Royal Enfield Classic 650 vs BSA Gold Star 650: Retro Rivalry Reignited in India's 650cc Segment

NEW DELHI, April 13 The retro motorcycle space in India’s mid-capacity segment just got a whole lot more exciting with the arrival of the Royal Enfield Classic 650. But it’s not riding in alone. The BSA Gold Star 650, a nostalgic nameplate reborn by Classic Legends, is already making its mark. With both bikes offering authentic old-school charm and similar displacement, the big question is: Which retro heavyweight deserves your vote?

Design: Vintage Appeal Meets Modern Build

• Royal Enfield Classic 650 draws heavily from its iconic 350cc sibling but bulks up for a more muscular stance. It features a bulbous fuel tank, twin chrome exhausts, rounded fenders, and a comfortable upright seating posture, ideal for relaxed cruising. Available in Hotrod, Classic, and Chrome variants, it oozes style and offers broader aesthetic choices.

• BSA Gold Star 650, on the other hand, leans deeply into its heritage roots, presenting a purist, minimalist design with round headlamps, teardrop tank, and spoked wheels. It’s unapologetically retro, aimed at those who want an authentic old-school experience on modern Indian roads.

Engine & Performance: Twin vs Thumper

• Classic 650:

  • Engine: 648cc, air-oil cooled parallel-twin

  • Power: ~46 bhp

  • Torque: 52 Nm

  • Transmission: 6-speed gearbox with slipper clutch

  • Highlights: Smooth, torquey 270-degree crank for a rich exhaust note and easygoing character

• Gold Star 650:

  • Engine: 652cc, liquid-cooled single-cylinder

  • Power: 45 bhp

  • Torque: 55 Nm

  • Transmission: 5-speed gearbox

  • Highlights: More torque at lower RPMs, retains simplicity with one less cog, stronger thump and classic single-cylinder character

Verdict: The RE Classic 650 offers smoother cruising and a refined ride, while the BSA Gold Star brings stronger low-end grunt and a more visceral single-cylinder feel.

Features & Tech

• Classic 650 comes with a semi-digital cluster, slipper clutch, disc brakes with dual-channel ABS, and broader accessory support. It also boasts better ride refinement, thanks to modern engineering under its vintage shell.

• Gold Star 650 stays minimalistic, offering analog-style dials, basic electronics, and retro-styled elements with fewer tech-driven distractions. It’s more about the ride than the gadgetry.

Price Comparison: Value for Nostalgia

• Royal Enfield Classic 650: ₹3.37 ₹3.50 lakh (ex-showroom)

• BSA Gold Star 650: ₹2.99 ₹3.35 lakh (ex-showroom)

Verdict: BSA edges ahead in affordability, but Royal Enfield counters with build sophistication and brand trust in the Indian market.

Final Take: Which One Should You Choose?

• Pick the Royal Enfield Classic 650 if you want:

  • Smooth twin-cylinder performance

  • Long-distance comfort and refinement

  • Better feature integration and wider service network

• Choose the BSA Gold Star 650 if you crave:

  • Classic single-cylinder rawness

  • Simplicity and retro authenticity

  • A slightly more affordable entry into the 650cc class

Both motorcycles represent a golden era of motorcycling with modern touches, but your choice depends on whether you lean toward refined retro performance or raw nostalgic charm.