While one uses a twin-cylinder motor, the other uses a single-cylinder motorcycle of similar capacity.
BSA has finally introduced itself to the Indian market and unveiled the Gold Star. Here’s how it stacks up against its closest rival, the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650.
BSA Gold Star vs Royal Enfield Interceptor 650: engine & output
| Engine & output | ||
|---|---|---|
| BSA Gold Star | Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 | |
| Engine | 652cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder | 648cc, air/oil-cooled, inline twin cylinder |
| Power | 45hp at 6500rpm | 46.8hp at 7250rpm |
| Power to weight ratio | 223.8 hp/tonne | 214.6 hp/tonne |
| Torque | 55Nm at 4000rpm | 52.3Nm at 5150rpm |
| Gearbox | 5-speed | 6-speed |
The biggest difference between the two lies at the heart of these motorcycles. The Interceptor 650 uses an air/oil-cooled twin-cylinder engine, whereas the Gold Star has a liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine. While the Royal Enfield produces slightly more power, the BSA produces more torque. It is worth noting that the BSA Gold Star makes its peak power and torque a little sooner in the rev range compared to the Royal Enfield.
BSA Gold Star vs Royal Enfield Interceptor: weight & dimensions
| weight & dimensions | ||
|---|---|---|
| BSA Gold Star | Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 | |
| Kerb Weight | 201kg | 218kg |
| Seat Height | 780mm | 804mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12 liters | 13.7 liters |
| Wheelbase | 1425mm | 1398mm |
The Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 is 17kg heavier than the BSA Goldstar, which weighs 201kg. The Interceptor features a slightly shorter wheelbase but a noticeably taller seat height of 804mm, making it potentially less accessible for shorter riders. It has a slightly larger fuel tank, (1.7 litres more) which promises a better range.
BSA Gold Star vs Royal Enfield Interceptor: suspension & brakes
| suspension & brake | ||
|---|---|---|
| BSA Gold Star | Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 | |
| Suspension | Telescopic forks/ Twin gas charged shock-absorbers | Telescopic forks/ Twin gas charged shock-absorbers |
| Brakes (F/R) | 320mm disc/ 255mm disc | 320 mm disc/ 240 mm disc |
| Tyres (F/R) | 100/90-18 / 150/70-R17 | 100/90-18 / 130/70-R18 |
While both motorcycles share a similar suspension setup, it remains to be seen how well the Gold Star’s setup performs on our roads. While both motorcycles get a similar-sized front disc, the Gold Star has a slightly larger rear disc. Coupled with its lighter weight, this provides the Gold Star with better stopping power. Both motorcycles ride on a similar-sized front wheel, but the Gold Star uses a 17-inch wheel at a tyre size that has more options than the Interceptor 650.
BSA Gold Star vs Royal Enfield Interceptor: Price
| price | ||
|---|---|---|
| BSA Gold Star | Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 | |
| Price | Rs 3 Lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) | Rs 3.03 Lakh (ex-showroom, India) |
The Goldstar has an introductory price of Rs 3 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), but it can rise to Rs 3.35 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) based on the colour you choose. The Interceptor starts at Rs 3.03 lakh (ex-showroom India) but even its top-spec colour costs slightly less than the Gold Star. Prices for the Interceptor 650 can go up to Rs 3.31 lakh depending on the colour selected.
Also see: Royal Enfield Classic 350: new vs old
