Ever since Indian manufacturer Mahindra bought the rights to the BSA motorcycle name and announced plans to revive the brand, people in North America have been asking: When are the bikes coming here? Information has not been particularly forthcoming. However, from what we saw at AIMExpo this week, the process seems to be well underway.

BSA’s new Gold Star first debuted in early 2022, as part of Mahindra’s Classic Legends sub-brand. Instead of being built in the UK like the originals, the new BSA models are built in India, although it seems there is plenty of input from employees in Old Blighty. The new bikes have a liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine, making a claimed 45 hp. Yes, it’s supposed to be able to do the ton, hitting 103 mph according to BSA.

https://youtu.be/DdwY0mpJeik

Despite that radiator up-front, many riders think the new Gold Star looks a lot like the classic originals. Buyer enthusiasm is very much there; Brit bike fans have been waiting for the new BSA to arrive at local dealers, and there was a rep at AIMExpo looking to do just that—sign up new dealers.

Plenty of retro touches, although it’s a very recent design. Photo: Zac Kurylyk

Well, sort of. According to the rep, the bike is still undergoing testing to make sure it’s legal for US highways. Before that’s done, BSA can’t ink dealers to a contract, as delays in certification would mean legal issues. However, the bike was there at the show as bait, to show dealers what’s coming if/when that certification is complete. But given that these bikes are already for sale in Europe and the UK, it seems like it’s just a matter of ticking the boxes before it’s approved for the States.