In India’s mid-size motorcycle market, one name has ruled for decades — Royal Enfield. But now, there’s a new player in town. The BSA Goldstar 650, revived by Classic Legends (a Mahindra-backed brand), is here to challenge the status quo.
This new launch blends vintage style with modern engineering — and it might just give Royal Enfield a serious reason to worry.
A Legendary Name Returns
The BSA Goldstar name dates back to the 1930s, known for its success in motorsports and classic British styling. After decades of silence, the brand is making a comeback with the Goldstar 650, a motorcycle that keeps its retro soul alive while upgrading the performance for today’s riders.
What Powers the Goldstar?
At its heart, the Goldstar 650 gets a powerful 652cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine that delivers:
- 45 bhp at 6,500 rpm
- 55 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm
- A 5-speed gearbox
This gives it a clear edge in performance over Royal Enfield’s Bullet 350 and even places it close to the brand’s 650cc twins. The liquid-cooling system is a smart touch, ensuring consistent performance and engine health even during long rides or hot weather.
Built for Both City and Highway
The Goldstar uses a tubular steel double-cradle frame, with 41mm telescopic front forks and twin rear shock absorbers. This setup promises a comfortable ride with stable handling, suitable for both daily use and long weekend rides.
Safety First
On the safety front, the Goldstar doesn’t cut corners:
- 320mm front disc with twin-piston caliper
- 255mm rear disc
- Dual-channel ABS as standard
This ensures strong, reliable braking — something every rider needs.
Design: Retro With a Touch of Modern
From the teardrop-shaped fuel tank and spoke wheels to the round headlamp with LED DRLs, this bike looks like it time-traveled from the 1960s — but with 2025-level technology. The dual analog-digital instrument cluster, upswept chrome exhaust, and multiple color options add to its charm.
Features That Matter
While keeping its old-school charm, BSA has added modern-day essentials:
- Full LED lighting
- USB charging port and 12V socket
- Dual-channel ABS
- Digital trip meter and fuel readout
Can It Beat the Bullet?
The Goldstar has its eyes on Royal Enfield, especially in the premium retro segment. Its engine is more powerful than the Bullet 350, and it offers more tech than most Royal Enfield base models. But it also faces some big hurdles:
- Lower brand recall in India
- A limited dealer/service network
- Higher price: ₹2.99 to ₹3.39 lakh (ex-showroom)
The BSA Goldstar 650 is a bold move into a market long dominated by Royal Enfield. It combines vintage looks with modern features and performance. Whether it will dethrone the Bullet remains to be seen, but one thing is certain — Indian riders now have a serious new option to consider.
