Motorcycle review: A shooting (Gold) star among classic British machines
If not for the presence of disc brakes, fatter tyres, modern suspension and an electric engine starter, it would be hard to tell them apart.
BSA is short for Birmingham Small Arms and was founded in 1861 to produce firearms. The Gold Star 650 bears a familiar silhouette as the Britain-made M24, a classic BSA which was first given the Gold Star emblem for clocking 100mph or 160kmh before World War II.
Like the classic, the modern 652cc single-cylinder motorcycle wears a gold star on its fuel tank. However, while t he Gold Star, now made in India, may also look like a classic, it does not smoke like one.
Some of its retro charms include wire-spoked wheels and a 'peashooter' exhaust pipe, which cleverly hides a modern catalytic converter.
On its dual clocks – its speedometer and rev counter – needles unusually rotate clockwise from the 1 to 10 o'clock positions.
Clockwork: The speedometer and tachometer have an unusual orientation, swinging downwards.
ST PHOTO: GIN TAY
A small circular gauge on the headlamp shell displays oil, fuel-injection and side-stand status.
Adding a touch of modernity are USB-C and lightning-cable charger ports on the handlebar. Strangely, under the seat is a small first-aid kit.
The crash bars and pannier brackets fitted on the test motorcycle are cost options.
Astride the Euro 5-emission compliant Gold Star, a 1.7m-tall rider will have no problems resting both feet on the tarmac. The reach to the handlebars, given the upright riding position, is a comfortable one.
Some may feel the Gold Star's five-speed transmission would disappoint enthusiasts who intend to ride far. But I find that it does not dent the appeal of using the machine.
Like some others, I am guilty of thinking the liquid-cooled Gold Star will not have the 'legs' or higher speeds for longer journeys.
Mixed signals: The retro-looking peashooter-style exhaust hides the modern catalytic converter.
ST PHOTO: GIN TAY
The Gold Star's engine has a linear power delivery – the more you twist the throttle, the more power it makes. Beyond 2,000rpm, it accelerates hard to about 6,500rpm, where power trails off.
With 45bhp and 55Nm of torque, the unassuming Gold Star executes the 0 to 100kmh dash in an impressive 6.5 seconds. Its claimed top speed is, as the gold star badge on the fuel tank suggests, 160kmh.
In the real world, the Gold Star cruises at 90kmh in fifth gear with about 4,000rpm showing on its rev counter equipped with a small digital fuel gauge.
Riding the Gold Star continuously at higher speeds will leave your fingers buzzing from the vibration, a trait that is quite common for single-cylinder motorcycles.
What I enjoy the most is tackling medium-speed cornering with the BSA. Sure, the Gold Star does not look like a canyon-carving motorcycle, but its basic suspension set-up – 41mm (diameter) telescopic forks and pre-load adjustable twin shocks – inspires confidence and provides a stable platform for riders to negotiate bends with more gusto.
It helps that the Gold Star is equipped with a slipper clutch which prevents its rear wheel from locking-up under aggressive downshifts before turns.
Its 213.5kg weight and mid-positioned rider foot pegs make weaving through traffic easier. The 12-litre fuel tank ensures you can prolong the fun on the road for the next 300km.
Marked: The Gold Star badge is applied on a BSA motorcycle before World War II for achieving 100mph or 160kmh.
ST PHOTO: GIN TAY
A bonus is the powerful anti-lock Brembo brakes – a 320mm (diameter) front rotor and 255mm rear rotor. They give immediate stopping power akin to brakes found on sport bikes.
Like any motorcycle, there are nagging issues. For one thing, when the sun is overhead, it becomes hard to read the digital gauges.
Also, the round mirrors behave like how mirrors usually do on single-cylinder motorcycles – the reflections go blurry when the engine is revving up.
But with an on-the-road price of $23,888 (with certificate of entitlement), which is a rather good deal, I am likely to live with the minor inconveniences.
BSA Gold Star 650
Price: $23,888 with certificate of entitlement
Engine: 652cc, 4-valve, single-cylinder, water-cooled
Transmission: Five-speed, chain drive
Power: 45bhp at 6,750rpm
Torque: 55Nm at 5,500rpm
0-100kmh: 6.5 seconds (estimated)
Top speed: 160kmh (estimated)
Fuel consumption: 4 litres/100km
Agent: BSA Motorcycles Singapore
Rating: ★★★★☆
Comparable considerations
Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650
The India-made Super Meteor 650 is aimed at the same segment of buyers keen on relatively inexpensive motorcycles with classic looks. Bearing similar horsepower and torque figures, the 648cc Super Meteor cruiser was previously reported as having a price tag of $15,900 before COE.
Fantic Motor Moto Scrambler Caballero 700
The Caballero 700 is a classic, given its retro styling and origins from an Italian company that began manufacturing motorcycles in 1968. The 689cc, parallel twin motorcycle will smoke the less-expensive competition as it belches out 74bhp and 70Nm of torque. Its price on the road with the current COE is $31,934.
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