The BSA Gold Star is finally going to be lauched in India on Independence Day, that is 15 August. While the bike has been on sale in International markets for quite some time, BSA has taken its own sweet time to bring the bike to our shores. All said, we’ve a new modern-retro motorcycle all set to enter the market. Here’s a look at the images of the bike.
The design of the BSA Gold Star is one of its biggest attractions. It sticks to the modern-retro motorcycle design handbook to the T and yet manages to carve out an identity for itself. The Gold Star’s looks are inspired by the original and bits like the tear drop shaped, 12-litre fuel tank, the blacked out side panel and the curved fenders are reminiscent of the bikes from an era gone by. It is sure to flip on the nostalgia switch in those who like such designs. There’s a generous smattering of chrome all around as well, adding to the period-correct appearance of the BSA Gold Star.
Powering the bike is a 652cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine that makes 45bhp at 6,500rpm and 55Nm at 4,000rpm. It is paired with a five-speed gearbox. It’ll be interesting to see what the engine is going to be tuned like and how good the refinement levels are. We expect it to offer easy rideability and a punchy midrange, in keeping with the modern-retro theme of the bike.
Under the pretty bodywork, the BSA Gold Star has a double-downtube cradle chassis, with a 41mm telescopic fork at one end and five-step, preload adjustable twin shock absorbers at the rear. It rides on an 18-inch front and 17-inch rear, wire-spoke wheels shod with Pirelli Phantom Sportscomp tyres. These tyres are on the international-spec bike and the India-spec Gold Star may come with locally sourced tyres. Braking duties are taken care of by a 320mm front disc and a 255mm rear disc. Dual-channel ABS is standard.
The BSA Gold Star is expected to be positioned as a premium offering and is likely to be priced around Rs 3 lakh to Rs 3.5 lakh, ex-showroom. It will go up against the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650.
