BSA Gold Star 650 v/s RE Shotgun 650: Back-to-back test ride comparo

For anyone on the fence about BSA, you will definitely be positively surprised.

BHPian Boringrider recently shared this with other enthusiasts:

Finally managed to get a test ride of the BSA today along with the RE Shotgun 650 and I can give a small comparo. Looking at these two options as potential upgrades from my current Yezdi Adventure.

BSA Goldstar 650

• They have really hit it out of the park with this engine. Straight off the bat, the refinement levels are on par with the 650 twins. Clutch is extremely light and the bike has so much torque that it lunges forward just on releasing the clutch lightly even without accelerator input.
• Seating position is upright and comfortable. I am 6'3 and didn't find it uncomfortable. Not sure about pillion comfort though, you can read other people's opinions here on the same.
• No heating issues observed. Was amazed at how a big 650 manages heat better than my 330cc Yezdi.
• You can cruise around without much gear changes. Gears are long and shifts are seamless. It will also deliver the fun when you start poking it.
• Rear suspension is on the softer side but not too soft. They are preload adjustable, so you can find your ideal setting.
• Headlights are halogen which look good for aesthetics but I expect it to see it becoming a downside in day to day use. Also, they get Pirelli tyres but with tubes and no centre stand. Colours available at present are Insignia Red and Midnight black. Availability of other colours are still up for question. Pricing starts at Rs. 3.8 lakhs on road, Chennai.
• Fit and finish levels are good on the BSA but nothing exceptional. Same with the Shotgun, people online keep raving about the improved quality levels on the newer 650s but it felt decent, nothing to write home about.
• I feel like this is a very good consideration if you're looking for retro bikes and should be on your list strongly. It is a successor to the Classic 500 in the way it likes to cruise around in an elegant manner but will also keep up with the 650 twins, if needed.

  RE Shotgun 650

• Immediately upon sitting the bike, it feels taller than the BSA and even the Yezdi. I got the feeling on sitting on top of the bike. Handlebar is short and heavy to maneuver.
• The elephant on the road, rather than the room is constantly felt, whether you move around in the parking or even on the move. 240kgs can't be escaped from. BSA felt nimble and easy to hustle around compared to the giant RE.
• Audio experience - especially the startup sound and the induction sounds are better on the twin cyl engine compared to the BSA. BSA exhaust note does have a deep thrum and that peculiar sound while decelerating but either it's too subtle or couldn't make it out much in traffic. Twin cylinder sound is just heavenly and RE will also have decent exhaust options in the aftermarket which is non existent in the BSA.
• Refinement levels of both the engines are neck and neck with no clear winner. RE's clutch and gear box felt heavy and clunky. Also, it doesn't start moving forward without throttle input, like the BSA. Maybe it was the test bike's condition but BSA's refinement felt marginally better than the RE which made me rethink everything I knew about engines since I regretted not buying the Inty 650.
• Heating was also quite immediately apparent on the RE within just a few minutes. However, they do give tubeless tyres and a centre stand which seems to be a godsend. Lighting - can't comment on the adequacy since I took the TD in afternoon time.
• Performance was quick on the RE as well, however it was being let down by the weight.
• Price is at Rs. 4.4 lakhs on-road Chennai. A solid 60k more expensive than the BSA but then you get a twin although the power and torque figures are the same so what are you paying more for? That, you will have to answer.

Overall, had good experience with both the bikes. I'm in no rush to upgrade as my current bike is riding fine but will keep these in mind for later. However, after both the TDs were done and I was riding back home on the Yezdi Adventure, I realised how clattery and crude the first-gen engine is. It seems the newer Jawas and Yezdis have refined it a lot more but just how rough the first-gens are was so apparent today. I felt silly for defending my bike so strongly online. It has its shortcomings in a lot of ways and they are not tiny by any means. I wish I would have test ridden more options than making a blind bet. Anyway, this is just the first bike and definitely not the last so there's still hope for my journey.

Lastly, for anyone on the fence about BSA, you will definitely be positively surprised. One good test ride is all you need.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.