New member London - can you identify this bike please?

[slimlavud]

Hello all. I am North London based, an ex-engineer and restorer of old cars (what are now known as 'classics'), particularly Lancia and Alfa Romeo. I also had a dalliance with circuit racing American Fords, a Mustang and a Fairlane saloon.
I have owned, restored and modified dozens of motorcycles, British, Italian and some Japanese plus I worked for an importer of Russian bikes (Neval Minsks, Dniepers etc) for a while.
I am now the editor-at-large of an automotive business magazine.
A friend of mine sent me this picture of a bike he has found, I can't seem to identify it... any ideas please?

[DAM]

Circa 1936 BSA Blue Star 500cc looks to be a match.

[slimlavud]

Thanks for the reply, I had thought BSA but it is a twin port side valve and has an oil tank in the front of the crankcase... no dry dump oil tank...

[slimlavud]

Correction, of course it is not a side valve! Exhausts are coming out of the head...

[slimlavud]

Thanks, you are exactly correct, 1936 BSA Blue Star it is! I must have become obsessed with side valves since I ride a 1945 Harley WL-engined, 1954 BSA-framed chopper...

[Zunspec]

Nice find, should provide hours of restoration fun

Cheers Geoff

[hondapartsman]

Hi pleased to meet you. Minsks and the like, was that Neville someone or another, rings a vague bell? Good luck with the bike, I'm sure we at Drags will be glad to help if we can, pretty war is always harder though.