BSA Gold Star 650 impresses on race debut at Iron Horse Shippu Doto

BSA Motorcycles made a striking race debut at the Iron Horse 2025 Shippu Doto Race on 4th May, with professional rider Ryota Nakaoke piloting a near-stock BSA Gold Star 650 around HSR Kyushu’s 2.35 km course.

Competing in the WCS ACS NC350 class, Nakaoke had no prior seat time on the machine before race day. Despite this, he praised the Gold Star’s intuitive upright riding position and excellent knee grip, which created immediate confidence.

“The bike felt unified and manageable from the start,” said Nakaoke. “Its rigidity and cornering stability were impressive, especially for a frame that stays true to BSA’s vintage design.”

Nakaoke highlighted the engine’s smoothness and strong low-end torque, particularly between 2,000 and 3,000 rpm. Working within a 3,000 to 6,000 rpm band, he was able to steadily improve lap times without pushing into high revs. He also noted the bike’s compliant suspension and effective braking setup, featuring a single Brembo disc.

The Gold Star 650, weighing 200 kg, offered precise control and allowed confident trail braking—even in high-speed corners—without sacrificing composure.

Despite entering the event with minimal modifications and no track testing, the Gold Star proved capable and composed throughout. Its blend of retro styling and modern rideability suggests a bike built for more than just the open road.