Recently, Mahindra’s Classic Legends launched the BSA brand in India. The first model from this iconic brand is the BSA Gold Star 650, a vintage roadster. It goes toe-to-toe with the popular Royal Enfield Interceptor 650. While both bikes have a retro appeal, they stand out in different ways, especially in the engine aspect. Let’s take a closer look at how the new Gold Star 650 stacks up against the well-known Interceptor 650.
Design and Size
The Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 and BSA Goldstar 650 are classic-looking retro motorcycles. They have a simple yet stylish design with rounded features. These bikes stand out with their bold colors and chrome details. When it comes to their size, The BSA Gold Star 650 appears larger than the Interceptor 650, but the differences in size are quite minimal. The Interceptor has a shorter wheelbase, whereas the Gold Star has a lower seat height. The BSA model is lighter by 17 kg, yet it features a slightly smaller fuel tank.
| Dimensions | BSA Gold Star 650 | Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 |
| Wheelbase | 1425 mm | 1398 mm |
| Seat Height | 780 mm | 804 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12 litres | 13.7 litres |
| Kerb Weight | 201 kg | 218 kg |
BSA Gold Star 650 vs Royal Enfield Interceptor 650: Features
Both bikes have a blend of classic looks and modern features. Though they sport a classic design, both bikes are equipped with modern elements such as LED headlights, a dual-pod analog cluster featuring digital displays, and a USB charger. One difference is that Royal Enfield allows you to opt for alloy wheels on specific versions of the Interceptor 650, whereas all versions of the BSA Gold Star 650 include wire-spoked wheels.
Both bikes have a large 320 mm disc in the front. The Gold Star has a 255 mm disc in the back, while the Interceptor 650 has a slightly smaller 240 mm rear disc. They both have a sturdy double-cradle frame chassis, front telescopic forks, and twin gas-charged shock absorbers at the rear with adjustable preload. Additionally, both bikes feature dual-channel ABS as standard.
Engine
The Gold Star 650 features a larger single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine compared to the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650. Developed by Rotax and BSA, the 652 cc engine is equipped with contemporary technology. It produces 44.3 bhp @ 6500 rpm and generates a maximum torque of 55 Nm @ 4000 rpm. This powerhouse is paired with a 5-speed gearbox for smooth performance.
When looking at the Interceptor 650, you’ll notice it has a 648 cc in-line four-cylinder engine that is both oil and air-cooled. Unlike the Gold Star with a double overhead camshaft engine, the Interceptor 650 has a single overhead camshaft engine. On paper, the Interceptor 650 boasts a bit more power with 47 bhp @ 7250 rpm but slightly less torque at 52.3 Nm @ 5150 rpm. However, it does come with a 6-speed gearbox, which is a nice feature to have.
Variants
The Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 offers you a choice of 4 versions and 7 color options. Two of these colors sport alloy wheels with a sleek black touch. The basic models come in 2 solid colors. If you opt for the top-tier variant, you’ll enjoy a shiny chrome look, whereas the models below the alloy wheels boast a two-tone finish. On the other hand, the BSA Gold Star 650 opts for simplicity, with just one version and 6 color choices available.
Price
You can get a BSA Goldstar for around Rs. 2.99 lakh, going up to Rs. 3.34 lakh. In comparison, the Interceptor 650 is priced between Rs. 3.03-3.31 lakh (All mentioned prices are ex-showroom). Goldstar models differ primarily in color options, while Interceptor variants vary based on wheel type (spokes or alloys) as well as colors.
Let’s break down the costs of the Gold Star 650 and the Interceptor 650 for you
| BSA Gold Star 650 | Price (ex-showroom) | Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 | Price (ex-showroom) |
| Highland Green | 2.99 lakh | Canyon Red | 3.03 lakh |
| Insignia Red | 2.99 lakh | Cali Green | 3.03 lakh |
| Midnight Black | 3.11 lakh | Sunset Strip | 3.11 lakh |
| Dawn Silver | 3.11 lakh | Black Pearl | 3.11 lakh |
| Shadow Black | 3.15 lakh | Barcelona Blue | 3.21 lakh |
| Legacy Edition – Sheen Silver | 3.34 lakh | Black Ray | 3.21 lakh |
| Mark 2 | 3.31 lakh |
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