2024 BSA GoldStar Full in depth Quality check walk around review!
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- čas přidán 19. 06. 2024
- The Ultimate Walkaround looking in minute detail at the BSA 650 GOLDSTAR revealing details not shown in other reviews!
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PATREON. / stuartfillingham
#bsamotorcycles #bsagoldstar #bsa650goldstar - Auta a dopravní prostředky
I think people should get over the fact that these and others are not British bikes but aimed at rider who likes the looks of the old British bikes. We should be gratefull they are not made in Britain or they would all be charging the same as Norton. Nice bike and nice to see something other than an RE on the channel look forward to the ride review.
i agree!
Great post. BSA!
And aimed at a rider that just wants a "bike", not a weapon.
I do like the appearance of this bike. Unfortunately I think it will be a long time before being available in the U.S.
Norton are not made in Britain either - they may have a factory there but most production is in India
I don't think I've ever seen Stuart so enchanted by a motorcycle! It has so many authentic nods to the past, whilst having desirable modern upgrades. Sounds amazing! I wouldn't be surprised if Uncle Stuart buys one for the channel!
A walk around as no one else seems able to do. Excellent and thank you.
Yes that was a werry detailing..no one has done that and that is the thing i wanna now about..
Back in the 1960's my Mum's cousin, David, would call in to see us he had a BSA Gold Star. I would see it parked outside our council house in Armley Leeds. I would run in to see him but always would stop to listen to the bike as it tick, tick ticked as it cooled down. I was 8 years old so at head height to that sweet smelling engine hot petrol & oil. It actually smelt dangerous to me which just added to the excitment. After 3 or 4 hypnotic minutes I would run in to see David. A 6'ft 2" bloke in his Bellfast jacket he would grab my hands and let me run up his legs & somersault me over onto my feet such happy memories. Later one day he told that our Aunty Evelyn had been on the back for a run out with him. Now she was 67 then. When I saw her I asked her about it 'What was it like Aunty' I said 'oh' she said ' It was the best fun I have ever had with my socks on'
It was years later I got the joke.
I bought my own BSA last year I agree with dear Aunty Evelyn.
I'm not being fooled by you Uncle Stu. I have liked and subscribed previously and I'm still no more attractive to women than I used to be. I'm the same height, my hair is still falling out and my bank balance is adequate at best. Nice to see you presenting and talking to camera, rather than a voiceOver. Great video!
Im Glad BSA finally offered you a bike for review Stuart. I seem to remember they sort of ignored you when the bike was launched? Big mistake on their part offering it to all the generic reviewers first! This video shows me everything I would actually want to know instead of all the usual copy and paste tosh!
Ditto!
Yes, preconceived ideas can get in the way of a honest review. l have to admit I’m not very keen on the look or the concept although this is a personal view of course…Some perspective buys will of course love it, and possibly enjoy ridding the country lanes on it. It’s not for me though, l would go for the Enfield, especially the 350cc singles… they are so quaint and nostalgic to look at…
Other reviewers always end up talking more of their useless gs 1250😂😂😂
I can't remember ever seeing such a fantastically thorough initial walk-around review! Your work is a cut above the rest, Stu--sincere thanks! 🤩
I like it. For the roads around me, countryside, with the speed limits and real world considerations (like horses, slow moving tractors, cyclists and walkers) it makes perfect sense. Charming.
Exactly.
Thanks for the excellent review. It looks in good condition for 13,440 miles! I like the camera angle on the bike when you are riding it!
It was the 750 Four that had the dry sump lube, the 350,400,500,550 & 650 fours were all wet sumps . 😊👍
I love to see a dipstick. Decent toolkit. I like the old-school dash. Great detailing all round.
I like this bike. Buy one, Stuart. You obviously really like it. I wish BSA would bring the Scrambler out. The Gold Star is a stunner, though.
Excellent review 👍 The most complete one on CZcams, like always! Thank you
Service intervals, shim or screws and lock nut. Ease of access to service items. Good informative walk around.👍
Having owned a c15 back in the day my only mode of transport so hail rain sunshine snow you just got on with it never missed work always made it in.which at times was very difficult Scottish winters then were a lot worse than now.ithinkthis goldstar is very reminiscent of bsa of the day with modern reliability i would have no problem in buying one if i were in the market for one
Significant in depth review and I hope BSA appreciate your thoughts and ideas.
