Highlights
- Beautifully preserved genuine DBD34 verified by Gold Star Owners Club
- 22nd 500cc DBD34 Gold Star to leave the BSA factory
- Full engine rebuild by Gold Star specialist Phil Pearson 1,500 miles ago
- Pearson 12-volt electric start installed in 2018
- Includes John Edwards rebuilt 'RRT2' racing gearbox plus fitted 'STD T' gearbox
- Well-travelled bike that has been in Tasmania, Germany and the Netherlands
The Appeal
When this bike was new, BSA seemed intent on confusing its customers. Not so now. Contemporary collectors know that of all the Gold Star models, the one you really want is this one - the 500cc 1956 DBD34 Gold Star Clubman.
In Clubman form these later bikes got a larger carburettor, modified exhaust and close ratio box. Not surprisingly they were an instant hit at the Isle of Man TT, cleaning up in 1956.
The trick when buying one is to ensure you’re looking at a genuine one. The vendor acquired this one in 2017 after doing his research, including consulting the Gold Star Owners Club and Charles Falco’s authoritative Gold Star Buyer’s Companion. That effort has paid off because this bike is a matching frame and engine number example and carries GSOC certification.
We are told that it was the 22nd 500cc Gold Star off the line and has spent time in Tasmania, Germany and the Netherlands during its interesting life. In recent years, it has received considerable investment, including a full engine rebuild 1,500 miles ago by Gold Star guru Phil Pearson. It is currently fitted with a STD T gearbox built by John Edwards, but also comes with a rebuilt RRT2 box, also by Edwards. It is fitted with Pearson 12V electric start, fitted in 2018. It received a fluids change just prior to sale.
It is a truly beautiful bike and we’re not surprised to hear it grabs attention wherever it goes. With its provenance and recent investment, this will be tempting for discerning collectors.
The vendor says:
“An excellent and well documented early version of the iconic 500cc BSA Gold Star with sensible improvements by Phil Pearson and John Edwards, the UK's trusted Gold Star engine and gearbox specialists. The Pearson crank and clutch give confidence and the electric start avoids the ankle-shattering effects of the kick-start. The electronic ignition helps it to fire up easily.
“Thrilling to ride and she attracts an audience on the road and at any bikers' cafe.”
History and Paperwork
- Registered 4th April 1956
- Originally purchased by S. Miller of Wigan from Tyrer Bros of Preston
- DVLA records six registered keepers
- Current keeper since May 2017
- Correct original frame and engine numbers, says the vendor
- Vendor states this bike was the 22nd 500cc Gold Star to leave the BSA factory
- Provenance verified using Charles Falco's book
- Also confirmed by Gold Star Owners Club registration letters (1992 and 2014)
- Has been in Tasmania, Germany, and the Netherlands
- Photocopy of original BSA factory Brake Test included
- Gold Star Owners' Club Registrations (2) included
- Relevant manuals/books including a signed copy of George Prew's 'The Gold Star'
- Only 2,401 miles since May 9, 2014
- Documentation included in sales pack
- V5C in the current keeper’s name
The sale will include the above and:
- RRT2 gearbox
- Various spares
- Original ignition points/HT cable
The vendor says:
“Correct original frame and engine numbers, which according to the reference books make this only the 22nd 500cc Gold Star to leave the BSA factory.
“Full rebuild of the engine, with new Pearson crank, bearings, piston and clutch, vapour blasting, etc by Gold Star specialist Phil Pearson just over 1,500 miles ago. Rebuilt ‘RRT2' gearbox is included in the sale, the bike currently fitted with a 'STD T’ gearbox, all by John Edwards. The RRT2 racing gearbox does 65mph in 1st gear - not ideal for the roads around here!
“The speedo and tacho are chronometric and I have documents showing that the tacho was professionally serviced some years ago. Both work perfectly.
The carb is a remote float Amal GP - the original spec. It’s a racing version, so don’t expect it to tick over. I had the float chamber refurbished by another specialist firm, Surrey Cycles a few years ago and fitted a new main jet.
“I had a Pearson 12 volt electric start installed by Phil Pearson Jnr and John Edwards in 2018 and fitted the bike with Thorspark electronic ignition this year. Engine and primary drive oils changed last month.
“An S. Miller of Wigan originally purchased this bike from Tyrer Bros of Preston (their brass name plate is riveted on the rear light holder) and it has visited many parts of the globe including Tasmania, Germany and the Netherlands. Now back to Blighty and residing in my warm garage in Bristol.
“The bike runs well and the straight-through exhaust emits the beautiful and iconic Goldie ’twitter’ on the overrun.”
The Condition
- Factory standard bike that is almost 70 years old with some age-related patina
- Minor spots of rust on the tank but not unsightly
- Yellowed paint around the petrol filler cap
- Some wear of chrome on front fork legs which is acommon issue as shrouds don't have spacers
- Smiths chronometric speedo and tachometer appear in good condition
- New Avon front tyre on Dunlop rim with 190mm ventilated brake
- Rear Avon tyre in good condition on Borrani rim
The vendor says:
“There is some age-related patina - the bike is almost 70 years old - with minor spots of rust as noted above.
“I know that there are many unoriginal (fake) Gold Stars out there - this Prince kissed a lot of frogs before I found one with the correct provenance. It all checked out using Charles Falco's book 'The Gold Star Buyer's Companion' and the Gold Star Owners Club registration letters of 9 October 1992 and 16 February 2014.
“The lovely Smiths chronometric speedo and tachometer are in excellent condition and a joy to behold.”
The Mechanics
- 499cc all aluminium OHV engine
- 'STD T' gearbox currently fitted
- Full engine rebuild by Gold Star specialist Phil Pearson (1,500 miles ago)
- New Pearson crank, bearings, piston and clutch
- Rebuilt 'RRT2' racing gearbox included in sale
- Remote float Amal GP carburettor (original spec racing version)
- Pearson 12-volt electric start installed in 2018
- Thorspark electronic ignition fitted this year
- Engine and primary drive oils changed last month, says vendor
- Starts easily with Pearson electric start
- Both gearboxes smooth and positive to use we are told
- Buyers should not that racing GP carburettor doesn't idle as should be expected
The vendor says:
“The bike starts easily on the Pearson electric start. These bikes have manual advance/retard, high compression pistons, no choke and a racing GP carburettor, hence known to be quite difficult to start without this modification. The bike is starting and running as it should and with the 'Goldie twitter' from the exhaust. Both of the gearboxes are smooth and positive to use.”
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