1954 BSA Gold Star

Description

• UNSOLD at auction
• Electric start
• Built around 9 years ago using a PEARSON 628cc Engine
• Edwards 5 speed gear box
• Good document pack

The BSA Gold Star. Many think this is the best BSA ever built. Many don’t need to think about it, they just know. The BSA Gold Star was not only the most successful motorcycle throughout the manufacturer’s history, but one of the most successful British motorcycles of all time, both on and off the track. The Gold Star eventually became more recognised than the BSA brand itself. 

In the pre-war years, BSA created a solid line of motorcycles. The 500cc Empire Star arrived in 1937. When Wal Handley came out of retirement and lapped the Brooklands racetrack at over 100 mph average speed, he was awarded a Gold Star. The name stuck.  

The Gold Star began as a BSA M24. The engine, frame and gearbox were all upgraded and manufactured in a lightweight alloy to improve upon the speed, torque and handling. Sadly, the Second World War halted all production. 

Around 1948, BSA restarted Gold Star production with the 348cc B32 and 499cc B34. As a premium model in BSAs line up, the Gold Star could only be purchased as a custom order, hand-built to the customers preferred style. The huge range of options meant you could specify cams, compression ratio, carb, cylinder head, exhaust, gearbox ratios, lighting, tyres, electrical systems – you name it.  

The components were carefully selected from BSA factory stock, and the bikes skilfully assembled by hand. As a Clubman’s racer, the BSA Gold Star proved to be very successful and it dominated the class. 

History and detail 

• Engine number – CB34.GS.311 
• Chassis number – CB321509 
• First registered 26 October 1954 
• Built around 9 years ago by John Edwards using a Pearson 600cc engine 
• Edwards five speed box 
• 2,000 miles since rebuild 
• Electronic start 
• Twin batteries 
• Mikuni carbs 
• Morad polished alloy rims 
• Avon Road Rider tyres 
• Four leading shoe front brake 
• Lots of paperwork 
• Two tone tank 
• Single seat (original seat included) 
• Good chrome work 
• New crank shaft – made by Norfolk based Gold Star expert Phil Pearson 
• Smiths instrumentation 
• Period number plates 

The pictures tell the story. You decide. 

Please note, our vendor advises us that he has fitted ace bars to make the bike more comfortable for himself, but he still has the original clip-ons to go with the bike. 

Summary 

We’ve already decided. This is a very high standard BSA, ready to ride 

The pinnacle of Gold Star development. With the added advantage of the of Phil Pearson upgrades. A truly rare combination. They seldom come to the public market in this condition. 

Add some Castrol R, grab your lid, press the starter and go have some fun. A motorcycling legend.