1961 BSA Gold Star
1961 BSA GOLD STAR GETTING LONG IN THE TOOTH
The Gold Star originally evolved out of the 1937 BSA Empire Star, but it took until after World War II to actually create the Gold Star, which launched in 1948. So it’s basic design was ancient by the time it went out of production in 1963. It had been a long and successful run, with many improvements major and minor along the way, keeping it competitive. The Gold Star had success not only off-road but also in road racing, when dressed out in Clubman trim (see below).
1961 BSA Gold Star
CLUBMAN
1961 BSA GOLD STAR CLUBMAN
While the BSA Gold Star was famous for its off-road and desert-racing prowess, when properly fitted out, they also made excellent road racing machines, on par the a Norton Manx. The Clubman edition got a 36mm bellmouth Amal carburetor, hotter cam and timing, higher compression, a freer-flowing exhaust, better brakes and road tires, along with a lightweight alloy fenders, a ‘bum-stop’ seat and low handlebars. They were good for 110 mph right out of the box!
1961 BSA Gold Star SPECIFICATIONS
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Engine type Displacement Bore & Stroke Compression Carburetor Horsepower Primary Drive Clutch Gearbox type Ratios, overall 1st Gear, Low 2nd Gear 3rd Gear 4th Gear, Top Final Drive Frame Wheelbase Ground clearance Seat height Dry weight Suspension, F Suspension, R Brakes, F Brakes, R Wheels, F Tires, F Wheels, R Tires, R Fuel capacity Oil Tank cap. |
BB32 350 Gold Star Air-cooled OHV single 348cc 71mm X 88mm 8.75:1 Amal GP
1/2″ X .305″ chain Multi-plate, dry 4-speed, foot-shift
10.15:1 7.0:1 5.8:1 5.28:1 5/8″ X 1/4″ chain All-welded steel duplex 54.75″ 5″ 30.5″ unladen 380 lbs, dry Telescopic, hydraulic Swing arm, 2 shocks 8″ drum, SLS 7″ drum, SLS WM1-19 (19″) Dunlop 3.25″ X 19″ WM1-19 (19″) Dunlop 3.25″ X 19″ 4 gal 3 pints |
BB34 500 Gold Star Air-cooled OHV single 499cc 85mm X 88mm 8.0:1 Amal GP 38hp @ 7,000rpm 1/2″ X .305″ chain Multi-plate, dry 4-speed, foot-shift
8.71:1 5.99:1 4.96:1 4.52:1 5/8″ X 1/4″ chain All-welded steel duplex 54″ 5″ 30.5″ unladen 383 lbs, dry Telescopic, hydraulic Swing Arm, 2 Shocks 8″ drum, SLS 7″ drum, SLS WM1-21 (21″) Dunlop 3.00″ X 21″ WM1-19 (19″) Dunlop 3.25″ X 19″ 4 gal 3 pints |