1953 BSA BB32 Gold Star

The BSA Gold Star famously took it’s name from a race at Brooklands in 1937 when Wal Handley came out of retirement to ride a three lap race for BSA. It was BSA’s first factory competition since 1921, and not only did Handley win the event he had a lap over 100 MPH (107.5 MPH) for which he was awarded a Gold Star.

BSA brought out the Gold Star model the following year. Each machine sold came with a bench test certificate and production was limited to 500 total. After the war BSA brought the ZB32 and ZB34 to great racing success not only on the track but also in trials and scrambles. The BB32 and BB34 were introduced in 1953 and featured a duplex frame with swing arm rear suspension.

The 1953 BSA BB32 Gold Star featured a 348 CC air cooled four stroke overhead valve motor with a 4 speed transmission, fully welded duplex frame and a dry weight of 380 LBS. Front suspension was telescopic with a 19” wheel and 8” drum brake. Rear suspension was a swingarm with twin shocks with a 19” wheel and a 7” drum brake. Top speed of around 90 MPH.

This particular 1953 BSA BB32 Gold Star (VIN # BB32A664) is in Redlands, California and is listed as ‘in excellent restored condition’. The restoration was performed about 10 years ago by the sellers father and the bike has 247 miles since. This bike is currently bid at $6,800 with reserve not met