1956 BSA Gold Star DBD34
Introduced in 1956, the 1956 BSA Gold Star DBD34 features a 499cc OHV single engine producing 42hp, establishing itself as a notable racing machine.
Specifications
Engine
- Type
- OHV single
- Displacement
- 499 cc
- Cylinders
- 1
- Power
- 42 hp @ 7000 rpm
- Torque
- 44.0 Nm
- Compression
- —
- Bore × Stroke
- 85.0 × 88.0 mm
- Cooling
- Air-cooled
- Fuel System
- Amal TT carburetor
Chassis & Transmission
- Frame
- Steel single cradle
- Front Suspension
- Telescopic fork
- Rear Suspension
- Twin shock
- Front Brake
- Drum
- Rear Brake
- Drum
- Front Tyre
- —
- Rear Tyre
- —
- Transmission
- 4-speed
- Final Drive
- Chain
Performance
- Top Speed
- 175 km/h (109 mph)
- ¼ Mile
- —
Dimensions & Weight
- Dry Weight
- 145 kg (320 lbs)
- Wet Weight
- 156 kg (344 lbs)
- Seat Height
- 790 mm
- Wheelbase
- 1370 mm
- Ground Clearance
- —
- Fuel Capacity
- 14.0 L
History & Story
In 1956, BSA launched the 1956 BSA Gold Star DBD34 — a racing machine that would come to define an era of motorcycling. Hailing from United Kingdom, it combined United Kingdom engineering with racing machine appeal.
At the heart of the 1956 BSA Gold Star DBD34 sits a 499cc OHV single engine producing 42 horsepower at 7000 rpm. The single-cylinder powerplant features a single-cylinder layout with air-cooled cooling, fed by Amal TT carburetor. Power reaches the rear wheel through a 4-speed transmission and chain final drive.
Built around a steel single cradle frame, the 1956 BSA Gold Star DBD34 suspends its 145 kg (320 lbs) on telescopic fork forks and twin shock rear units. Braking relies on drum at the front and drum at the rear, with a 1370 mm wheelbase providing stability.
Performance-wise, the 1956 BSA Gold Star DBD34 achieves a claimed top speed of 175 km/h (109 mph). With a fuel capacity of 14.0 liters, it offers reasonable range for racing machine duties. The seat height of 790 mm makes it comfortable for most riders.
Today, the 1956 BSA Gold Star DBD34 is considered an extremely rare and highly prized collector piece, commanding premium prices at auction. Parts availability is rated as difficult, making ownership a dedicated pursuit. It remains an icon of BSA motorcycling from 1950s.
At the heart of the 1956 BSA Gold Star DBD34 sits a 499cc OHV single engine producing 42 horsepower at 7000 rpm. The single-cylinder powerplant features a single-cylinder layout with air-cooled cooling, fed by Amal TT carburetor. Power reaches the rear wheel through a 4-speed transmission and chain final drive.
Built around a steel single cradle frame, the 1956 BSA Gold Star DBD34 suspends its 145 kg (320 lbs) on telescopic fork forks and twin shock rear units. Braking relies on drum at the front and drum at the rear, with a 1370 mm wheelbase providing stability.
Performance-wise, the 1956 BSA Gold Star DBD34 achieves a claimed top speed of 175 km/h (109 mph). With a fuel capacity of 14.0 liters, it offers reasonable range for racing machine duties. The seat height of 790 mm makes it comfortable for most riders.
Today, the 1956 BSA Gold Star DBD34 is considered an extremely rare and highly prized collector piece, commanding premium prices at auction. Parts availability is rated as difficult, making ownership a dedicated pursuit. It remains an icon of BSA motorcycling from 1950s.
Known Issues
- Oil leaks typical of British singles and twins
- Lucas electrical components unreliable
- Primary chain adjustment critical
- Period-correct fasteners and hardware hard to find
Fun Facts
- Pristine examples of the 1956 BSA Gold Star DBD34 can command six-figure prices at auction
- The 1956 BSA Gold Star DBD34 is considered one of the most collectible motorcycles from BSA
- The 1956 BSA Gold Star DBD34 is widely regarded as a milestone in motorcycle history
- With a power-to-weight ratio of 289.7 hp per tonne, the 1956 BSA Gold Star DBD34 offered thrilling performance
Collector Information
- Parts Availability
- Difficult
- Collector Rating
- 10/10
Resources & Parts
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