunday . Clearly it does this well, but can it do more?
In this video I endeavour to find out , taking the bike on a motorway journey to Brands Hatch in Kent and an overnight visit to the Forest of Dean . How did I , and more importantly the bike, get on? I also cover the specification of the bike and my personal views on the aesthetics and styling .
My first video on the BSA – First Impressions, can be found at https://youtu.be/PjL2Y_5O8Fo
43 Comments
Sorry but I don’t like it at all. It’s a pastiche and only works from a distance. Little touches like the three gun emblem ought to have been cast in or laser etched at least. Little details matter. Lots of other little details just make it look cheap. Sounds dull too. 7k doesn’t sound a lot compared with a premium new bike but to many of us mere mortals it’s still a lot of money for not a lot of bike, and honestly, I’d buy a good classic well sorted bsa for less! If you want a classic, buy a classic. You can buy a more up to date inexpensive modern retro a few years old with low miles for less. If I had a spare £7K I’d buy a good used KTM 890 or BMW R1200R or for a classic looking bike, the far better value Royal Enfield Constellation or Interceptor 650.
A lovely well balanced video Michael.
I think that the 45bhp is desirable for this type of bike, it needs to have motorway capability when you are at the end of a ride out and after a long day when you decide to return home by the fastest route.
I quite like the look of the BSA but still have a yearning for a more characterful Royal Enfield, possibly the new Himalayan which should enable a more ‘Adventurous’ experience.
Really enjoyed the format and mixed approach of tech. and on road footage.
Many thanks !
Could it be the future for motorcycles with current ethos on speed limits.
This bike, within modern design/regulatory restrictions, is a welcome offering I feel. Good enjoyeable review, thanks.
You won't believe this! I met another old guy in America that loves your channel and likes this bike. I was on a Saturday trip for a meet up with some Texas maple nuts in Fort Worth Tx. I noticed a barbecue joint just down the road and I stopped there for lunch. So I'm in line to get mouth watering brisket, pork ribs, cheesy grits, sweat tea and banana pudding and there's another old guy standing there that looks like us! We get to talking and have a great time and the food was lip smacking good. So we're walking out and I'm headed to my truck and there's one of these also in the parking lot and he heads towards it. Yep another old guy that likes new motor cycles that look old. lol Then I tell him I like your channel and……. Your his favorite too!!! What no way lol So he describe the bike just like you did. It's fun bike to ride on Saturdays and Sundays but it also can handle traffic. Evidently you have captured the geriatric, use to haul ass but now are smarter than than that crowd in America. At least you have 2 of us! lol
I like it a lot but there are a lot of alternatives that have proven reliability and a solid dealer network.
I do hope It survives and we get al BSA II that takes into account the comments mentioned on various channels.
Like it good review, a lot of critics about this bike (mostly Enfield owners) they seem to for get Enfield is Indian company too! And their early models were poor in quality and reliability. Took them years to get to 650 interceptor. So I say give bsa a chance! Bantam, a 10 look alike or lightning twin, look forward not backwards!
Fantastic. Thanks
nice video, very well done, great pace and no nonsense delivery…. as to the bike, I so want to like it a lot but think its just OK and there are far better bikes out there for the money – in it's current form, I'd take the interceptor all day long, there's no appeal for me here. a friend though wants to own a BSA (with modern reliability) so he will probably buy one because he wants a BSA to go with his (modern) Bonneville
Only 70lbs more than a 50 year old a triumph Bonneville which will blow it's doors off. It looks heavy and slab sided. What kind of dealer-only fixable garbage are they hiding? It will attract attention and "good will" from non-riders. Did they source that radiator from Mack Truck? Tell me, does "BSA" still make cartoon worthy claims for a "Special" 90 HP version, which by the way, would be impossible without a Sea-Hawks' two stage Supercharger and, of course, a rider protective scatter shield when it launches it's parts all over road?
I think Rotax are owner by BRP now. BRP own Can-Am, the F3 series having 1330cc Rotax triples. 650 quid for that luggage. I agree: the price of bike luggage is ridiculous. Nice bags, though. Decent bike, as well. I prefer it to the RE Interceptor. I always warm by bikes' engines. I'll be interested in seeing what the BSA Scrambler 650 looks like, assuming it ever materialises.
First-class review. Everything you need to know in thirty minutes. Nick J
I have two BMW 650s with similar Rotax engines, and neither one particularly likes cold mornings. As you mention, though, the engine is fine once it warms up. As for the BSA, I'd have to say (judging from what I can see in this video) I'm not overly impressed by the bike's fit and finish, especially compared with an Enfield. And that radiator is really an eyesore. Looks like the designers stuck it on there as an afterthought.