That is a good looking bike and finally it gets the right man to do the first decent review that I´ve seen of this bike. And started with a wash, so we viewers have a clean bike to look at. Your parents did good when they raised you. Good one and will be interesting to see the whole review.
Wow... it worked, the video did fast forward for me. I absolutely loved this exclusive feature.
Well! I did not think in my wildest dreams that Uncle Stu, Our resident RE aficionado and Lord high protector of the bullet and interceptor would venture into such pagan territory as the BSA Gold Star but you have and what an excellent appraisal it has been! I looked at this bike seriously when it came out and was tempted but bought a Harley instead which I enjoy ,It has been 40 plus years since I rode a bike with an OHV engine but I do have a thing for big singles so who knows? Once again as ever ,brilliant analysis Stu.
My, my, Stuart.........face on-screen, fingers poking around components, proper proper review of the important stuff, genuine humble-pie lunch. An entire commentary by a man openly 'stood at the foot of his mother's stairs' ! Absolutely wonderful work and a great surprise for me as I loved these things from day one but as a complete rookie and nil-skilled mech, I was deflated by other reports. In retrospect, I should have spotted the 'cut&paste' nature of the negative ninnys, the holes in their stories and the general poor de0th of survey. This not only pleases me in my fondness for these machines but has helped me see through the smoke and sort the wheat from chaff. What a positively pleasing state to see motorcycle manufacruring heading in; at least with this machine, anyway. I am fascinated to see your next chapter with the practicalities and real world analysis of how the machines perform with wheels turning. Thank you kindly for sharing so openly, Stuart, outstanding piece, friend.
I've had my Shadow Black edition for nearly a month now and I absolutely love it. I agree it's very substantial everywhere it counts, and overall is excellent quality considering the price. The first aid kit is standard by the way. The big single is unique in this class, and delivers oodles of torque exactly where you need it. It's never going to please the purists and classic snobs, but that's their loss. It's not a replica, it's a homage to a legendary Brit classic with modern features, performance, and reliability. BSA is back, and I reckon the biking world is all the better for it.
I had a look at the BSA early 2023 when I was checking out a pre-loved 2021 Euro4 RE Interceptor 650 with 4200 miles on the clock. Since I arrived on my RE Classic 500, the dealer proposed me to test drive the BSA as a more powerful "thumper". There were several colour combinations and quite a few people checking them out - we did spot some inconsistencies with the paint jobs - maybe early releases had that issue.
The stickering of the engine got quite a few comments as an area of improvement The test ride was a bit disappointing if one expects a "thumper", while the engine was smooth, it felt and sounded a bit soulless to me, Probably for me, the classic experience needs to include the feeling of an "alive" engine that gives feedback - I found that a bit disappointing. Having also owned a Suzuki Savage 650, It felt that while maybe lacklustre in total BHP, it definitely has "the thump" which I felt was missing in the BSA. Even the Interceptor 650 gave more feedback in that department (being quite a smooth twin!) Perhaps a bit unfair comparison to a "tight" new engine and an engine on it's way being run in.
The engine is a trustworthy Rotax and the bike does look the part. Perhaps an aftermarket exhaust/airfilter could bring out the "thump", but on that day, I signed the dotted line to have the vanilla 2021 Interceptor delivered to its new home.
I guess it comes down in what one is looking for, to be honest, I did - from the start- had critique on some of the features of the Interceptor as well, which by know I have addressed with various custom parts. I guess with the upgrades and all (upgraded suspension, higher quality relays, FuelX and DNA airfilter mod, AEW peashooter pipes, polished stainless steel fenders, adjustable footpegs, higher handlebars, lucas tail light and round indicators, I have spent just below 2000 Euro on customized (including import taxes and shipment).
That given, not everyone is going to be thrilled to get a motorcycle they know in advance they need to tinker on before they have what they like - that is a personal decision to make.
