1949 BSA ZB34 Competition

BSA (Birmingham Small Arms) introduced the Gold Star in 1938. Available in 350 CC or 500 CC variants they were known as model M24 until WWII interrupted production in 1939. After the war BSA brought the bike back in 1948 as the YB32 (350 CC) and YB34 (500 CC). For 1949 the designation changed to ZB34 which received a new crank and main bearing set up. Plunger rear suspension was an option for the first time in 1949. In 1949 the Gold Star was the premium bike offered and the Competition model was shipped with higher clearance fenders and no lights as a lower trim level.

The 1949 BSA ZB34 used a 496 CC air cooled four stroke overhead valve single cylinder motor that produced 20 HP with a 4 speed transmission. I could not find a weight listed for the Competition model, the Gold Star weighed 380 LBS.

This bike is definitely a 1949. Looks to be the 349th ZB34 off the line. BSA built bikes by hand in 1949 and didn’t start a build until they had an order so for 1949 (1950 changed) there is no way of telling the trim level by the serial number.

This particular 1949 BSA ZB34 Competition (SN # ZB 34 394) is in Pasadena, California and is listed as a ‘near ready to race survivor’. Seller says there are lots of extra parts with it including a frame and tank. I am not particularly knowledgeable about this model but I would guess the rear fender is not stock. With all the holes and being chrome I’d guess it to be a later fender. All in all, a pretty rare bike that is currently bid at $500 with reserve not met and a Buy It Now price of $5,200