BSA Gold Star vs Kawasaki Z650RS: Image Comparison

The BSA Gold Star was recently launched in India, starting at a price of Rs 2,99,990 (ex-showroom, Delhi) and it goes up against the Kawasaki Z650RS in the 650cc roadster segment, though the latter is quite more expensive. In this image comparison, we will be taking a deep dive and comparing both the roadsters and seeing what each has to offer. We will also try to answer the question, which one should you go for.

Design

Looks wise, it is hard to deny that both the bikes manage to look good in their own way. The BSA Gold Star, coming with a more retro and authentic styling that makes you feel that the bike is truly a modern rendition of the OG Gold Star from the 60s. The chrome finish on the tank, with the BSA badging looks so good and the beautiful peashooter exhaust is just the icing on the cake.

When looking at the Kawasaki Z650RS, it is clear that Kawasaki has gone for a more modern feel. The bike comes off as subtle with the overall design and styling. Sure, the bike does come with elements like the round headlight and teardrop shaped tank that we associate retro roadsters with, but the monotone finish, with the plain looking Kawasaki badging just doesn’t seem to cut it.

Overall, the Kawasaki Z650RS doesn’t come off as a premium roadster, at least in my eyes. I’m sure there will be many others who might prefer this design, which manages to combine a bit of modern into what is otherwise a retro mix.

Engine And Performance

Both  the bikes feature completely different engine types, which by extension will offer vastly different riding experiences to the rider.

Starting with the BSA Gold Star, it is powered by a 652cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine which outputs 45PS and 55NM. The Kawasaki Z650RS on the other hand is powered by a 649cc, liquid-cooled parallel twin engine which produces 68PS and 64Nm. 

When looking at the figures, it is clear that the Kawasaki Z650RS wins this one. But what gets missed out is the riding experience that both will offer. The BSA Gold Star will likely offer the riders a riding experience with a ‘thump’ that we have come to associate with big singles, but that remains to be seen when we get to ride the bike. The Kawasaki Z650RS has  a more refined riding experience as it is a parallel twin.

So overall the choice between the two comes down to what kind of a riding experience you want and not just which bike makes more power.

Underpinnings

The BSA Gold Star is built on a dual-cradle frame and is suspended on a 41mm telescopic fork and 5-step preload adjustable twin-shock absorbers. It rolls on spoke wheels – 18-inch front and 17-inch rear – with tube tyres. Braking duties are handled by a 320mm front and a 255mm rear disc with dual channel ABS.

The Kawasaki Z650RS on the other hand is built on a diamond frame and is suspended on a telescopic fork and a monoshock. It rolls on 17-inch front and rear alloy wheel setup with tubeless tyres. Braking duties are handled by 272mm dual discs at front and a 186mm disc at the rear. 

The Z650 RS, with the setup it has, is quite a nimble bike, and easy to ride around corners.  The Gold Star is expected to offer a more relaxed experience. The twin disc setup at the front of the Z650 RS will also have a better braking performance.

Features

There are quite a bit of similarities between both the bikes in terms of features. Both come with a dual-pod instrument console with an analogue speedometer and tachometer. 

But the one of the Z650RS stands out, thanks to the digital LCD screen in the middle which displays information such as gear position, fuel levels and trip and odometer readings. This makes the console a bit more clean looking and easy to read. Another thing that the Z650RS has going for it is the traction control system, which adds a level of safety while riding.

The BSA Gold Star does miss out on the traction control system, but gets an  engine immobilizer security.

Which Roadster Should You Go For?

The first thing that has to be addressed is the price. The BSA Gold Star is priced from Rs 2,99,990  while the Kawasaki Z650RS at Rs 6,99,000 (both ex-showroom, Delhi).

In the end, the choice comes down to what you are looking for. If you are someone who wants an authentic retro roadster with a rich history and legacy all at an affordable price then the BSA Gold Star is the way to go.

But if you want a premium experience with the refinement of a Japanese parallel-twin engine, the Z650 RS makes for a good bike. Not to mention the higher performance it gets as compared to the Gold Star.