The Vintage Motorcycles
Specialists in antique, classic, veteran and vintage motorcycles.
Specialists in antique, classic, veteran and vintage motorcycles.
Sunbeam was one of the earliest and most respected British motorcycle manufacturers. Founded in Wolverhampton, England, the company produced motorcycles from the early twentieth century and became known for its high-quality engineering and refined mechanical design.
Sunbeam motorcycles were often considered more refined than many competing machines of the era. The company emphasized durability, smooth operation, and elegant engineering solutions. Sunbeam also achieved notable success in racing, including victories in the famous Isle of Man TT.
Today vintage Sunbeam motorcycles are admired for their engineering quality and their unique place in British motorcycle history.
| Model | Production Years | Engine Type | Capacity | Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunbeam Early Belt Drive Models | 1909-1914 | Single-cylinder | 350cc - 500cc | Early motorcycles |
| Sunbeam Model 3-1/2 HP | 1912-1915 | Single-cylinder | 500cc | Touring |
| Sunbeam Model 9 | 1920-1926 | Single-cylinder | 500cc | Touring / Sport |
| Sunbeam Model 90 | 1928-1939 | Single-cylinder OHV | 500cc | Sport |
| Sunbeam S7 | 1946-1956 | Inline twin | 500cc | Touring |
| Sunbeam S8 | 1949-1956 | Inline twin | 500cc | Touring |
Sunbeam began producing motorcycles in 1909 as part of the Sunbeam Cycle Company. The company was already known for manufacturing high-quality bicycles, and this engineering experience helped it transition successfully into motorcycle production.
From the beginning Sunbeam motorcycles were designed with an emphasis on reliability and smooth performance. Many riders considered them to be among the most refined motorcycles available during the early decades of motorcycling.
The earliest Sunbeam motorcycles used single-cylinder engines mounted in bicycle-style frames. These machines typically used belt drive systems, which were common in early motorcycles before chain drive became standard.
Although relatively simple, these early motorcycles established Sunbeam's reputation for quality engineering and dependable performance.
Production Years: 1920-1926
Engine: single-cylinder
Displacement: approximately 500cc
The Sunbeam Model 9 became one of the company's most popular motorcycles during the early 1920s. It offered reliable performance and was suitable for both everyday riding and longer touring journeys.
The Model 9 helped establish Sunbeam as one of the leading British motorcycle manufacturers of the interwar period.
Production Years: 1928-1939
Engine: overhead valve single-cylinder
Displacement: 500cc
The Model 90 was a sporting motorcycle designed for improved performance. It featured a more advanced overhead-valve engine design that delivered greater power compared with earlier Sunbeam machines.
This model was popular among riders who wanted a fast and capable British motorcycle.
Sunbeam achieved notable success in motorcycle racing during the 1920s. In 1928 Sunbeam motorcycles won the Senior Isle of Man TT race, demonstrating the competitive performance of the company's machines.
These racing victories helped strengthen Sunbeam's reputation and brought international attention to the brand.
Production Years: 1946-1956
Engine: inline twin
Displacement: 500cc
The Sunbeam S7 was introduced after the Second World War and represented a very different approach to motorcycle design. The machine used an inline twin engine mounted longitudinally in the frame and employed shaft drive instead of the more common chain drive.
The design was inspired in part by German motorcycle engineering and offered very smooth operation and low maintenance requirements.
Production Years: 1949-1956
Engine: inline twin
Displacement: 500cc
The S8 was a refined version of the earlier S7 model. It featured several design improvements and became known for its comfortable riding characteristics and smooth engine performance.
The shaft-drive system made these motorcycles particularly clean and quiet compared with many other motorcycles of the era.
Although Sunbeam eventually ceased motorcycle production in the mid-twentieth century, the company remains an important part of British motorcycling heritage. Its motorcycles were admired for their quality engineering and distinctive mechanical design.
Today Sunbeam motorcycles are valued by collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate their historical significance and refined engineering.
Sunbeam is a historic British motorcycle manufacturer and is featured in our guides to British vintage motorcycle brands as well as our complete overview of vintage motorcycle manufacturers by country, covering major global motorcycle industries from 1900 to 1980.
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