BSA Empire Star

Developed from the popular BSA Blue Star and designed by Val Page, the Empire Star range had the benefit several ideas Page had been developing at his previous employers, Ariel and Triumph motorcycles. The overhead valve Empire Star was available as the '''' 'B22', the '''' 'R5' and the 'Q8' models. The outbreak of World War II ended production of the Empire Star in 1939 as the BSA factory switched to making munitions and producing the BSA M20 for the British Army. ==Racing success==

It was the top of the range Empire Star, which saw most success in competition. In 1937 at Brooklands race track, Isle of Man TT winner Wal Handley won a race with a fastest lap at on a specially modified 500 cc Empire Star. The motorcycle used by Handley had a special racing carburettor, a new design of magneto and close ratio gearing. It took skill and experience to win, and Handley was awarded one of the traditional Gold Star badges. This inspired BSA to develop the BSA Gold Star. Also in 1937 BSA competition team rider Bert Perrigo won both the Colmore Cup and Victory Cup trials on a B25 Empire Star. ==References==