The BSA comes at €8,595 - €9,995 (depending model) in Ireland. Personally I think I got a better value from the pre-loved Interceptor. But bottom line is to get what you like - maybe you don't care for the tinkering or have other considerations: get what you like. As for a closing note: I had the pleasure going on a spin on a 1967 BSA Royal Star 500 twin. That had me grinning from ear to ear similar to the RE Classic 500 effect, but with more hooliganism. 😁 One can lament that "they don't make bikes like that anymore, but manufactures have to live with Euro5 regulations
Original gold star had plaster under seat to support your broken ankle from kick start 😂
Wonderful walk around. Just what a proper walk around should look like for people that are really looking at this bike.
I am seriously considering buying one of these so I've watched a lot of reviews. Yours was the best walk around yet. looking forward to the upcoming reports. Thanks.
Nice one Stuart - really enjoyed that detailed walk around. Please do more - a USP for your channel.
It looks good and I'd love one just for the nostalgia factor. The first bike I ever came off was a Goldie. 🙂 No word on when they are going to be released here in Aus though (if ever). Great walk around much more detail than the usual walk arounds. One thing though, I taught welding for decades and stressed to students that a hand weld can look great on the surface but it has to penetrates the metal. Some really "crappy" looking hand welds have sometimes been the strongest when tested to breaking point. These days with computer controlled welding the norm there should be no poor welds.
Great review Uncle Stew. I'm quite impressed with it actually. It's better than I thought. It was great you went right through it. Good work Old Mate.
Absolutely love my 23 plate BSA I've 2 Bonnevilles but always find myself picking the GS for quick blats around the countryside...BSA have been great with the couple of issues I've had and a 4 Yr warranty,I've changed the exhaust and fitted a tail tidy and put different shocks on...spot on 🙂
Thanks Stuart, this was an fantastic introduction to the Gold Star, and I am really looking forward to your next installment. It offers so much bike for the money I have not test ridden as of yet as i am awaiting hip surgery, but I really hope the bike rides as good as it looks. Keep up the good work, and once again, thanks for the review 👍
Excellent walkaround, looks a solid bike, though I think the stick on logo's on the engine cases are unforgiveable.
I think you'll find that the needles on the clocks travel in the same direction as any other, it's just that they start from a different point and sweep around the bottom of the dial, not over the top, as most do. Authentic touch, mind...
Just watched this Stuart as a goldstar owner it's the most honest walk around yet riding since 1970 90cc to 1400cc first bsa was three month old A65L in 72 then japanese till I tried two of the new bonnevilles 12 and 15 model year still have a 96 r850r 70 yas1 yamaha 91 rxs100 bought the Bsa for nostalgia reasons love it can't find anything I don't like built like a tank now for your roadtest keep up the great videos
Well spoken, Stu
Well spoken…we trust your opinion 👍
I bought mine in March of last year and like so many others it had a sticking engine light problem, soon remedied by the dealer. Because of the crappy roads in Lancashire and my not inconsiderable weight i also found the rear shocks a little crashy so i upgraded them with some Tec ones, made for my weight, and there a big improvement. After the first service its really loosened up and i love it as you no doubt do to.
OK, Stu, I own one of the first Gold Star 650's in the UK, it is a Legacy Edition and was registered on December 14th 2022. The registration has UK and BSA in it, a rare machine indeed. The first aid kit is a stock item as mine has one.
The Legacy Edition has chrome mudguards, handlebars, mirrors, gear lever, rear brake pedal, fake air intake, etc. It also has a genuine leather seat, not a vinyl item like the standard models have. The headlight bowl and forks are painted gloss black, the outer engine cases are polished. There are no stripes on top of the Legacy's fuel tank and rear mudguard.
I'm looking forward to clocking up some serious miles on my Gold Star this summer.
Absolutely Brilliant. Very comprehensive and interesting. One of your best.
