350cc to 500cc Models

B31 1945-59, 348cc, ohv single, 365lb, 80mpg, 75mph

Basic but robust engine in pre-war rigid chassis fitted with telescopic forks. 1949 plunger suspension was fitted giving slightly more control. 1954 a swinging arm frame was fitted. Leaky and noisy with poor starting. The early rigid or plunger frame models are desirable.

B32 Gold Star 1949-57, 348cc, ohv single, 360lb, 65mpg, 85mph

Basically a B31 with more go, flashy bodywork and better brakes. The DB32 has a good duplex frame but the price is high and there are plenty to be had. Suffers from a 'cult status'.

Fury 1970-72, 349cc, ohc twin, 345lb, Prototype

Announced at the last Major Motor show, this twin was state of the art alloy engineering designed by Bert Hopwood. Carrying many of the now established Japanese components, such as electric start, indicators, twin overhead cams, it is a shame that it never made the production line, as tests proved it to be a good bike.

B40/SS90 1960-65, 343cc, ohv single, 305lb, 80mpg, 75mph

Bored out version of the C15 with greater torque and enclosed pushrods. Sound construction and usually reliable if treated kindly. WD version the best to ride. Sports SS90 version is pretty rare as the market did not welcome them.

B44 Victor (Shooting Star) 1966-70, 441cc, ohv single, 335lb, 65mpg, 85mph

B44 similar to C15 with stronger internals and modern chassis. Basically a stretch C15 with slightly more go and vibration. Engines can be fragile if abused. Sold initially in the USA as the Shooting Star, renamed in UK after 67 the later models had a good twin leading shoe front brake.

B33 1947-59, 499cc, ohv single, 420lb, 70mpg, 80mph

Bored out  B31 with more torque for the sidecar outfit. Later models had a swinging arm, and there is also TLS front drum conversion. This is the 1950’s classic workhorse, which it will run for ever.

M33 1947-57, 499cc, ohv single, 370lb, 70mpg, 70mph

B33 engine inserted into a M21 bicycle. Intended to pep up performance for sidecar use. Not good on power or steering.

B34/DB34/DBD34 Gold Star 1950-62, 499cc, ohv single, 410lb, 55mpg, 110mph

These bikes has become legendary, expensive and somewhat over-rated. Fun on the open road, but exceptionally awkward in traffic and temperamental. Overpriced due to the vast over-reputation which masks their charm from many new riders. This was a racing road bike and has good looks.

B50SS Gold Star 1971-72, 499cc, ohv single, 340lb, 60mpg, 85mph

This was the last of the C15 stretches. It was a radical design change from the traditional British style, but in the fullness of time looks very nice. Built as a street scramble to meet the US market demands, the engine was over-stressed when pushed to the limit. Conversion to electronic ignition transforms it’s behaviour to one of GB’s best ever singles. Starting requires the knack and vibration was still a problem at speed over 60 mph. There was also a B50T Victor model.

M20 1945-55, 496cc, sv single, 425lb, 55mpg, 65mph

The antiquated side valve engine, which was designed to meet the demands of the army and was sold off to the public after the war. Not fast and the brakes are adequate, but this is a very rugged machine. Stretched to 591cc in 1946 as the M21 until 1963, which raised the fuel consumption.

A7 Star Twin, Shooting Star 1946-61, 497cc, ohv twin, 420lb, 55mpg, 90mph

Splendid tough twin with smooth power up to 75mph. From 1954 with duplex frame, swinging arm, and better brakes gave good steering which was let down by poor lights. The A7SS Shooting Star is the tuned version sporty  (A7SS), which had an alloy head, improved suspension and full width hubs.

A50 Royal Star 1962-70, 499cc, ohv twin, 420lbs, 60mpg, 90mph

Unit construction replacement for the A7, that has little vibration and lacks in performance. A good looking bike which is reliable because it's hard to thrash them. , if not sluggish machine. Became the Royal Star in 1965 after a brief sporting flurry as the A50C ‘Cyclone’ and A50CC ‘Cyclone Clubman’, and then as the ‘Wasp’ which was mainly for the USA