Sunbeam S8 Gallery
Sunbeam introduced the 500cc S7 to the
public during 1947. Intended as the "group flagship"
the overhead cam, in line twin cylinder machine was
aimed at the discerning tourist. Shaft final drive,
full mudguards and balloon tyres combined with plunger
rear suspension and telescopic forks helped to ensure
that the rider remained clean and comfortable, but
did little for the handling and unfortunately they
also contributed to a weight of over 400lb. Consequently
the machine struggled to exceed 75mph when tested,
comparable to a far cheaper ohv 350cc single resulting
in poor sales, which combined with high production
costs due to the lack of common components to other
machines in the BSA stable. A revised model, adopting
new forks was introduced during 1949 together with
a lighter, more sporting model typed the S8. The S8
reverted to normal section tyres and employed standard
BSA forks and front brake. The result was a machine
that handled with greater precision and looked "lighter",
although the outright performance did not change greatly.
The two machines continued to be offered until 1957,
selling steadily to their target market . More Sunbeam
S8 information.
Please e-mail the webmaster if you have
a picture worth adding to our database, e-mail: webmaster@motorbike-search-engine.co.uk
|
|
