and there are subtle changes in each one , here a black pipe , here a stainless , here chrome and some like the plain coloured tanks and others the striped . It is clear that the current swing away from litre bikes that dominated the last few years has found focus here , with the modern retro , lowslung weight of the 650 single . Producing 45hp for 213kg , and a 780mm seat height will open the opportunity to nearly everyone . Pricing is between $ 10.5 to $ 12k depending on config , and will be competitive in the market . BSA admits that most are pre-sold , and there is strong interest in the night from those who want to return to the bikes they knew and loved , those who see a great commuter and tourer , those who adore the British marque and want one in their collection , plus a bunch of eager young chaps that see it as the epitome of retro cool .
FIT AND FINISH Finish and presentation is very well delivered , although some tiny corner cutting could have
been avoided , in my opinion . The BSA small arms logo is beside the head on every bike , its in silhouette , and it would be perfect were that etched clear out . The side covers have BSA stickers on them , and I think they too need proper etching and enamel fills . No one in the room had ridden one to that point , so a review of the Goldstar ’ s performance will come later , but suffice to say as a launch I think the marque is welcome , the interest is high and the competition in the retro sector just got a lot hotter . Brand Manager , Rob Maskell , is quietly confident about the marque ’ s future in NZ and has seen very strong sales and projections . Cyclespot had six on the floor at the Auckland event , and the operation in Wellington was doing a simultaneous launch with seven . It was fun to see the pleasure and understated joy on the crowd ’ s faces at Cyclespot and it ’ s certain that the brand is going to be a force in the market . Beezer is back , baby !
92 KIWI RIDER