BSA Gold Star tribute at 2011 HBBB
And owners of the 350 and 500cc icons are encouraged to take part in the Easter motorcycling festivalThe third annual Honda Broadford Bike Bonanza at the State Motorcycling complex in Broadford (Vic) next Easter will feature a special tribute to one of the most popular and successful motorcycles of all time - the BSA Gold Star.
The Gold Star model came into being in 1937, as a celebration of BSA factory rider Wal Handley's achievement in lapping the Brooklands circuit in Britain at 107.57mph (173km/h) - a feat that gained him the prized Gold Star, awarded by the Auto Cycle Union of Great Britain.
Handley's Empire Star model was the basis for the new 'Goldie', which was first seen at the Earls Court Show in 1937 and went into volume production the following year.
The very first Gold Star in Australia won first time out in the hands of the legendary Harry Hinton, at the NSW South Coast Grand Prix in Wollongong.
Since then, Gold Stars provided sporting motorcyclists with a true dual-purpose machine - one that could be used as a spirited road motorcycle or tuned to compete in all sections of the sport, from trials to scrambles (motocross) and road racing.
Post war, the Gold Star was progressively developed to its ultimate specification - the luscious DB and DBD models, with their big square-finned alloy engines and distinctive chrome and silver petrol tanks. Towards the end of the model's life in 1963, a twin cylinder version - the Rocket Gold Star - was added.
Today, the Gold Star is among the most prized and collectable motorcycles anywhere, and at Broadford next Easter, organisers are expecting up to 50 of them to be displayed and to take part in track demonstrations.
It's anticipated the entire spectrum of the range will be represented, from the pre-war rigid frame, girder fork models to the final specification DBD, plus everything in between in road-going and racing form.
Gold Star owners wishing to take part are encouraged to contact the event organiser for further information. All enquiries should be directed to Peter Drakeford at Motorcycling Australia, tel (03) 9684 0500 or by email at pd@ma.org.au.
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