BSA Motorcycles Enters India In the Form Of Gold Star 650
- By Bhushan Mhapralkar
- August 15, 2024
Classic Legends has launched its third brand – an iconic British brand called as BSA, which at one time was also the biggest brand in the world – in India on the eve of the 78th Independence Day.
The launch of BSA brand – that was born in Birmingham (England) and is also known as the Birmingham Small Arms Company – is accompanied by the launch of the Gold Star 650 cc classic looking motorcycle, the first units of which were shipped to the UK from the manufacturing plant at Pithampur (near Indore) in late 2022.
Tasting success un markets of Europe, Turkey, New Zealand and Philippines, the Gold Star 650 motorcycle is a modern piece of engineering that reflects the DNA and brand recall of the iconic British motorcycle brand that BSA was until it went into oblivion.
Of the opinion that bringing BSA to India is about sharing a piece of world motorcycling history with India, Anand Mahindra, Chairman, Mahindra Group, mentioned at the launch of the Golda Star 650, that the indomitable spirit of BSA, a brand built in the fires of battle is imbued in the new Gold Star. The motorcycle embodies the essence of motorcycling excellence," averred Anupam Thareja, Co-founder of Classic Legends Pvt Ltd. “Every detail, from the tank's iconic shape to the engine's big single character, has been meticulously crafted to capture the spirit of BSA's golden age while delivering the performance, reliability, and innovation that define a global brand. We've poured our hearts into ensuring it lives up to the storied legacy that has set the gold standard for generations worldwide,” he elaborated.
Touted as India’s biggest single cylinder motorcycle with a bore of 100 mm, the BSA Gold Star is quite understated in its styling. The BSA museum in Birmingham was involved in getting the motorcycle to have the right DNA. A DNA that would resurrect the experience of what the iconic BSA motorcycles were to ride and cherish before the brand stalled.
The liquid-cooled engine with a displacement of 652 cc produces a peak power of 45.6 PS and a peak torque of 55 Nm. The single-cylinder unit was developed by the Technical University of Graz (Austria) while Rotax offered a starting point. It snuggly fits into a frame that was developed by Ricardo Motorcycles of UK.
With Redline Studios of UK doing the design and styling of the motorcycle, the Classic Legends R&D centre in Pune (India) played a major role in integrating the motorcycle with deep localisation level.
The consideration from the start was to build a heritage motorcycle with British design that is modern yet of the single cylinder kind since that to be a Gold Star. To go with the idea, best-in-class components were sourced such as the Brembo brakes with dual channel ABS.
Flaunting aluminium Excel rims and Pirelli tyres, the Gold Star 650 motorcycle can attain a top speed of over 160 kmph (100 miles).
What is the biggest highlight is the NVH. It is far superior than anticipated, according to a company source, and was achieved through much engineering effort that would mean moving the engine oil sump away from under the crankcase. This, he explained, helped get the ergonomics right. To ensure that the tank, seat and other components fell into place the way they should have.
Getting the ergonomics right facilitated low CG and in-turn a superior NVH, he quipped. Stating that a silent chain was used with three guides, he explained that a balancer shaft was also fitted to aid NVH.
Particular attention was also given to get a flat torque curve so that it is at home in Indian riding conditions.
With a five-speed transmission and a light action clutch, the Gold Star 650 is claimed to offer a consistent throttle response rather than be a bit jerky or bit unpredictable. With particular attention to ride and handling, the BSA Gold Star motorcycle was subjected to a series of virtual and field validations (and testing) to achieve the desired results.
No less than 500,000 km of cumulative endurance testing was carried out in India and UK; 1000 cumulative hours of engine testing was carried out; 100,000 cumulative km of roller bed testing was carried out, and 200,000 km of road testing was carried out.
Replete with features such as a 12-volt socket and USB charging port and adjustable rear shock absorbers, the BSA Gold Star is priced at INR 2,99,00 ex showroom. It will be available at select 40 dealerships out of the 400 dealerships that Classic Legends has as part of its retail channel network starting with immediate effect.
Sr. No. | Model Name | Price (Ex-Showroom Delhi) |
1 | Highland Green | Rs. 2,99,990 |
2 | Insignia Red | Rs. 2,99,990 |
3 | Midnight Black | Rs. 3,11,990 |
4 | Dawn Silver | Rs. 3,11,990 |
5 | Shadow Black | Rs. 3,15,990 |
6 | Legacy Edition - Sheen Silver | Rs. 3,34,990 |
Hero MotoCorp Reports 44% Wholesales Growth In February 2026
- By MT Bureau
- March 01, 2026
Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, has recorded its highest YoY dispatch performance for February, with 558,216 units sold. This represents a 44 percent increase compared to the 388,068 units dispatched during the same month in 2025.
The company also reported an 18 percent increase in VAHAN registrations, totalling 458,346 units for the month.
Hero MotoCorp attributed the growth to the 100cc–125cc motorcycle segment and the scooter category, specifically the Xoom and Destini models.
