I could be wrong, but I think I’ve fallen in love.
I don’t mind if you tell my wife, but whatever you do, don’t tell my lovely old BMW R 850 R, because the subject of my desire is another motorbike, the new BSA Gold Star.
BSA, as those of you who’ve been around for a while will know, stands for Birmingham Small Arms, since the company started in 1861 making guns, then moved to bicycles and, in 1910, motorbikes.
At one stage, it was one of the most successful manufacturers in the world, making legendary machines such as the 496cc single Gold Star from 1938 to 1963, named after Wal Handley lapped Brooklands at over 100mph on a BSA Empire Star and was awarded a Gold Star pin in recognition.
Sadly, like most of the British bike industry, a combination of poor management, union disagreements and the influx of fast, reliable Japanese bikes led to its demise in 1973.
In 2016, the BSA name and rights were bought by Indian giant Mahindra and, after a hiatus caused by Covid, it’s just produced its first new model, reviving the Gold Star name.
And you know what – it’s absolutely gorgeous, especially the Legacy model, with chrome tank, mudguards, mirrors and levers and polished engine covers.
Hence the love at first sight, since Mahindra has wisely decided to tap into the same vibe as Royal Enfield with the Interceptor and Meteor – beautifully classic looks, but modern reliability and performance.
Climb aboard, and the riding position and view is suitably classical, down to the round mirrors and twin analogue speedo and tacho, on which the needles work upside down compared to normal, as on the original Gold Star.
“And because life should be fun,” laughed BSA Director Ashish Singh Joshi.
Earlier, asked why the company had decided on a single rather than a twin, he’d said in homage to the original Gold Star, and because it gave the perfect combination of smoothness, character and charm.
Although it’s liquid-cooled, the radiator is discreet enough not to be noticed.
The only slightly jarring point is the switchgear which is a bit plasticky and at odds with the retro look of the rest of the bike, but minor detail.
Start up, and the air fills with a happy purr like a well-fed kitten, rising to a civilised growl at speed.
For a 45bhp single, progress is surprisingly perky as you snick through the five-speed box, helped by most of the torque being available from as little as 2,500rpm all the way to max at 4,000 and maximum power at 6,500.
I got it smoothly up to 90mph before I ran out of road, and I have no doubt that Ashish’s claim it will do "the ton" is true.
Handling, with the bike weighing 213kg and a low centre of gravity, is almost too light, but I suspect that’s because I’m taller and heavier than the average biker, and was weighing down the back.
Leaning forward to get more weight over the front did the trick, and firming up the adjustable rear suspension would do the trick even more, although normal riders should find it entirely fine.
There’s only one disc up front, but it’s entirely adequate, although steaming into some downhill corners with a little too much enthusiasm, I needed to bring the rear into play to help out.
All in all, a very satisfying and beautiful package for retro motorcycling with surprising oomph.
The only fly in the proverbial is the fact that the aforementioned Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 is £6,039 to £6,539, and the Gold Star is £6,500 – and £7,000 for the gorgeous Legacy version.
The Enfield weighs about the same, and has slightly more power but slightly less torque, and there’s no doubt that the Gold Star looks better.
Browse more than 19,000 new and used bikes for sale at Autotrader.co.uk/bikes
Future Mahindra plans include more powerful models and electric bikes, but as a first step, this is a beautiful and perky machine which will put a smile on the face of anyone who rides it.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to go and comfort my BMW.
OK, which one of you spilled the beans?
