Re: BSA ZB32 Goldstar- old tech versus new tech
I took the 1950 ZB32 GoldStar, well it's a GoldStar to me. It has a 350 engine, which left the factory in trials trim ( I have the certificate)it was fitted with a plunger frame and a 21in front wheel. It was re-framed in the 1950s with a B31 plunger frame (so no change there) but obviously the frame # is now, not a GoldStar number. I don't care too much- other than the high tech computer in the UK DVLA and the Irish vehicle registration dept. can't recognise the change, as it's too old. - (1 up for Lo-tech).
I have the choice of breaking the bike for parts or riding it until I get the government goliath to give me a bit of paper to re-register.
I went out for a ride last night over some nice twisty roads to visit a mate about 25 miles away. I looked at the fuel and thought - I have enough. In 1950, the petcocks didn't bother with reserve. - fairly quickly, the technology moved on and reserve taps were a standard soon after- ( 1 up for hi-tech).
The bike has suspension (of sorts) but the plunger units aren't damped, so the term suspension- needs to be suspended. (2 up for Hi tech).
There is a vibration at about 45MPH in top gear- this goes out at 55MPH- therefore it is more pleasant to ride at 55MPH, but the suspension can't cope, nor the brakes, nor the tyres, nor the rider - my other bike is from 1993 and has all of the above items, brakes, tyres, suspension- easy to ride at 55MPH - (3 up for Hi tech).
BUT, unless you try, the performance of the 1950 machine doesn't really get beyond the shortcomings of the frame, tyres etc - so, unlike the 1970's when Sheene's Suzuki threw him down the road, because the bike's power overcame the tyre technology, the ZB GoldStar- is well within it's capabilities (rider aside) - so (that's at least 3 up for Lo tech)
Because of the vibration issue, I was tending to use wide open throttle a lot - this was nice and quick but used more fuel than I anticipated- so the inevitable misfire and engine death occurred about 10 miles from home and 5 miles from the petrol station.
So, I got off- I used my mobile phone to call my wife to use her eco-diesel Citroen to bring me lawnmower fuel.
In the meantime - I found some grass to lie on and watched the sun drop behind the bike.
At this point, I discovered that I like this bike, I'm not going to break it for parts, I will, wait out the Goliath for paperwork.
There was an ad on the Telly in the 70s and 80s for a cigar, - slow piano music after a bloke (usually) - had had a minor but comic disaster -
I had a 'Hamlet' moment.
I think Hi-tech versus Lo-tech is about even at this stage
Regards
David C - Ireland