VIDA, the electric mobility arm of Hero MotoCorp, recorded a threefold increase in market share compared to February 2025. Registrations for VIDA reached 12,514 units, reflecting a shift in consumer adoption of electric vehicles in the company's markets.
The international business division saw dispatches rise from 30,772 units to 41,248 units. This double-digit growth in global markets was attributed to demand for the company’s portfolio of premium motorcycles.
TVS Motor Company Sells 529,308 Units In February 2026
- By MT Bureau
- March 01, 2026
TVS Motor Company (TVSM), one of the leading two-wheeler and three-wheeler manufacturers, has recorded monthly sales of 529,308 units for February 2026, up 31 percent YoY, as compared to the 403,976 units sold last year.
The company’s international business achieved its highest sales to date, with total exports reaching 158,000 units during the month.
Total two-wheeler sales rose by 30 percent, increasing from 391,889 units in the previous year to 507,862 units. Within this segment, domestic sales grew by 32 percent, reaching 365,471 units.
In February 2026, the company sold 241,282 motorcycles, up 25 percent YoY, 219,895 scooters, up 34 percent YoY, while three-wheeler sales grew by 77 percent YoY to 21,446 units.
The electric vehicle (EV) segment recorded a 60 percent growth rate, with sales rising from 24,017 units in February 2025 to 38,386 units in February 2026.
Total exports for the company registered a 27 percent increase, moving from 124,993 units to 158,268 units. Two-wheeler exports specifically saw a 23 percent rise, reaching 142,391 units.
Hero MotoCorp Partners Haryana Police For Women’s Road Safety Rally
- By MT Bureau
- March 01, 2026
Hero MotoCorp, in collaboration with the Haryana Police and the Raahgiri Foundation, organised a women’s night rally titled #SheRidesForSafety. The event featured 150 women riders who completed a 9-kilometre route through the streets of Gurugram during late evening hours to promote road safety and inclusivity.
The rally was flagged off by Dr Arpit Jain, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Dr Rajesh Mohan, Deputy Commissioner of Traffic Police and Sanjay Bhan, Vice-President at Hero MotoCorp. During the event, fourteen women traffic police officers were honoured for their contributions to safe mobility.
The rally is a component of ‘Ride Safe India’, a three-month campaign launched in January 2026. The programme is based on the 4Es of road safety – Education, Engineering, Enforcement, and Emergency Care – as defined by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH).
The campaign includes training sessions, awareness drives and school activations designed to establish safe riding as a social responsibility. By focusing on women at the centre of the narrative, the initiative aims to address safety and behavioural change across urban communities.
Latika Taneja, Head of Corporate Communications, Corporate Affairs & CSR, Hero MotoCorp, said, “As the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, with millions riding Hero MotoCorp’s vehicles every day, road safety is not simply a priority, it is a responsibility that defines us. Through our Ride Safe India campaign, we are working to shape a culture of safety by driving sustained behaviour change across communities. Today’s women’s rally reaffirms our belief that safe mobility is fundamental to true empowerment because when women move freely and safely, societies move forward with them.”
Dr Arpit Jain, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Headquarters, Gurugram Police, stated, “Initiatives like the Ride Safe India go far beyond road safety awareness, they send a decisive message that our roads belong to every citizen, at every hour. We are proud to stand alongside Hero MotoCorp in creating a safer, more inclusive public space. As a department, we remain committed to partnering with organizations that translate intent into visible, on-ground impact.”
Suzuki Motorcycle Expands India Presence With First Sikkim Dealership
- By MT Bureau
- February 28, 2026
Japanese two-wheeler maker Suzuki Motorcycle India (SMIPL) has inaugurated Himalayan Suzuki in Gangtok, marking the company’s first retail entry into the state of Sikkim. With this opening, the subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation now maintains a presence across every state in India.
The facility, located at Lower Sichey, operates as a ‘3S’ outlet, providing sales, service and spare parts. The expansion into the North-East is intended to address demand for vehicles capable of operating in terrain characterised by inclines and varied road conditions.
Himalayan Suzuki retails the company’s full domestic portfolio. The service wing is equipped with tools for maintenance and is staffed by professionals trained to manage the manufacturer's technical requirements.
The company’s product portfolio includes Access, Avenis, Burgman Street, and the electric e-ACCESS scooters. The GIXXER, GIXXER SF, GIXXER 250, GIXXER SF 250 and the V-STROM SX in the motorcycle segment.
Deepak Mutreja, Vice-President, Sales & Marketing, Suzuki Motorcycle India, said, “Sikkim is an important market for us in the North-East. The state’s unique terrain calls for two-wheelers that offer consistent performance and reliability across inclines and varied road conditions. Suzuki’s portfolio has been well accepted in such environments. With the inauguration of Himalayan Suzuki in Gangtok, customers will now have easier access to our complete range of scooters & motorcycles and after-sales support. We sincerely thank our dealer partner, Himalayan Suzuki, for their collaboration in making this possible. With this addition, SMIPL is now present across all states of India.”

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