Good video Stuart. Like you I was quite skeptical when they first came out, however, when I saw the Legacy model, I was sold. Much more chrome and even the rad is a bit different. The only thing I didn't like was the grey paint on the engine cases but I decided to remove it and reveal the polished alloy beneath. I was amazed how this transformed the appearance. Further more I painted the cylinder head in heat resistant silver and that was the cherry on the cake. The USB on the handle bars, I simply turned around and mounted underneath. Looks much better. I did away with the plastic stickers and found some BSA metal badges to fit on the cases. Then I decided to change the rear shocks to a more traditional look (Hagons) and better performance. I also found an excellent horn with looks very similar to the original Gold Star horn - Lucas Altette.The final change (for the time being) was to the exhaust system. This is now a chromed swept back pipe with a goldie silencer and sounds great. The bike now looks so much better and rides really well. Handling is surprisingly good. On the down side, pity they didn't fit a centre stand and the ugly rear light assembly but I can change that aswell. Possibly the best bike I ever owned? out of about 38.
Always enjoy your reviews Stu and the Yorhshire sense of humour. You have tailed a chuckle or two over recent videos. 😊
You're a humble man, Stu, and you do great reviews! Thank you!!
So, it's good to see that you changed your mind on the bike after you were quite sceptical about the brand/bike. I would still rather get an Interceptor, personally.
Nice bikes Stu. Recently announced price drop on the Highland Green one, now just £4999 (plus otr). That's gotta be a bargain 😮
🌟Great video Stuart; content, presentation, background music level spot on. Really enjoyed this 👌🏽
Good review . Love mine now ive decatted it . Worth the money all day . Hold motorway speed's all day . 4 valve twin plug dohc with shims also slipper clutch . Lot's of great stuff on this bike and I thrash it 😎👍
Brilliant video as always Stuart and I can't wait for the full review 😃👍🏻
Brilliant. Loved every minute of the review. 👍 You've looked at the places I would probably notice in a five years time 🙂
As with everyone else here, what a great review. And surprising too since I watched your earlier videos which were less than enthusiastic. Thank you for your hard work.
Looks like a really nice bike, I've got an Interceptor, but on the face of it, I would be happy with the Goldstar, certainly like the styling. Good walk round video Stu. Thanks
Now that’s how it’s done.Great job Sturat. ….From Pennsylvania,USA.
Good, informative and honest review, looking forward to the ride review.
Without doubt sir one of the best reviews I have ever watched! The detail and care you went into to share the qualities of this bike was excellent. I look forward to the next instalment, thanks to you, Shakeel
Excellent review👍and I’m equally impressed. Looking forward to seeing your riding review
Thanks for an interesting review, you answered all my questions, well done
First Aid Kits are compulsory in some Europan countries, such as Austria. And Police there do take the pleasure of checking up on you.
Beautiful review! Especially of the quality of the tank painting. The chroming is so clear that at 15:55 mark or so you can easily see your neighbor pop out of the fenced door to do some cleaning! 🤣😆
EXCELLENT DETAILED REVIEW, STUART - I have been doing research on this bike, and it's possible I will buy one.
Really interesting walk around and very informative
As an Interceptor rider I‘m jealous of the break/ gearchange levers
Replaced mine with the TEC upgrade kit 😀
Good morning Stu. A very honest and informative walk-around. I liked the Goldstar when it was first shown at the NEC and probably would have had one. It took so long to appear in showrooms that I went for an Interceptor instead. I’ll be interested to see the full review though.
Nice overview Stuart, look fwd to your ride assessment! Cheers!
Nice review mate, first time I've watch one of your videos to the end.
Great review!
Coming from an age when BSA UK were still producing some very fine motorcycles. Not so much the ''Goldie' but various 500, 650cc proper road bikes... albeit parallel twins... l say this because the Goldstar never was a very good public road bike, it was meant for a race track. The new bike doesn't really invoke the spirit of the original, it cant possibly because the only thing it has in common is the tank badge....In my opinion this is where Royal Enfield score hugely because they have modernised the bikes engineeringly wise but still keeping the essence of the old Brit Bike style...If l had to choose between the BSA and your Classic 350 l would go for the Classic 350 every time...Perhaps the 500.
Totally agree. Lots of rose tinted glasses. Not a DBD34 a racing legend for a clubman. Big Amal carb etc. A noise to die for.
