300 km on my BSA Gold Star 650: Various thoughts including fuel economy

I feel that the indicators are borrowed from the Jawa / Yezdi motorcycles and somehow they look out of place.

BHPian rb2399 recently shared this with other enthusiasts:

I've barely ridden the bike for 300 odd km.

Here are my thoughts:

• It's a big single which is amply evident with vibrations at idle that die down as you get going. The engine is really smooth as the bike gathers speed. 80 KMPH comes at 3000 RPM which is pretty relaxed in my opinion.
• My riding till date has been a mix of both highway and city runs. Close to 23 KMPL has been the fuel efficiency which is not bad for an engine of this size. With a tank capacity of 12 litres, you'll need to look out for a petrol pump every 250 odd KMs.
• The seating position is upright just like the bikes of yore.
• The Brembo + Pirelli combination works remarkably well both in dry and wet conditions.
• Headlight is pretty average (H4,60/55W). You'll need a set of aux lights if you decide to go touring on this one.
• The heat can be felt especially on the right-hand side especially in stop-and-go traffic but no tandoori tangdi here!
• The side panels are fixed using grommets and one can just yank them out!
• The bike has a dry sump lubrication and the oil tank is behind the LHS side panel with a dipstick to check the oil level.

• The air filter is housed on the RHS and is easily accessible.

• The clutch is very light and the gear shifts are smooth. They'll get better with time I think. The only odd bit here is the false play that's available even after you've slotted in the 5th gear.
• The compression ratio has been mentioned using a range. I am seeing this for the first time. And by the way, she demands RON 95!

• The engine is equipped with two plugs.
• The tyres are tubed ones and you'll be doomed in the unfortunate event of a puncture especially when riding out of the town.
• I'm not someone who's finicky about fit and finish levels but the odd-looking welding marks can be an eyesore for a few.

• The indicators are borrowed from the Jawa/Yezdi and somehow they look out of place.
• After sales support is something that I am not sure of given the brand's sparse presence as compared to the more established players.
• The console is twin pod as per the retro theme but apart from the tacho and speedometer, everything else is very difficult to read including the fuel gauge as well the odometer.
• The suspension (at least the rear) is set on a firm side and the shocks do transmit to the rider.
• The fuel cap is unhinged and you need to align the lettering (1903) on it to snap it back once you've filled up the tank.
• The tank is made of metal whereas the fenders and the side panels are made of fiber.
• The chain is on the same side as the exhaust and propping up the swing arm to lube the chain is a bit painful

In summary, this bike is not going to be the mainstay as far as I'm concerned and hence I'm pretty content with what's on offer here as I always wanted to own a retro classic

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