[1] With a heavy frame and iron barrelled pushrod valves the Empire Star still had the legacy of the earlier BSAs however, and Page continued to lighten it and introduce engine tuning ideas throughout production.

[5] Based on the standard Blue Star the 'Empire' featured an alloy primary chaincase with a special high compression piston and a hardened cylinder bore.

This was followed by a 1,000 miles (1,600 km) endurance ride around the UK, visiting the West Country, Wales and the Lake District.

The whole trip was completed successfully without the need for any spare parts - an important selling point for BSA in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

[4] Handley had been persuaded out of 'retirement' especially for the three-lap race, which meant 8 miles (13 km) at top speed on the uneven and deteriorating banked oval track.