BSA goes for gold in the UK

It’s caught the imagination of thousands of British bikers. And now BSA has announced a lot more info on its new Gold Star 650 bike – which will go on sale in the UK before anywhere else in the world.

The new single-cylinder retro was shown off at the NEC show last year, but without a distribution deal set up, there have been no bikes available at all. But in the past few months, the Indian parent firm, Classic Legends, has signed a deal with British firm Lukas Distribution, and announced plans for the relaunch of the BSA brand.

BSA Gold Star 650

The bikes will be in the UK at the end of August, with the first dealer in the world set to be Lloyd Cooper in Watford. Lloyd Cooper first opened in 1900, and was an official BSA dealer between 1910 and the 1970s, and the new owners of BSA are keen to continue the heritage of the brand.

BSA has also announced a price for the bikes. The range will start at £6,500 for the Highland Green Edition, £6,800 for the Insignia Red, Midnight Black and Dawn Silver Editions, and £7,000 for the top-of-the-range Silver Sheen Legacy Edition. The Silver Sheen comes with chrome-finished fenders, mirrors and levers, polished engine covers, a white beaded seat, and a gloss black finish on the instruments, headlight cover and footpegs.

The new ‘Goldie’ features a classic round headlamp sitting neatly below the signature twin-pod instruments, with a fully chromed fuel tank with pinstriping, and the iconic BSA Gold Star logo. That legendary motif is inspired by the coveted ‘Gold Star’ pin won by Wal Handley in 1937, when he lapped the Brooklands circuit at over 100mph on a BSA Empire Star.

BSA Gold Star 650

Ashish Singh Joshi, CEO – Classic Legends, and Director of BSA Company Ltd, said:

“We’re delighted to announce the price of the new Gold Star. The response from the crowds at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, where the bike made its dynamic debut, and more recently, the Brooklands Motorcycle Show, has been fantastic. BSA has a rich history within the British motorcycle industry, and it will be very special to see the bikes back out on the road when the first deliveries arrive later this summer.“

Find out more information at www.bsacompany.co.uk. And to book a test ride or order a Gold Star, visit www.lukasdistribution.co.uk, BSA’s distribution partner for the UK and Ireland.

Specifications

BSA Gold Star

Engine type: Liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, twin spark plugs

Engine capacity: 652cc

Compression ratio: 11.5:1

Max. torque: 55Nm@4000rpm

Max. power: 45bhp@6000rpm

Transmission five-speed

Cooling system: Liquid

Frame: Tubular steel dual cradle

Front suspension: 41mm telescopic forks

Rear suspension: Twin shock absorbers with 5-step adjustable preload

Front brakes: Single 320mm disc, Brembo two-piston floating calliper,

ABS

Rear brakes: Single 255mm disc, Brembo single-piston floating calliper,

ABS

Wheels/Tyres: 100/90-18 (front)  150/70-R17 (rear), Pirelli Phantom Sportscomp

Fuel capacity: 12 litres

Fuel consumption: 70.6 mpg (WMTC)

Weight: 198kg (dry)/213kg (wet)

Wheelbase: 1425mm

Seat height: 780mm

Rake: 26.5 degrees

Features:

Dual-channel ABS (Continental)

A&S (Assist & Slipper) clutch

Engine immobiliser

Handlebar-mounted USB charger

12V socket (jacket heater)

Service interval: 6,200 miles