The BSA Gold Star is a motorcycle made by BSA from 1938–1963. They were 350 cc and 500 cc single-cylinder four-stroke production motorcycles known for being amongst the fastest bikes of the 1950s. Being hand built and with many optional performance modifications available, each motorcycle came from the factory with documented dynamometer test results, allowing the new owner to see the horsepower produced.
In 1937, Wal Handley lapped the Brooklands circuit at over 100 mph (160 km/h) on a BSA Empire Star, and was awarded one of the traditional Gold Star pins for the feat. That inspired BSA to produce the BSA Gold Star. The first Gold Star was an M24 model. It had an alloy 496 cc engine, an Electron alloy gearbox, and a light tube frame devoid of sidecar attachment lugs. This model continued up to the start of World War II.
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| Bsa gold star motorcycle picture 1 |
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BSA Gold Star
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| Manufacturer | Birmingham Small Arms Company (BSA Motorcycles Ltd. from 1954) |
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| Predecessor | 1955 BSA Gold Star DB34 |
| Successor | 1971 BSA B50 |
| Class | Clubmans racer |
| Engine | alloy air cooled ohv 499 cc single cylinder |
| Transmission | 4-speed gearbox with wet multiplate clutch |
| Wheelbase | 56 inches (1,400 mm) |
| Seat height | 30.5 inches (770 mm) |
| Weight | 380 lb (170 kg)(dry) |
| Fuel capacity | 4 imperial gallons (18 l) |
| Related | BSA B33 BSA Rocket Gold Star |