1936 Model 9
500cc
1949 S8
500cc
1950 S7 Deluxe
500cc
Sunbeam started life manufacturing quality enamel ware and high quality bicycles. John Marston of Wolverhampton was 76 years old when he built his first motorcycle in 1912. He died in 1918 and his son, Ronald was forced to sell the business to pay for death duties. The company continued to succeed under the new management of Noble Industries until 1936 when it was bought by Matchless, and together with the AJS company which had already been acquired, the AMC group was formed. Production of Sunbeam ceased finally in 1957.
Click the photo to see a full size version, see reviews at bottom
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1936 Model 9 |
1949 S8 |
1950 S7 Deluxe |
| Sunbeam S7/S8
1946-57, 490cc,
ohc in-line twin, 490lb, 55mpg, 80mph Twin-in-line motorcycle with rubber mounted engine and unit construction. It was an advanced design for its day but let down by poor cooling to the rear cylinder, excessive vibration, and poor quality of materials. It had an under-stressed engine with a shaft final drive. The sluggish performance let it down, as did the bad handling. The S8 with it’s BSA front end steered better. The rear drive worm gear wears fast and is expensive to replace. When ridden steadily it is a good motorcycle. |