This magnificent example of a BSA DBD34 Gold Star motorcycle built by John Luscott was one of the eye-catching exhibits at the 2022 Midlands Model Engineering Exhibition. The Gold Star was made from 1938 to 1963 as 350cc and 500cc single-cylinder four-stroke production motorcycles and among the fastest bikes of the 1950s.

The Gold Star was developed over its lifetime by BSA's engineers and riders, and who increased the power from its simple push-rod petrol engine. It was highly successful across almost all areas of motorcycle sport for more than a decade. The 500 cc DBD34 was introduced in 1956, with clip-on handlebars, the same big finned alloy engine with a newly designed head, 38 mm ( 1 1/2" ) bell-mouth Amal carburettor and swept-back exhaust. The DBD34 had a 110 mph (180 km/h) top speed.The Gold Star dominated the Isle of Man Clubman’s TT that year.

Later models had an ultra close-ratio gearbox (RRT2)[ with a very high first gear, enabling 60 mph (97 km/h) or more before changing up to second. Many Gold Stars were exported to the USA where there was high demand for them, including series of special models for that country.

Production ended in 1963.

Photos by John Arrowsmith.