2022 BSA Gold Star 650 A Detailed Look
This is a close-up video of the new BSA Gold Star 650 for release in spring 2022, filmed at Motorcycle Live in December 2021
This is the Insignia Red Version
I wanted to do this video as to this point nobody else has shown any kind of detailed videos as yet. And as a prospective owner myself, it’s nice to get a little bit closer.
You will see a little dust on the motorcycle as it was on display for about 5-6 days before I filmed at the end of a hectic day on the stand, so the staff had not had a chance to wipe it down before I decided to film! They did start to afterward but I was off to find a cup of Tea
This a pre-production motorcycle and was built 5 months ago I was told.
This video is to show you some of the finer details of the Gold Star so you can see where the catalytic converter is, coolant pipes, clutch cable, coolant expansion tank etc are located.
I was very lucky at the show, I got to meet the director of BSA Ashish Joshi and he very kindly spent a lot of time with me to talk about the development stages and the issues they had with design and engineering to make a motorcycle that is robust. They originally wanted to build a 500cc single to match the DBD 34’s
Mr Joshi rides a modern BSA Gold Star 650 and has personally covered over 10,000 miles on it so far while riding it in Austria to keep out of sight of the bike spotters (hope this doesn’t break too much confidence sir)
The engine is a Rotax designed engine. BSA added cooling fins although its liquid cooled to match the classic looks of a 1960's DBD34 Gold Star, the fins add 5% extra cooling capacity.
The Gold Star is said to be under construction in Allesley, Coventry but as of 01-07-2022 no motorcycles have become available to the public.
There will be a Scrambler and an electric model plus a twin cylinder model, The Electric model is actually being tested here in the UK, while a 90bhp version is on test in India. This is no guarantee we will see a 90Bhp model, its just they are testing at this power output to accelerate any wear. I hear its getting a real thrashing too.
Given there is a 90Bhp variant being tested using the same gearbox, this shows the engine that is first available being de-tuned to 50% of what its capable of, which should mean a very long lifespan for components which will be unstressed at 45Bhp
I did hear some daft comments on the stand with potential buyers asking for more power then 45Bhp but to be fair, I have a Yamaha XT660R which has 47Bhp and it can easily top 100mph and is very fast. The 2022 Gold Star is not meant to be a sports motorcycle.
Its designed to be a modern Gentleman’s ride, if you will.
For any of you that know me personally I own several superbikes and would be happy to own a BSA Gold Star 650. I get a lot of enjoyment out of riding a motorcycle like this.
The Front fender and rear fender are made of plastic to save weight, plus I have a 77 CB750 and I HATE rust forming under the fenders (mud guards), seems our friends at BSA feel exactly the same way.
I loved the feel of the gas cap, its nickel plated and has 1903 embossed into it, the key cover feels sturdy and really feels like a quality item compared to the gas caps featured on the current line of Royal Enfield’s
Features I really liked was the removable DB killer in the exhaust. It was nice of BSA to build this in, after all they could do a Royal Enfield and offer us a 'sportier' exhaust as an up-sell but chose to give us a removable DB killer.
There is a black dial on top of the headlight, it not LCD, it’s just warning lights including indicators, neutral, fuel warning, oil pressure warning, coolant temp warning
The first generation is restricted to 45Bhp so it is A2 compliant. The restriction is in the Air box and the ECU it is expected a £99-£199 (approx) remap will see more horsepower being unlocked.
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Specifications:
ENGINE
Engine Type – Liquid-cooled, single- cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves, twin spark plugs
Engine Capacity – 652cc
Compression Ratio – 11.5:1
Max Torque – 55Nm@4000rpm
Max Power – 45hp@6000rpm
Transmission – 5-speed
Cooling System – Liquid
WEIGHT
Dry/Wet – 198kg/213kg
WHEELS & TYRES
Front Tyre – 100/90-18 Pirelli Phantom Sportscomp
Rear Tyre – 150/70-R17 Pirelli Phantom Sportscomp
FUEL TANK
Total Capacity – 12 litres
Fuel Consumption – 70.6 mpg (WMTC)
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase – 1,425mm
Seat Height – 780mm
Rake – 26.5 degrees
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Social Media links for BSA
Facebook: / bsamotorcyclesofficial
Twitter: / bsamotorcycles_
Instagram: / bsamotorcyclesofficial
YouTube: / @bsamotorcyclesofficial4932
Web https://www.bsacompany.co.uk/
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Leave a comment on this video so I know you exist, other than that, see you on Twitter. Bye!
Motorcycles + Excitement = Moto Tingle