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1961 BSA Gold Star

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

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