Mr Random is in town. Went to Fowlers for a bacon butty and never got it. I have bought a new BSA Gold Star! It was the first bike that I tried getting off and on. It was easy - so easy. Then I tried a Guzzi V7. I could do it, but it was not as easy as I would like - and it is a very heavy bike! Then a Yamaha MT07 - too tall, so an instant fail. I then found a guy at a desk and asked if they were OK taking in my KTM. They were and he could give me a price for p/x based upon what I told him. They will come to pick up the KTM and drop off the Beeza. That was a good deal in my book, so the transaction took place. I put down £1000 on my credit card. I was a bit worried about this going through as I had left my phone in the car and sometimes you have to confirm that it was you doing the transaction, with the app. It went straight through and I expressed surprise. "Ahh, that's nothing. a customer did £18,000 on his card the other day without a problem", so I know nothing. They have ordered one in and I wanted red and white, just because I like the way it looks. I have done no research into the bike. Don't know what it weighs, how much fuel it takes, or range, power and speed. But I don't care. I like the looks, know that I can get on and off easily (I went back for a second try) and after the KTM experience, that is all I care about. Oh, and I like the old school separate speedo and tacho. Modern stuff where it is all on the same clock, does not appeal to me. I am a slow thinker now and I just like things to be clear so that all is revealed with just a glance. I also do not know if it pairs with my phone for that (what is considered now) all-important ability to make and take a telephone call while you are riding along. In my book, that is just crazy to want such a thing. I want to 100% focus on the ride, even if it means getting lost! I've got satnavs that could be fitted if I cared. After I get back from Spain, they will collect the KTM and drop off the BSA. can't do anything about insurance yet as I don't know the reg number. It will a xx26 xxx and that is my preference, rather than a 76 or whatever it is these days. The next thing is flying. I've decided that I will use Heathrow for Bologna. Quite randomly, I want to try London City Airport. I am thinking of Berlin. One may criticise, because I have done no research and know little of what I have agreed to buy. Don't care. I'm happy (but ignorant!) and the bike will just be used to cocking around on, with maybe a bit of South Wales for fun.
It's strange. Never in a million years did I wake this morning and think that I would be buying a BSA. But I did. I am unsure if I have made the right decision as maybe I should be getting something more high tech, or maybe the Ducati Scrambler that I never went to look at. Who knows. What I do know is that the BSA just felt right for me. I read a MCN review of it against the Royal Enfield and they thought the Enfield better than the Beeza. I went to Frasers to look at the Enfield and I wasn't very impressed with its quality. For me, the Enfield was much more difficult to get on and off and as well as not being overwhelmed by its quality, l wasn't sold on it. I guess that things are just different with me.
Well done Perry enjoy it. A rotax engine so no worries on that side. Maxton should be able to sort a suspension kit.
Yes, Ricardo contributed with Rotax on the engine and I will have the option of getting Maxton to help with the suspension. I'll ride it about and see what I think. I'm not labouring under an illusion that I am buying a perfect bike, but I can ride it easily and, most importantly, it will be better for me than the KTM for me. I have to be positive. Things could of turned out so much worse for me. If I had lost a leg (and that was a distinct possibility) I would have to give up biking - a big part of my life since I was 16, so doesn't bear thinking about. Now, I have just bought a brand new motorbike on a whim. I am fortunate in many ways.
A few Youtube vloggers have done comparison reviews of the Goldie and the Enfield Interceptor. Most said that the BSA felt peppier at moderate speeds and lighter, though the Enfield had better brakes. I threw a leg over a 650 Interceptor at a dealer once out of curiosity and I was surprised how heavy it felt. I don't think you'll be disappointed with the BSA. Just give yourself time to gel with it.
Dropped a 500 bullet on more than one occasion in India, it was like a worlds strongest man event trying to pick it off the ground!
Interested to read the comments. Based upon my needs and restrictions, the BSA felt right. If it isn't and is shit, that's me done with biking and I just have to accept that. I realise that I've been fighting the tide for the last seven years, but I am a pig-headed so-and-so! The only thing that has occurred to me today, is that based upon past experience, the DVLA alarm bells will ring loud and clear when Fowlers go to register the bike in my name for a reg number. Previously, before buying this bike, my attitude to any more grief from them, was to just tell them to fuck right off. That's why I do holidays that fit in with trains, as I want nothing to rely on me driving a car. Now, but by buying the Beesa, I have rendered my attitude obsolete. I want to get some use and fun out of the BSA, so I will have to comply with any shit ejaculated from the DVLA. I will start to practice standing on my head, while touching my nose, with my eyes shut, tomorrow, in order to be ready for the cnuts. Although, they will make it all about driving a car again as it suits them. On the evaluation, the temptation for a handbrake turn and burnout will be so hard to resist. I realise that it will screw up my driving license, but the temptation might be overwhelming to my sick mind!
I am sure you will make the BSA be the right choice. Every motorcycle needs to be ridden differently to get the best out of it. The ride height is good, it’s manageable, it’s economical, it looks good and you liked it enough to buy it. Took me quite a few months to gel with my 900ss a while ago, but it does. You have purchased a decent motorcycle, be positive to start with and the rest will come. Being able to even ride a bike is not something I ever take for granted.
Two of my previous Gold Stars. By all acounts the new Indian made Gold Star is a pretty nice bike. Good luck with it.
