BSA Gold Star 650 vs Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 Spec Comparison: What’s Different?

With the Gold Star 650 as its first model, BSA Motorcycles has finally made its way into India, under the ownership of Classic Legends. The bike is a retro roadster that directly competes with the popular Royal Enfield Interceptor 650. While both bikes have a retro appeal, they differ in certain areas,  such as the engine. In this comparison, we'll explore how the newbie, the Gold Star 650, stacks up against the well-established Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 on paper.

BSA Gold Star 650 vs Royal Enfield Interceptor 650: Engine

The engines of the two bikes differ significantly from one another. For example, the BSA motorcycle has a single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine, but the Interceptor 650 has a twin-cylinder, air/oil-cooled engine. As shown in the table below, the latter outpowers the former by a tiny margin. However, in terms of torque, the BSA model is ahead of its Royal Enfield counterpart. 

Also Read: BSA Gold Star 650 Launched at Rs 2.99 Lakh in India, Gets These Colour Options

In comparison to the Royal Enfield bike, the BSA Gold Star reaches its peak power and torque a bit earlier in the rpm range. The BSA machine uses a five-speed transmission, whereas the Interceptor 650 has a six-speed gearbox. 

BSA Gold Star 650 vs Royal Enfield Interceptor 650: Hardware

The Gold Star 650 features a tubular steel frame with a dual-cradle layout. It has a 41mm telescopic front fork, dual rear shock absorbers, a 320mm front disc, and a 255mm rear disc. The bike has a 12-litre fuel tank, 1,425mm of ground clearance,  a 782mm seat height, and 18-inch front and 17-inch rear spoked wheels. In contrast, the Interceptor 650 has a similar tubular steel frame architecture but with dual coil-over shocks at the back with an 88mm travel and a 110mm travel at the front for suspension. It comes with 174mm higher ground clearance (1,398mm), and a slightly bigger 13.7 litre fuel tank. Depending on the model, the Interceptor comes with alloy or spoke wheels.

BSA Gold Star 650 vs Royal Enfield Interceptor 650: Design and Features

The BSA bike keeps the original Gold Star's appearance from the 1960s, with a single-piece seat and a teardrop-form fuel tank with chrome accents on the sides. It is equipped with a circular headlight with a daytime running light (DRL), wire-spoke wheels, round analogue dials with upside-down readings, a broad, single-piece handlebar, and a single-piece, flat bench-style seat. In contrast, the Interceptor 650 adds an innovative touch to its retro look with contemporary features like alloy wheels and an LED headlamp. It has a bench-style seat, mid-set footpegs, and a simple-to-access bracing handlebar that contributes to its upright riding position.

Both bikes come equipped with a slipper clutch, dual-channel ABS, a USB charger, and a dual-pod analogue console. However, unlike the Interceptor 650, the BSA machine also features a USB C port.

Also Read: 2023 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 Review: An Old Flame with a New Wick

BSA Gold Star 650 vs Royal Enfield Interceptor 650: Price and Variants

The BSA Gold Star 650 is offered in six variants, with prices starting at Rs 2.99 lakh. The Royal Enfield Interceptor, on the other hand, is available in seven versions and starts at Rs 3.03 lakh.

BSA Gold Star 650

-Highland Green: Rs 2.99 lakh
-Insignia Red: Rs 2.99 lakh
-Midnight Black: Rs 3.11 lakh
-Dawn Silver: Rs 3.11 lakh
-Shadow Black: Rs 3.15 lakh
-Legacy Edition-Sheen Silver: Rs 3.34 lakh

Royal Enfield Interceptor 650

-Canyon Red: Rs 3.03 lakh
-Cali Green: Rs 3.03 lakh
-Sunset Strip: Rs 3.11 lakh
-Black Pearl: Rs 3.11 lakh
-Barcelona Blue: Rs 3.21 lakh
-Black Ray: Rs 3.21 lakh
-Mark 2   Rs: 3.31 lakh

All mentioned prices are ex-showroom.