Fats Waller, Elvis Presley, Tony Orlando and Dawn, Taylor Swift and Britney Spears all have something in common – the BSA Gold Star. How so? Well…
Back in ‘38, Wal Handley may well have listened to Fats as he rode the newest sports machine from BSA. It can't be a coincidence that the brilliance of Elvis complemented the superb DBD34 in 1956. ‘Knock Three Times’ might well have been a big end prophecy for the ill-fated B50SS in ‘71, and the latest international version of the most glittering star in the firmament is perfectly suited to the worldwide appeal and glamour of Taylor Swift.
Yes indeed, each generation seems to get the music and the Gold Star it deserves. However, before the recent Indian-led resurrection of this most famous name, there was a little-known and mostly forgotten attempt at producing yet another generation of Gold Star, the BSA Regal Gold SR. As Britney might have sung, kick me baby one more time!
Southampton-based engineering firm BSA Regalmachines were hand built and destined for export to Japan. Yamaha's 399cc sohc aircooled single was chosen as the powerplant, being the spiritual successor to the mighty pre-unit DBD (although, it could be argued that the unit B50 motor is closer to the Yamaha lump), lightly tuned and with engraved casings proudly displaying the BSA logo.
