BSA, the British motorcycle brand, has come back to life with the reveal of the Gold Star
The official reveal of the Gold Star, the very first model of the resurrected BSA Motorcycles, has taken place in the UK, today.
Showcased at the Motorcycle Live show in the island nation, the modern classic motorcycle, according to its maker, retains the essence of its predecessors with its styling.
The bike comes with a round halogen headlamp (60/55 W), 12-litre fuel tank, engine cover that harks back to the BSAs of the past, flat seat, and rear LED lights that are a reimagination of the original Lucas lamps.
It also has old school fenders front and rear, and signature twin-pod instruments with LCD multifunctional displays. The needles feature the same reverse sweep function as the original Smiths clocks.
The modern classic machine will come with colour choices such as Dawn Silver, Highland Green, Insignia Red and Midnight Black.
There will also be a Legacy Edition, painted in a Silver Sheen colourway, which will come with chrome-finished levers, mirrors, and fenders, along with polished engine covers and gloss black finish on instruments, headlight cover and foot pegs.
Power comes from a 652cc single-cylinder, DOHC, 4-valve and liquid-cooled engine that produces a maximum of 45 BHP at 6000 RPM and 55 Nm of peak torque at 4000 RPM.
The motor is teamed to a 5-speed gearbox with an assist and slipper clutch and, on paper at least, has enough grunt to propel the 213 kg (wet) middleweight machine at speed over long distances without breaking a sweat.
Built on an all-new dual-cradle chassis, the BSA Gold Star features 41 mm telescopic front forks and twin shock absorbers at the back with 5-step preload adjustment.
Riding on wire-spoke alloy wheels – 18-inch front and 17-inch rear – the bike has Pirelli Phantom Sportscomp tyres (100/90-section up front and 150/70-section in the back) with a vintage tread pattern.
Braking is handled by a 320 mm front disc with 2-piston Brembo caliper and a 255 mm rear disc with a single-piston Brembo caliper, while dual channel ABS assist is also present.
To be initially sold in the UK, the Gold Star, which is built in India, should be put on sale here to compete against the very popular Royal Enfield 650 twins.
