Hello all. First post here.
I finally decided to do something about a 350 Gold Star I've had for many years. I've tried to find the year of manufacture of this machine using the frame and engine numbers. But the info I'm able to find is sparse or conflicting. I'm wondering if anyone here can point me in the right direction.
Engine no. DB32 GS 994
Frame no. CB31 2092
From what I can gather, if it's a Gold Star, the frame number should start with "CB32". Yet my frame no. begins with "CB31". The engine number confirms the engine as a Gold Star 350. Based on this info, I would wonder whether the frame is original to the engine. But I've owned this bike for 40 years, and it spent the prior 20 years in a shed. So I can't imagine the engine leaving the factory in anything but this frame.
Any thoughts on this? I've attached a photo of the bike back when I bought it.
The engine seems to be from 1955 and is indeed a db350 the frame looks to be from 54 and would have originally been from a b31 . As you said all gold stars came with a cb32 frame number . If you look to the right side of the engine below the valve adjustment plate there is sometimes a date stamp . Not always there and sometimes upside down . This is mine
Thanks for the reply!
That is very interesting. I suppose I have to assume that the frame was swapped at some point. Strangely, the frame itself looks exacty like a Gold Star frame. Does anyone know what the differences are between a B31 frame and a Gold Star frame?
You wont find a difference . The only difference is the no. 2 .
You are correct. The stamp is there. I assume it's a "56" and not 58?
The rear set footrest mounting on the frame looks odd (from the poor indication of it on the picture - can we have a better picture of that area ie close up).
Also, is there a steering lock provision on theheadstock?
A picture of the frame number would help identification too.
Paul.
There is no provision for a steering lock on the headstock.
Below are photos of the footrests and frame number.
This is the only photo I have of mine which is a cb32 frame . This was prior to fitting the correct exhaust and oil pipes and finishing .
The biggest difference between a Gold Star frame and a B31 frame is the footrest lugs. Yours look home made, the standard ones are the same pressings as the pillion lugs with an additional plate with a hexagonal hole welded on.
To be brutally honest, yours is a B31 with a Goldie engine, just enjoy it, ride it and ignore the rivet counters.
This is also a B31 both frame and engine
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1753/28819350348_5b370975ef_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/KUEGNQ)20180609_152238 (https://flic.kr/p/KUEGNQ) by Sigma Projects (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150852570@N02/), on Flickr
Thank you everyone for taking the time to respond. I greatly appreciate it.
I see what you mean about the driver's footrest lugs being home made. What you're saying is that on the original frame there were no lugs in this position, and that when the Gold Star engine was installed in this B31 frame, whomever did it added the existing lugs to work with the new engine?
The extra lugs are for rearset footrests to go with clipon bars.
You can still buy the lugs to convert a frame.
It's been my understanding that the Gold Star 350 and the Gold Star 500 are the same engine, excepting a wider cylinder bore on the 500. Does anyone know if this is true?
Mostly yes
some years have different rod lengths
some have different camshafts and crank gear
350s have smaller valves
Have a rolling chassis '54 and '55 frame CB32 clubmans if you need pictures for your project.