BSA Gold Star vs Royal Enfield Interceptor 650: Twin British Roadsters Duel To Death

Classic Legends-owned BSA Motorcycles unveiled the Gold Star at NEC Birmingham Motorcycle Show. The retro roadster looks the part, but does it have what it takes to rattle the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650’s market? Let’s find out:

Engine:

Both bikes pack a torque-heavy engine, as one would expect from a motorcycle of this segment. However, these engines are entirely different. With a Dual Overhead Camshaft (DOHC) setup, liquid-cooling, and a slip and assist clutch, the BSA’s engine is thoroughly modern. On the other hand, Royal Enfield relies on a Single Overhead Camshaft (SOHC) and air/oil-cooling.

The Gold Star’s engine attains its peak output much sooner, and with all that healthy low-end grunt, riding about in the city would be fun. That said, the Interceptor’s twin-pot configuration should be a tad more refined than the BSA’s single-cylinder engine.

Underpinnings:

The BSA Gold Star and Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 have a lot in common in this aspect. They use the same old-school double-cradle frame suspended on 41mm telescopic fork and preload-adjustable shocks. When it comes to braking, the front disc size is the same. However, while RE uses Bybre calipers (a subsidiary of Brembo), BSA has used more premium Brembo calipers at both ends.

Another change is the wheel sizes. Unlike the Interceptor, the Gold Star uses a smaller 17-inch wheel at the rear, which should theoretically help put down power better without compromising stability. Interestingly, these bikes use the same Pirelli Phantom Sportcomp tyres. However, the Indian model uses CEAT tyres.

Dimensions And Features:

The BSA Gold Star has a slightly longer wheelbase, which along with the smaller rear wheel, should result in decent straight-line stability without compromising cornering capability. But at 213kg, the Gold Star isn’t really light. And this is where the Interceptor has its advantage. Not only is it 11kg lighter than the BSA, but the shorter wheelbase means it should be more nimble too.

Unlike the Royal Enfield interceptor, the BSA Gold Star comes with a USB charging port and an LED taillight.

Price And Verdict:

We have spent our fair share of time with the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650, and over the years, it has only gotten better. If you are looking for a proper British twin experience, the INT650 won’t disappoint you. It packs a healthy bottom-end grunt, is refined, and with all the chrome, looks full retro too.

The BSA Gold Star isn't too far behind, on paper at least. It blends neoteric elements (read slipper clutch and liquid-cooled DOHC engine) perfectly in a rather retro-looking package. Though BSA is back in the game after a really long time, it certainly has a strong offering in hand to woo the crowd away from the Enfield. However, the BSA is likely to be more expensive product compared to the Royal Enfield in India or even the UK.