Honda has recently unveiled the CB500. Let us see how the retro-styled roadster goes up against the BSA Gold Star.
Engine
|
Specifications |
Honda CB500 |
BSA Gold Star |
|
Engine |
501 cc, single-cylinder air and oil-cooled engine |
652 cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine |
|
Power |
28.1 PS |
45 PS |
|
Torque |
43.3 Nm |
55 Nm |
|
Gearbox |
5-speed |
5-speed |
-
The BSA Gold Star has a larger engine and produces more power and torque.
-
Unlike the CB500’s air-cooled engine, the Gold Star gets a liquid-cooled engine.
Overall, the Honda CB500 should be more relaxed and easy-going to ride, while the Gold Star is likely to feel punchier.
Features
|
Specifications |
Honda CB500 |
BSA Gold Star |
|
LED headlight |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Bluetooth connectivity |
Yes |
No |
|
Instrument control |
Analogue console with digital inset |
Analogue twin-pod and digital |
-
The BSA Gold Star gets a twin-pod instrument cluster that displays the speedometer and tachometer
-
The CB500 gets the same instrument cluster as the CB350, featuring an analogue console with a digital display.
-
The Gold Star misses out on Bluetooth connectivity.
Overall both the bikes stay true to their retro roadster DNA, while the CB 500 offers slightly more convenience.
Underpinnings
|
Specifications |
Honda CB500 |
BSA Gold Star |
|
Front suspension |
Telescopic fork |
Telescopic fork |
|
Rear suspension |
Twin gas-charged shock absorbers |
Twin shock absorbers |
|
Front brake |
Disc brake |
Disc brake |
|
Rear brake |
Disc brake with switchable ABS and traction control |
Disc brake with dual-channel ABS |
There isn’t much to separate the two in terms of underpinnings, but the CB500’s switchable ABS and traction control make it the more feature-rich package.
BikeDekho Says
Both the retro roadsters offer very different experiences. The Honda CB500 stands out as the more feature-rich motorcycle with ABS and traction control and modern connectivity features. The motorcycle hasn’t been launched yet, but we expect it to be priced at around Rs 2.80 lakh (ex-showroom).
On the other hand, the Gold Star offers stronger performance thanks to its larger engine. Priced at Rs 3,45,950 (ex-showroom, Delhi), it stays true to its old-school character with minimal electronic aids.
Check out how the Honda CB500 stacks up against the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650.