Good to see more companys offering motos with less features at a lower pricing. Great for the beginner or as an extra bike for the better established rider monetarily. Hard to beat a substantially built machine., especially when the quality and looks are so ideally pronounced.
Thorough review Stu...nice looking bike.
Excellent review video.
Enjoyed the style and content of your video.
Really find the looks of the BSA very appealing.
Unfortunately, I have not seen one on this side of the ocean.
Hope to see one soon.
This is the most comprehensive walk around of this BSA that I've seen since it became available. I watched some of the initial reviews and remember a few niggles being mentioned. This looks pretty good. I'm surprised by things like the alloy rims and even the plastic parts are more robust than I expected.
I've a BSA A10 frame for a Tribsa project and the tubes and shape of this new frame does resemble that of the old B31, Gold Star etc., presumably without the 'loop' in the bottom rail to clear an oil pump.
The radiator doesn't really bother me. It's an inevitability of the liquid cooled engine, as Stuart said. I'm wondering if a wider/shorter radiator with maybe more core rows would do the job in the UK climate, for those that can't stand the one it comes with. I'm thinking of something that would look more like an added oil cooler.
The heritage of the Rotax/BMW/KTM derived engine could give reassurance even if it's not bang up to date.
Thanks for the review.
Hi Stuart the first aid kit is standard. I am glad you like the Gold Star I love mine.
This is by far THE best in depth walk around and quality review of the Goldstar. I had no idea that it was a dry sump engine prior to this (a plus point for me) and the depth of study into the parts of the bike I find important are thoroughly addressed here. I love this bike even more now. Thank heavens I'm not in the market to by a bike of this retro style because the choice between this and the RE Interceptor would be so very difficult. The only thing going against the Goldstar for me is that it is liquid cooled. If RE and Norton can make Euro 5 air/oil cooled engines, why couldn't BSA? Everything else about this bike would make it a no brainer. Great video Stu.
Thanks for doing that, very helpful.
You’d make a great salesman too!
Hello Stuart. Great video enjoyed the walk around. Looks like a very well assembled motorcycle 👍
Judging from your walk-around, this is a very solid and well executed take on a modern classic. We shouldn’t expect it to match the old model in every way and aspect, its more a modern take on a classic, and should be judged as such. In the grand scheme of things we should/could be grateful that some of the old virtues of “classic biking” are kept alive and even improved upon
Very nice bike Stu.... comprehensive review. Thank u
No problem 👍
This bike has drawn a lot of criticism,but for the money I think it looks great.I don’t want to pay £10k+ for something that I would ride 3 months of the year due to our wonderful British weather.Great review btw.
Hey up Stu , A BSA Goldstar 🙌🙌🙌
I do wonder sometimes when it comes to bike design - they do a fantastic job with (for example) hiding the cat gubbins, hiding the rear brake master cylinder & neat wiring/piping solutions then go & throw cheap looking plastic boxes at the switchgear. Surely they could have designed/chosen something more substantial - especially when those components are constantly in view & in use - & at the same time I'm sure there would have been space to incorporate a usb outlet into the switchgear cluster itself!
Great initial review of what seems a well thought out solid offering from BSA. Having a couple of friends who own them and having had a good look the only thing I can see lacking is a centre stand or the brackets to spec one as an option. Look forward to the riding review.
A really great review on the BSA. I wish we could buy one here in Australia .Cheers
Make sure eml light goes out before pressing start. 2 seconds after needle sweep. Can cause issues. Common on many bikes I hear. Actually in the manual but I never read how to start the bike 😂
I bought a gold star back in January and I love the thing.
I am looking forward from you with a really well-done barn burner review of this bike. I thought maybe it got ran off the planet with all the Royal Enfield motorcycles and their top reviews and models. BSA has a real competitor with the Shotgun 650. Your presentation of the welds on the frame and the way it's put together, looks top notch and robust. As you went around the bike you pointed out various items like the wiring harness, radiator and its working components. You pointed out the paint work, tires, the well-made speedometer & tachometer- everything seems to be wonderful. Are we getting our money's worth and then some? I hope to hear your reason why we might buy this bike over the reigning champion shotgun 650. I will be waiting to hear your thoughts. Well done my friend. 6/21/24.
