POSTWAR MODEL HISTORY

1948:

The new 350 Gold Star launched, based around the all-alloy 348cc-engined B32. It used a plunger frame, and buyers could specify cams, compression ratio, carb, cylinder head, exhaust, gearbox ratios, lighting, tyres, and electrical systems – which were all picked out from the best in the factory stores. The bikes were individually assembled.

1949:

The 350 was joined by a 499cc B34 version, which used a new main bearing and a revised crankshaft.

1950:

The front brake size was increased on both models.

1952:

The Gold Star got a new cylinder head.

1953:

A new duplex cradle swinging arm frame was introduced, along with an improved gearbox.

1954:

A new engine option was introduced, with more and squarer finning, a shorter conrod, stronger crank, oval flywheels for the 500, modified valve gear, an Amal GP carb, and a swept-back exhaust.

1955:

The DB models had an improved crank oil feed, a finned front drum brake and a special silencer paired to the Clubman cams and timing.

1956:

The DBD34 had a modified cylinder head, a tapered silencer, and used the largest GP carb available. A 190mm full-width front brake was offered as an optional extra. The model appeared only in Clubman and Scrambles formats.

1957:

The DB models were dropped, leaving only DBD bikes in the catalogue.

1958:

The DB was briefly reintroduced as a 350, using the 500 model cycle parts, while the 500 was only available in DBD spec.

1962:

The 350 was dropped.

1963:

The last 500cc DBD34 was built.