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the magic ton but the fuel injection can be
snatchy picking up a closed throttle. Both
the clutch and five-speed gearbox have a BEYOND THE HYPE
light, accurate action and although heavy,
the Gold Star is still nimble and The bits that actually make a difference
controllable at low speed. Best of all is the
grumble from its single-cylinder engine. ü A simple single
Thanks to Euro5, it’s nowhere near as vocal Made with partners Rotax and with the help
as an old British single but it shouts loud of Ricardo engineering, the Gold Star is
enough when you give it some stick. powered by a liquid-cooled 45bhp, 652cc
The upright riding position is spacious, single-cylinder DOHC, 4v engine with a dry
relaxed and natural, even for the taller sump, five-speed gearbox and fuel injection.
rider. Shorter riders will feel at home on its Vibrations are minimised with silent chains
low, 780mm seat, too. and tight manufacturing tolerances and the
The Gold Star isn’t a bike for pure A to B crank is dipped in liquid nitrogen before
speed, it’s all about the journey. If you want being pressed into place. Electron-beam
high performance and sharp handling melting is used to create the oilways.
from your retro, the more expensive
offerings from Ducati, BMW and Triumph o No-frills chassis
will be more up your street. The Gold Star uses a tubular-steel frame
The pleasure derived from riding the and box-section swingarm, with built-in flex
Gold Star comes from its easy character, for cornering feel. Conventional 41mm forks
soundtrack and the sneaky glances in shop wear shrouds to cover the stanchions, like
windows as you ride by. It’s only a single, the original and twin rear shocks have five-
but what more do you need nowadays? stage preload adjustment. Spoked wheels
The BSA needed to look good and it does are shod with period-looking Pirelli Phantom
but there are some things that don’t appear Sportcomp tyres and the single 320mm
quite right at first glance: like the radiator front disc is gripped by a twin-piston sliding
and a USB charging pod stuck on the left Brembo caliper with a ByBre rear caliper.
handlebar. It’s built down to a price, so
don’t expect Ducati levels of seduction, but
everything is neat, tidy and well finished. ü The clocks are cool
Only one version is available, although Speedo and tacho needles sweep the
expect different variants and even whole ‘wrong’ way just like the original Gold Star,
new BSA models in the future. Accessories which is a lovely touch. Tiny digital displays
include luggage, crash guards, bar-end show fuel level, trip and odometer.
mirrors, fly screen and clothing. Switches look generic and not in keeping
It’s available in Green (£6500) or Red, with the retro style and it’s easy to knock
Black, or Silver with chrome tank sections the hazard switch with your throttle hand.
(£6800). Then there’s the £7000 ‘Silver Old-school grips have BSA logos.
Pictures Gareth Harford, Stuart Collins
Sheen Legacy’ version for the full DBD34
homage with chrome mudguards and
mirrors, polished engine covers, white seat
p The Gold Star
certainly looks beading and gloss black instrument
the part surrounds, headlight cover and footpegs.
Prices for Royal Enfield’s Indian-made
Interceptor 650 start at £6039, so it’s
cheaper than the Gold Star. It too is a
simple, retro machine with a re-imagined
British badge. The BSA will have its work
cut out to match the Royal Enfield though,
let alone better it but its engine could be
more characterful. MICHAEL NEEVES
The Gold Star isn’t
the fastest or best-
handling retro out
there, but neither
is it pretending to
be. Instead, it’s easy to ride, solid and
reassuring, but still quick if you want it
to be. It’s nicely finished, detailed and
has a classic British soundtrack.
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