Source: Bike Bound
BAAK x BSA : The 650 Gold Star Retro Touring…
BSA is one of the most storied names in motorcycling history, founded as the Birmingham Small Arms Company in 1919. The company originally produced machine-guns, bicycles, motorbikes, and various armaments out of its Small Heath factory. Following WWII, this factory was devoted entirely to motorcycles, and in the post-war era, BSA produced such iconic models as the Gold Star series, Thunderbolt, Lightning, and Rocket 3.
Unfortunately, due largely to poor management, BSA would eventually go the way of the Triumph, Norton, Villiers, and other historic brands, and was liquidated in 1978. In 2016, however, Indian giant Mahindra — owner of Jawa and primary stakeholder in Peugeot — acquired BSA as part of an effort to revive the legendary brand, retaining the company’s DNA as much as possible.
In 2022, the new BSA Gold Star broke cover. Like today’s Royal Enfields, it was developed in England (Birmingham, to be exact, just like the originals) and built in India. The 650cc DOHC four-valve liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine is based on a Rotax design, and packs 45 bhp in a light state of tune.
Mike Seate of Café Racer magazine published the first US test of the bike earlier this year, and he was well impressed. He said he wouldn’t change a thing about the ride, and build quality was spot-on:
“There are no functional spot welds showing and no moldings to cover up little mass-production glitches. This is a very well styled, well finished machine. Its designers referenced the original 1950/1960’s BSA Gold Star, the original universal street, track and trail bike and brought it into the 21st Century.”
Given the relative newness of the model, we haven’t seen much in the way of custom builds…until now. BAAK, the French workshop founded by Rémi Reguin, specializes in producing custom parts and one-off builds of neo-retro machines from Triumph, Moto Guzzi, Royal Enfield, and now BSA.
Starting with a new 650 Gold Star, BAAK aimed to fuse the BSA heritage with their own signature design, developing a kit of accessories available to all new BSA owners. In the process, they sought to revive the touring days of old:
“Retro Touring is the expression of a bygone era, brought back to life. Inspired by the motorcycles of the 60s, 70s, and 80s, and cherished at gatherings like the Elefantentreffen. It strikes the perfect aesthetic and functional balance between a classic motorcycle and an adventure trail bike.”
The abovementioned Elefantentreffen (Elephant Rally) is a legendary winter rally in the Bavarian Forest of Germany, which remains true to its spartan roots with no elaborate tents, furnaces, or trailers allowed. There are tons of vintage bikes, sidecars, and most of all, snow.
BAAK focused on three main areas to make the perfect retro-tourer:
- Loading Capacity: Thanks to removable saddlebags offering generous storage space, you can carry everything you need for your adventures.
- Terrain Versatility: This motorcycle is just as comfortable on paved roads as it is on gravel paths, giving you the freedom to explore new horizons.
- Classic Style: It reflects the confident personality of someone who has nothing left to prove.
Highlights of the build include the stainless steel fenders at both ends, luggage rack, removable leather saddle bags, engine guard, aluminum mirrors, leather tank strap, and more. BAAK says the bike is up for just about any situation.
“It excels both in urban commutes and on country roads, and even off the beaten path, all while avoiding the high tech astronaut look, staying in harmony with the natural beauty of the landscapes around us.”
We love seeing an old brand revived with such style and build quality, and BAAK has taken the new Gold Star to the next level — the perfect retro roadster for escaping the daily grind and following the road for days at a time, making discoveries along the road less traveled.
BAAK Kit for BSA
Many of the parts on this build are available from BAAK:
• Stainless steel front fender
• Stainless steel rear fender with license plate holder, indicators, and brake light
• Pair of removable leather saddlebags
• Engine guard
• Pair of round aluminum mirrors
• Leather tank strap
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