Royal Enfield Classic 650 vs BSA Gold Star 650 Spec Comparison: What's Different?

Royal Enfield has expanded its 650cc lineup with the launch of the new Classic 650, priced from Rs 3.37 lakh (ex-showroom). This modern-retro motorcycle blends the brand’s signature styling with a powerful twin-cylinder engine. Meanwhile, the BSA Gold Star 650, starting at Rs 3 lakh (ex-showroom), revives a legendary nameplate, having launched last year with a mix of classic aesthetics and contemporary engineering. Despite sharing a similar displacement, these motorcycles differ significantly in design, performance, features, and pricing. While Royal Enfield’s Classic 650 builds on the popular Classic 350’s legacy, the Gold Star 650 aims to capture the essence of British motorcycling heritage. This comparison delves into how these two retro-styled machines stack up against each other in terms of specifications and value.

Royal Enfield Classic 650 vs BSA Gold Star 650 Spec Comparison: Design

The Royal Enfield Classic 650 is a heftier, more powerful motorcycle that takes heavy design inspiration from the Classic 350. It retains key styling elements such as sharp-edged side panels, a round headlamp with pilot lights, a circular taillamp, a contoured teardrop-shaped fuel tank, and twin peashooter-style exhausts. Building on the well-loved aesthetics of the Classic 350, this model becomes the sixth offering based on the 650 Twin platform. As for paint jobs, there are four options to choose from: Teal Green, Vallam Red, Black Chrome, and Bruntingthorpe Blue.

The Gold Star adopts a retro-inspired design, featuring a circular headlamp. Its styling remains reminiscent of the classic model, incorporating a flat single-piece seat, an oval-shaped fuel tank, prominent chrome detailing, and an off-centre fuel filler cap. The rear section continues the vintage theme, with tail lamps echoing the original design. With a seat height of 780mm and a 12-litre fuel tank, the motorcycle balances aesthetics with functionality. It is available in six distinct colour variants: Highland Green, Insignia Red, Shadow Black, Midnight Black, Dawn Silver, and Legacy Silver Sheen.

Royal Enfield Classic 650 vs BSA Gold Star 650 Spec Comparison: Price

The Royal Enfield Classic 650 is offered in three variants, each with a distinct pricing structure. The Hotrod edition, available in Vallam Red and Bruntingthorpe Blue, is priced at Rs 3.37 lakh. The Classic trim, featuring the Teal Green shade, comes at Rs 3.41 lakh, while the Chrome version, finished in Black Chrome, is the most premium option at Rs 3.50 lakh.

Also Read: Royal Enfield Classic 650 Launched in India, Prices Start at Rs 3.37 Lakh

In contrast, the BSA Gold Star 650 starts at a more competitive Rs 3 lakh, with the top-of-the-line variant reaching Rs 3.34 lakh. All prices are ex-showroom figures.

Royal Enfield Classic 650 vs BSA Gold Star 650 Spec Comparison: Engine Options

The Classic 650 Twin is equipped with Royal Enfield’s 648cc parallel-twin engine, producing 46.9bhp at 7,250rpm and a peak torque of 52.3Nm at 5,650rpm. This power unit is mated to a six-speed transmission featuring a slip-and-assist clutch for smoother shifts. The same engine also powers other RE models such as the Shotgun 650, Interceptor 650, Super Meteor 650, and the Continental GT 650.

Also Read: This Modified Royal Enfield Super Meteor Stands Out with Hand-Shifted Gears and Retro Charm

Meanwhile, the Gold Star 650 is powered by a 652cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled DOHC 4-valve engine, developed in collaboration with BSA and Rotax. Generating 45bhp at 6,500rpm and 55Nm of torque at 4,000rpm, it is paired with a five-speed transmission featuring a slip-and-assist clutch. The motorcycle is built on a twin-cradle frame and boasts a claimed top speed of 166km/h.

Royal Enfield Classic 650 vs BSA Gold Star 650 Spec Comparison: Features

In terms of features, the Classic 650 boasts a semi-digital instrument cluster that combines an analogue speedometer with an LCD display. This screen provides essential readouts such as the odometer, trip meter, fuel level, service alerts, gear position indicator, and a clock. Additional features include dual-channel ABS, LED lighting, a USB Type-C charging port for mobile devices, and the Tripper navigation pod, all offered as standard.

On the other hand, the BSA model is fitted with a twin-pod instrument console, an engine immobiliser for added security, a 12V power socket, and a USB charging port, enhancing convenience for riders.