I was just thinking today that BSA seemed to have fallen off the map, then I found this video. For starters the bike is drop dead gorgeous and for what it is seems to do quite well, I hope the marquee makes it.
Sloppy-looking frame welding near rear pegs. Great review – thank you.
Sorry but sane people uses liters!
Great review, thank you. Re touring with the BSA on longer or Continental trips I see no reason why it shouldn’t accomplish this very well. I say that as someone who initially toured two up in Europe on a Honda 250 Superdream, later on much bigger bikes and recently a 10 day 5 country trip to Switzerland on a Vespa GTS300, any bike can do it and I think the Beeza would be ideal and a lot of fun. Great review, keep them coming!
A fantastic video love it and a honest review
Thank you for this wonderful review.
Not enough HP and very heavy.
A great video.
the speed is 100 smiles per mile!
An excellent review very in depth and straight talking I have a bonneville 1200 but if I didn’t I would seriously consider a bsa because it brings back what motorcycling was all about and still is but with more reliability 👍.
At an albeit sensible price.
I have a 53year old Bsa and that has 52hp.
3 mins in, is that a "weld" on the frame tube? Good heavens, if it is someone needs a training course. Or firing from a trebuchet.
Great review on a Stunning looking bike I grew up with the original GOLD STAR, by brother had a 1959 SUPER ROCKET he bought it in 1969 when I was 10 yes old he use to take me out on it on the back and that was me hooked, I noticed on the video also the Illegal Government Chemtral Spraying in the sky
My black one was delivered on the 1st of March and I love it. Being a big guy i found the rear suspension rather crashy so bought some upgraded springs from Tec @ £88 , easy to fit and have transformed the bikes handing and ride. My local brilliant Lancashire dealer had a first service offer for £100 and after that service i felt the bike improving every ride. I've had no reliability problems at all and the single engine is characterful and bullet proof.
Thanks for a good video. I am not a motorcyclist but I still enjoy looking at beautiful bikes such as this one.
Hi!
Here's one cheer for the author of this interesting review. 💋
I'm an old motorcycle journalist from "Allt Om MC", Sweden, in the 1970-80's, and appreciate your professional touch regarding the actual evaluation of the bike.
I especially liked the rural scenery from "old England", such a beautiful countryside.
As for the bike, naah… I think a used Honda/Yam/Suz/Kaw would be a far better choice for touring around.
The Japanese brands mean less expenditure when something breaks down, and easier-to-find spare parts in foreign countries.
Lovely review, though! 😁
A very good real world review, looks a nice capable machine, albeit built to a fair price
Just take my money!! When are they available in New Zealand!
It's not quite there for me, when you look at the all important engine, it doesn't wow you! But when you see the Royal enfield, that engine looks like a proper lump of metal, you could polish up. Whereas, the bsa, looks less substantial, even plasticky, somehow. Shame!
You discussed the Size of the Brembo Front Disc Brake, But you ommited that it had an ABS Ring on the wheel ?? Am I wrong in pointing this Out ??
Really enjoyed that – thank you!
I saw one in the showroom in Chester alongside several versions of the RE Meteor – to be honest, it never looked as together and "right" as the Meteor – The Radiator looked wrong, the fake pushrod tube looked naff and the foot peg and gear linkages would not have looked out of place on a tractor – On the plus side I was told it was higher performance – a Meteor with a bit more oomph would be a better buy – I ride an SRX600
Nice bike . 👌
The clocks are 180⁰ incorrect and could be fixed by turning them clockwise.
Must admit, I'd like to try one with lower bars, decent* rear-sets & a pair of Hagon shocks.
*Left foot braking, gears on the right. – they suit me & make most joy-riders think twice! : )
A classy review! Thanks!
Nice looking bike but the weight for the power output? Sorry but for this weight i can get a Suzuki g8s with an easy going nature, punchy midrange better handling and 30 more bhp.
Can't help feeling it's a poor effort from BSA. The original Goldstar was/is a legendary bike because of it's outstanding aesthetics and ability that were relatively unknown at the time it was first produced. This is nothing special but a half hearted copy. Sorry but I just don't like it.
I'm interested to see what later owners do with these machines after the new shine wears off. De-cat, re-map, clip ons and restyled more like a sixties hooligan machine could be a laugh. Pass the Brylcreem. 😂
One of the best reviews i have watched, honest and fair, the New Gold Star is not a factory racer like the original!