Production
continued until 1963, the final run of DBD34s accounting for 5500 of the
17,000 total of pre and postwar Goldies. A good DBD34 now costs £7000
upwards. Watch out for converted 350s. Check the paperwork before splashing
out and beware of cheap basket cases. Restoring a Goldie takes a lot of
time and money. It's a highly tuned racer and engine assembly is best
left to an expert.
What to check
Swingarm
frames should be prefixed CB32 for both 350 and 500 models. The engine
number for the DBD models will be stamped either DB32GS or DB34GS depending
on capacity.
The Lucas Magdyno must be in top condition for easy starting. A well set
up Gold Star should start without problems.
The 500cc Clubmans is the most popular and there are lots of converted
tourers and off road bikes. Check out the numbers with the Gold Star Owners
Club before buying.
Electrics are marginal and modern spark plugs are worth fitting. Owners
recommend a ND W20ESZU.
Try to buy as complete a bike as possible. Cycle parts are scarce.
Who rebuilt the engine? Gold Star motors are fragile and need careful
assembly and maintenance.
Weak point of the gold Star engine is the riveted-up flywheel assemble
which BSA recommended be replaced every season. Norfolk-based Gold Star
specialist Phil Pearson manufactures a much stronger bottom end that has
been proved in classic racing. He machines the crankshaft assembly to
within two thousandths of an inch runout at the mainshaft.
Other Pearson services include repairs to GP carbs: to compensate for
worn threads on carburettor bodies, an undersize top ring is made to fit.
Worn slides are replaced with oversize ones and the body bored to suit.
Oversize valve guides can be supplied in cast phosphor bronze and alloy
bronze. Damaged cylinder head threads are repaired by welding and re-machining.
Pearson carries out complete engine and gearbox rebuilds, and a clutch
conversion based on a Suzuki unit.
Specification
1958
BSA DBD34 Gold Star
Price new £310
Engine: 499cc ohv single with 8.8:1 compression ratio and 85 x 88mm bore
x stroke. Carburation by 1.5in Amal GP. Four-speed gearbox with wet multiplate
clutch. Six volt electrics with magneto ignition.
Chassis: tubular steel duplex cradle frame, telescopic front fork, rear
swingarm with twin shocks. Brakes: 7.5in (190mm) sls drum front, 7in (178mm)
sls drum rear. Tyre sizes 3.00 x 19in front, 3.50 x 19in rear.
Performance: 40bhp @ 7000rpm (standard silencer), 110mph, 55mpg.
Dimensions: wheelbase 56in (142.2cm), seat height 31in (78.7cm), dry weight
383lb (174kg), fuel capacity 4 gallons (18 litres).