1954 BSA Gold Star 500cc OHV Single. V5C Present. VGC. Restored. Good Runner.

For auction here is a rare 1954 BSA 500cc Gold Star. The bike has its current V5C present and is on a none transferable registration. The logbook has it listed as historic so it is tax and MOT exempt.  So. this bike is a very early swinging arm Gold star. The bike was registered from the 1st of January 1954. so I think you can take it that it was a late 1953 build. The numbers correspond to the 1954 season. but are very low in the sequence. so I assume the build was late 1953 for the 1954 season. There is information on file that shows the machine has been checked and that the engine and frame left the factory together so this is an authentic machine and not one made up from parts. I mention this point because this does explain one or two things on this machine that you may think are in-correct. but are in fact correct for that period. So. the bike is an older restoration and is still very very tidy. but not mint. The bike was restored it appears and then not really used as is often the case these days. The bike starts and runs. lights up and charges. The bike to all intents and purposes is more or less ready for use. The engine sounds good. there is no undue smoke or nasty noises. There is good oil return. I have not test ridden the machine. only around the yard and this is just enough to confirm. clutch. gears and brakes all seem to work as they should. From a running point of view. it has been set up in touring trim with a concentric carb. standard gearbox and high handle bars. all for ease of use and comfort. which is not untypical for these bikes at all. I notice the carb is highly jetted which I assume is for more speed. but has the affect of making tick over a little lumpy. Personally. I think it would be better put back to more standard jetting. Once you have the knack. it starts OK. usually within a couple of kicks and seems to rev OK. The bike is on a CB32 frame with a BB34GS engine. I mention this here and now as I would want you to look up the BSA engine and frame number sequence. Basically the DB and DBD series of numbers did not come out until 1955 and 1956 respectively. so a CB32 chassis and BB34GS engine are correct for a 1954 season machine. Additionally. because this is so early. it is the half width hub model. with the none cross over type rear brake. All correct for this early period. There is no 190mm front brake as this was again a slightly later feature. The large fin top end is also fine as this was the first year BSA put these on from what I can tell. So. I have had a few people look at the machine and initially think that this feature or that feature is not correct. where as in fact this bike is correct for this early period. this is the top model of that year and has the right features on it. I believe that they are thrown by the fact that the machine is so early and they expect to see all the things you would normally see on a slightly later DBD34 bike. On the cosmetics front the chrome work and paintwork is all pretty good. Exceptions to this are the silencer and front mudguard which are just showing signs of age now. but I intend to order new items for this and will include them with the sale. The machine has clearly had dollops of money thrown at it and is a very nice clean example of this very early swinging arm period Gold Star. This is a rare bike and one that is now looking for a rider for next season. Viewing is welcome. 01246 411977 for an appointment. Collection is preferred. although I can arrange delivery within the mainland UK by courier for ?100. I am interested in earlier bikes and particularly anything pre war. or early post war rigid.

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