The New BSA Gold Star: A Modern Tribute to a Legendary Motorcycle

Some people say that nostalgia is a dangerous thing, that it makes us forget the flaws of the past and idealize the things that were not so great. But I say nostalgia is a wonderful thing, especially when it comes to motorcycles. And what better way to indulge in nostalgia than to ride the new BSA Gold Star, a modern reincarnation of one of the most iconic British bikes ever made? I am at the launch of the model in Malta, a country that has a history of British influence and a love for motorcycles. 

The official agent here is Cycle World, a family-run business that has been selling and servicing bikes since 1971. They have invited bikers to the launch, and here I am telling you what I think about the 2023 BSA Gold The first thing I think is that it looks gorgeous. The new Gold Star is a faithful tribute to the original, with a classic fuel tank with an offset cap, pinstripes, a flat bench seat, minimal side panels, and generous use of chrome. It has a retro charm that makes you want to stroke it and admire it from every angle. But it also has some modern touches that make it more practical and reliable than its ancestor. It has fuel injection, liquid cooling, ABS, Brembo brakes, Pirelli tires, and an electric start. 

Yes, I know, some purists will moan about the lack of a kickstart, but trust me, you don’t want to break your ankle trying to fire up a 652cc single-cylinder engine. And what an engine it is. It started life as a Rotax and was developed for the Goldie in collaboration with Ricardo, the famous engineering company. It produces 45 hp at 6,500 rpm and 40.6 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm. That may not sound like much in these days of superbikes with over 200 hp, but remember, this is a bike that weighs only 213 kg and has a simple five-speed gearbox. It’s not meant to be a rocket ship, it’s meant to be a fun and easy ride.

And fun it is indeed. As soon as I twist the throttle, I feel the torquey punch of the single-cylinder engine. It pulls strongly from low revs and has a smooth and linear power delivery. It sounds great too, with a deep and throaty exhaust note that makes you feel like you’re riding a proper British bike. The gearbox is slick and precise, and the clutch is light and smooth. The bike is well-balanced and agile and handles the twisty roads of Malta with ease. The suspension is firm but comfortable, and the brakes are powerful but progressive. The riding position is upright and relaxed, and the seat is low,  wide, and cushy.

The only thing that spoils the fun a bit is the wind blast at higher speeds. The Gold Star has no windscreen or fairing, so you feel every gust of air hitting your chest and helmet. This can be tiring on long journeys or on motorways, but then again, this is not a bike for touring or commuting. This is a bike for enjoying the simple pleasure of riding on sunny days on scenic roads.

And that’s exactly what I do for the rest of the day. I ride around Malta, stopping at various places of interest. Everywhere I go, people look at me and my bike with admiration and curiosity. Some ask me questions about it, some take pictures of it, and some even offer me a drink or a snack. The Maltese are very friendly and hospitable people, and they seem to appreciate the beauty and history of the Gold Star.

By the end of the day, I am smitten by the Gold Star. Malta and the BSA are very similar; both small but charming places that have a lot to offer to those who seek them out. They are both rich in culture and history, but also modern and vibrant. They are both perfect for indulging in nostalgia without forgetting about the present.

The new BSA Gold Star is not a bike for everyone. It’s not cheap (it costs in Malta €8,950) other European countries €10,000, it’s not fast (it tops out at around 160 km/h), it’s not practical (it has no luggage space or gadgets), and it’s not original (it’s made in India rather than in Birmingham)(That's BREXIT for you) But it’s a bike for those who love motorcycles for what they are: machines that make you feel alive and happy. It’s a bike that reminds you of why you started riding in the first place.

And that’s why I love it.

Photos by Romina Balzan Sultana

Specifications:

ENGINE

Engine Type – Liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves, twin spark plugs

Engine Capacity – 652cc

Compression Ratio – 11.5:1

Max Torque – 55Nm@4000rpm

Max Power – 45hp@6500rpm

Transmission – 5-speed

Cooling System – Liquid

SUSPENSION

Front – 41mm telescopic forks

Rear – Twin shock absorbers with 5-step adjustable preload

WEIGHT

Dry/Wet – 198kg/213kg

WHEELS & TYRES

Front Tyre – 100/90-18 Pirelli

Phantom Sportscomp

Front Wheel – 36 wire spoke alloy rims 18 x 2.5”

Rear Tyre – 150/70-R17 Pirelli

Phantom Sportscomp

Rear Wheel – 36 wire spoke alloy rims 17 x 4.25”

BRAKES

Front – Single 320mm floating disc, Brembo twin-piston floating caliper, ABS

Back – Single 255mm disc, Brembo single-piston floating caliper, ABS

FUEL TANK

Total Capacity – 12 liters

Fuel Consumption – 70.6 mpg (WMTC)

DIMENSIONS

Wheelbase – 1,425mm

Seat Height – 780mm

Rake – 26.5 degrees