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BSA Gold Star starts road testing in India, Interceptor 650 rival

Written by Rohit Tonapi

Mahindra-owned BSA recently announced pricing for the new 650cc Gold Star in the UK. The retro-styled motorcycle was first spotted in India back in August 2021. However, back then, the test mule had heavy camouflage. The brand then unveiled the production model internationally at the end of 2021. BSA’s priority was to sell the bike in the UK market and neighbouring European countries. Back then, the company also said there was no timeline for an India launch.

However, the bike was recently spotted on Indian roads in production form. Interestingly, except for the lack of logos, the model does not have any kind of camouflage. This also hints that the brand could be readying the model for launch in India. In the UK, pricing for the Gold Star starts at GBP 6,500. For reference, in the UK, its closest rival, the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650, costs GBP 6,200. As Classic Legends manufactures the Gold Star in India, expect the price to be around the same range as the Interceptor 650.

BSA Gold Star – Highlights

The styling of the new Gold Star is similar to the original Gold Star. However, it does get quite a few modern touches. The Gold Star gets minimal body panels and a teardrop-shaped fuel tank. For a comfortable riding position, it gets mid-set footpegs, a single-piece bench seat and an easy-to-reach handlebar. The bike also gets a simple twin-pod layout. It consists of an analogue speedometer and tachometer with an LCD multi-information display in the middle. 

Internationally, the BSA Gold Star is available in 5 colour options. These are – Insignia Red, Dawn Silver, Midnight Black, Highland Green and Silver Sheen (Legacy Edition). All the colour options of the Gold Star feature a chrome-finished front fender. 

As for the mechanicals, it uses a 652cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder mill. The motor makes 45 PS at 6,500 rpm and 55 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. Thus, the Gold Star makes 3 Nm more torque than the Interceptor 650. On the other hand, Interceptor 650, with 47.6 PS, has more power. As for the transmission, BSA has equipped it with a 5-speed unit. 

Also Read: BSA Gold Star pricing revealed, Interceptor 650 rival

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