BSA Empire Star BSA Empire Star Manufacturer BSA Production 1936-1939 Engine 249, 348 and 499cc single cylinder 4 stroke Transmission 4 Speed / chain The BSA Empire Star was a British motorcycle made by BSA at their factory in Small Heath, Birmingham. Named to commemorate the Siver Jubilee of King George V of the United Kingdom and advertised as The Masterpiece of the Industry , the Empire Star range was produced between 1936 and 1939, when it was developed into the BSA Gold Star and World War II stopped production. Development 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. With a heavy frame and iron barrelled pushrod valves the Empire Star still had the legacy of the earlier BSA's however, and Page continiued to lighten it and introduce engine tuning ideas throughout production. The overhead ...