BSA Gold Star Pictures
Of all the motorcycles of the 1950s and 60s, the BSA Gold Star, or "Goldie" is the one machine that symbolises the café racer and clubmans production racing popular at that time.
It all began in 1937, when the experienced racer Wal Handley won a Gold Star Medal for lapping Brooklands at 102.27mph on a BSA M20 Empire Star. The onset of war prevented any real progress in the development of this line within BSA, but in 1946, the Gold Star name was used on a highly tuned 350cc single cylinder B32 which was to go on to win the 1949 Clubmans TT.
A 500cc B34 based version was also introduced in 1949 when it was to win no less than 11 gold medals at the International Six Days Trial. It was soon to totally dominate the Isle of Man Clubmans TT races.
But it was its popularity (that remains to this day) as a road going machine that defines the Goldie. It is a loud, fast and impractical bike to ride, but its idiosyncrasies are far outweighed by its stylish looks.
Production: 1930 to 1958
Engine: 997cc OHV square four, four stroke
Power: 42 bhp (28 kW) at 5800 rpm.