I have the legacy and British BSA’s etc and I can tell you it’s a lovely bike so no need to take any notice of anyone who slags it off it is what it is and just a typical retro machine with great looks well done Stuart 😊😊
Atb phil green ( hull)
Best regarrds Mr Stuart 👋from Serbia!
Well uncle Stewart as usual an un biased walk around showcasing parts that no other review would have ever mentioned and not tearing the bike apart as a lot of other people have. I did mention to you about making one a channel bike and would still like to see that happen. Yes they have had a few problems since they were launch but as we know so have premium brands like Triumph !!. I do actually own a legacy edition version of this bike and with a little fettling it looks stunning can’t wait to see your full review. Just bare in mind the so called chrome is actually paint 😮
Reviews don't get any better than this.
I haven’t got much to say about the bike other than for looks I do like the look of the bikes very nice but I haven’t seen one in the flesh yet nice looking little bike
Absolutely love the new feature keep on use it edible definitely be taking a peek at your good woman's new site
Very manly of you to agree to review this bike after the way they treated You! Im not sure i would have been so forgiving. They should have had you in right from the start the brand needs your touch!
The thing about cast brake and gear levers is that they normally break off, where a 'bent steel thingy' will just bend and can be straightened fairly quickly...
This is a fantastic and informative walk around. I think the BSA is rather novel with its big displacement single that hasn't simply been lifted from dirt bike service. I am sure many people are already asking it, but I wonder how it compares to it's most obvious competitor, the RE twins?
The rad might be big, but they've made a decent effort to integrate it into the look of the bike. It's no more visually offensive than Harley's 500 or Indian's Scout and a lot better than the hung-on-the-front-as-an-afterthought design bodge that is the Suzuki SV650, you can't even avoid being annoyed by that when you're riding it.
Firstly I loved the classic detailed review and honest feedback! 💯 Thank you Sir 🙏It's going to launch in India soon 😍 I have subscribed your channel.
Another nice feature , you can lock steering on right or left full lock.
Saludos desde México tio Stu! ✌️
Thanks Stuart.
I'm considering a return to two wheels this year, the BSA being on the short list.
I tried a few years ago with a Yamaha MT09, for no other reasons than the 'fruity' 900 triple, plus the light weight.
What killed it for me, was the terrible 'ride by wire' throttle response at low speeds. Trickling along in traffic, produced a forward motion, somewhat akin to a demented 'nodding dog'.
Doing some research, this phenomenon seems to be blamed on the 'euro emissions' palaver that has to be fitted on all new bikes. From what I've read, the 400 Triumphs suffer from this to some extent.
So, I'll be very interested in your opinions of the BSA, when you treat us to a full ride review.
Nice bike. too bad I wont be able to have one😐.Single cylinder 650, the torque must be amazing. Please keep the review going on. I would like to see more of this bike in your channel. thank you
First of all ...hello stu , hope your all doing ok 👍.Right here we go ,
1 ) maybe between 1 year to 18 months ago i watched a video about the new b.s.a , and they said that in india they can buy a 90 hp b.s.a !!!!
Any new info ???.
2) The b.s.a is a lovely looking bike ...but ...the radiator is to large !!!.( if b.s.a had made it longer and not so wide it would hide the radiator)
3) When I've saved some money a b.s.a will be in my garage next to my 650 interceptor.
4) KEEP THE VIDEO'S COMING !!!!! 😁
Peace out ✌
That was a very thorough review so much so that I'd buy one except for the fact I put a deposit on a classic black 350 yesterday!!
Hi Stu looking forward to your in depth review on the BSA , i think the question everybody would like to ask is would you swap the interceptor for it
I enjoyed your review. Maybe one day I might have one but you persuaded me to buy a Bonneville a few years back.
You have to be a manufacturer’s favourite reviewer. Their bikes are returned cleaner than when they were delivered.
Great detailed look at the Gold Star. When you do the road test, can you include real world fuel consumption Stu?
Aaaay yupppp Stu baby.