The Sunbeam motorcycle company was formed out of Sunbeam Cycles, a division of Wolverhampton-based John Marston Limited, which has been producing push bikes since the 1830s. 

Its first bike appeared in 1912 Following in the tradition of their bicycles, the motorcycles were of high-quality, usually with a single cylinder, and known as the Gentleman's Machine. Sunbeam motorcycles performed well in the early days of the famous TT (Tourist Trophy) races in the Isle of Man.

Immediately after WW2, and now absorbed by the BSA empire, Sunbeam launched the S7 and S8, inspired by the BMW R75 from which certain design patents were taken during the war. The former was a touring bike, the latter its mechanically identical but lighter equivalent.

Powered by a horizontally-opposed engine designed by German engineer Erling Poppe, it was an unusual machine and a modest seller, with only 8,500 built between 1948 and 1956.

This one is a 1949 model that has seen some gentle restoration, but is mostly original.

The Sunbeam was exported to the USA before being reimported in 2017, with all duties and customs declarations complete. 

It was brought to the UK from California in the condition it is in today and has been carefully stored as part of a private collection since.

This is an older, sympathetic restoration that has seen the bike returned to good running condition, but not over-restored. 

The frame, forks and mudguards are in good order with no damage, the only minor issue being some paint damage to the front suspension arms, which is easily rectifiable.

Nevertheless, it still presents very well indeed and is a wonderful example of a 73-year-old bike.

According to the vendor the bike is in running order, starts well and holds decent oil pressure. 

It hasn’t been used on the road for some years so some careful rejuvenation may be required. 

It’s an unusual machine, its flat-twin engine being more car-like than your usual motorcycle unit. It has a characteristic sound and offers good mid-range performance and decent fuel economy.

This is a very smart example of a fascinating and unusually engineered post-war bike in great part-restored condition. 

The S8 is an intriguing machine and this one would make a great addition to any British bike collection.

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