I just lately noticed that BSA will come again to India after many many years with the brand new Gold Star 650. My household pal used to have a Gold Star again in his day and that has made me eager to purchase this new Gold Star however on the identical time I can’t ignore the twin-cylinder Royal Enfield Interceptor 650. Budget isn’t a difficulty, I’ll use it solely on Sunday and I’m 6 foot tall. Please nudge me in the precise course. 

Hormuz, Mumbai

Autocar India says: This is a query that’s going to be quite common within the Indian market since Classic Legends’ announcement of BSA’s return. Nostalgia performs a giant function on the subject of neo-retro bikes and each bikes have it in spades. 

Also See:
BSA Gold Star India debut on August 15

Let’s begin with the Gold Star as a result of that’s what you appear to have a better reference to. The 2024 Goldie makes use of a liquid-cooled, 652cc, single-cylinder motor making 45hp and 55Nm of torque. These numbers are decidedly within the ballpark of the Interceptor’s 47hp/52Nm. Interestingly, it is the single-cylinder BSA that has extra torque than the twin-cylinder Royal Enfield (which is air/oil-cooled). At 213kg, the Gold Star is 5 kg lighter than the Interceptor, which shouldn’t be a noticeable distinction whereas driving. What will nonetheless, is the BSA’s low 780mm perch that could be a good bit decrease than the Interceptor’s 804mm saddle. 

This ought to inform you that each bikes can have a markedly completely different driving expertise, at the very least on the subject of the engine. When it involves the chassis each are evenly matched with tubular frames, related suspension and braking models. It stays to be seen how the BSA Gold Star 650 handles the Indian street situations. 

When it involves the all-important query of worth, Classic Legends will probably place the made-in-India BSA in the identical ballpark because the Royal Enfield’s 3.03 lakh – 3.31 lakh worth vary (ex-showroom, Chennai). It bears mentioning that in abroad markets the BSA carries a Rs 30,000 – Rs 50,000 premium (approx.) over the Interceptor. Whether that would be the case in India as nicely stays to be seen, though even traditionally, BSAs can be pricier to their Royal Enfield equivalents. 

It’s an thrilling time to be purchasing for a midsize neo-retro bike and it is best to keep tuned to our social media and web site as we deliver you the newest developments on this matter. 

Also See:
2023 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650, Continental GT 650 evaluation: Retros refreshed