Description
Please note: The seller states that this BSA has not been started in 20 years. He has asked us to sell it as-is and does not have a running video.
Additional photos are available here for your perusal.
In 1937, Birmingham Small Arms Company (BSA) introduced the 500cc Empire Star and later that year W.L. “Wal” Handley won at Brooklands on a modified version, setting a fastest lap of 107.57 mph. For this impressive feat he was awarded one of the traditional Gold Star pins and that inspired BSA to develop a new model called the Gold Star.
Produced between 1938 and 1963, the Goldie’s hand built engine was available in both 350cc and 500cc. BSA offered optional performance mods and proved the power of their machines by running every bike on a factory dyno with documented test results.
The CB models arrived in 1954 with a new “Big Fin” engine due to deeper and squarer finning. It featured a stronger crank, improved valve gear, a shorter connecting rod, an Amal GP carb, and swept-back exhaust – BSA claimed 30 horsepower in 350cc trim.
This example is VIN: CB32986. Engine number: CB32GS215. The seller states, “This BSA came to me about 10 years ago as part of a large high end collection of 25 bikes that I purchased, all the bikes were stored inside the collector’s house.”
There is no odometer, true mileage is unknown.
Maintenance:
Per the seller, this BSA was “restored in 1984 by Eddie Dow’s chief mechanic John Gleed of Banbury. Track time by Leslie Boustead [editor of Open Mega, the journal fo the Classic Racing Motorcycle Club]. Raced on The Isle Of Man in the mid 1990s by Phil Dyson. It was then displayed at the Deeley Motorcycle Museum in Vancouver, British Columbia for many years. Then at the Dreamcycle Motorcycle Museum, also in BC, for the past 10 years. It has been kept in excellent condition but has not been started up for the past 20 years. I do not know the engine specs but it was built by the right man in the right place at the best of times and raced on the right tracks.”
Modifications:
Aluminum racing fuel tank.
Lucas Racing Magneto.
Clip-on bars.
RRT Close ratio gearbox.
Open megaphone exhaust.
Aluminum engine oil tank.
Akront aluminum racing rims.
Remote racing primary chain lubricator.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Avon AM22 tires which have aged out.
The sale includes the original service manual, C.R.M.C. Machine registration certificate dated 13-5-86 #210180.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Sorrento, British Columbia, this BSA is offered on Bill of Sale only. Have any Gold Star CB32 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
