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
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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.
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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
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Classic 650:
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Engine: 648cc, air-oil cooled parallel-twin
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Power: ~46 bhp
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Torque: 52 Nm
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Transmission: 6-speed gearbox with slipper clutch
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Highlights: Smooth, torquey 270-degree crank for a rich exhaust note and easygoing character
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Gold Star 650:
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Engine: 652cc, liquid-cooled single-cylinder
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Power: 45 bhp
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Torque: 55 Nm
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Transmission: 5-speed gearbox
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Highlights: More torque at lower RPMs, retains simplicity with one less cog, stronger thump and classic single-cylinder character
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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
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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.
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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
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Royal Enfield Classic 650: ₹3.37 ₹3.50 lakh (ex-showroom)
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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?
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Pick the Royal Enfield Classic 650 if you want:
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Smooth twin-cylinder performance
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Long-distance comfort and refinement
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Better feature integration and wider service network
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Choose the BSA Gold Star 650 if you crave:
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Classic single-cylinder rawness
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Simplicity and retro authenticity
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A slightly more affordable entry into the 650cc class
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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.