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Thread: A gentleman's motorcycle

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    Default A gentleman's motorcycle

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    That's what they called my 1953 Sunbeam S8.

    She was my first complete restoration from a heap of rusty metal. I must have been mad. For officianados, she is an in-line, rubber-mounted 500cc 4-stroke twin with shaft drive, coil ignition and 6v dynamo electrics. BSA (Birmingham Small Arms) built them to be available just after WWII. The basic design was based on captured BMWs but the engine dates from the 1930s. She is a pleasure to ride and I only hope I live up to the title of this post!

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    John, you did a great restoration job! She looks brand new. How many gentleman hours were needed to make her ready?

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    Hi John, great job on the restoration with a nice image to boot. Looks like lots of time and love went into it....

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    John, beautiful job on the restoration. Absolutely a gorgeous bike. I think I may have to give up riding next year unless my upcoming knee operation is a success.

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    Thanks guys! She took 16 months to do in my spare time evenings and weekends. I've also done a Velocette MSS and she took 16 months too. I'll try to find a before picture and post that!

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    Here's a before image! I told you I was mad!

    And here's a look at the restoration process:

    http://www.pbase.com/chardinej/sunbeam_s8_restoration

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    Avian Moderator Randy Stout's Avatar
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    John:

    Based on the raw file (original condition picture) I would say you did some pretty good post work here. Now was this done with PS4 or PS5? I have found the PS5 is better on the paintwork but really like PS4 for the engine cases;)

    If only it were that easy!!

    Lovely machine. I have a friend who has been collecting bits for his S8 for 15 years. It isn't looking promising in my lifetime as far as a completed restoration:p

    When are you going to put on the bags and top box to haul your photo gear around? I suspect a number of these had a side car bolted on, so maybe that would be the way to go. I could see a camera mount so you could shoot on the move, so to speak!

    Congrats!!

    Randy

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    BPN Member Paul Lagasi's Avatar
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    Wow...John she's a beauty...next time I'm by, you gotta show me up close...

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    Julie Kenward
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    I was impressed from the first photo but when I saw what you started with...wowee! Amazing work, John. That is one gorgeous bike!

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    John, Stunning capture! I see that you have learned from the Master about eye contact and head angle. I hope the Brits copied the Carburetor to a "T" remembering how well the one on my Matchless treated me!
    Last edited by Bob Malbon; 10-18-2010 at 02:39 PM. Reason: Spelling of course!!

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    Quote Originally Posted by John Chardine View Post
    Here's a before image! I told you I was mad!

    And here's a look at the restoration process:

    http://www.pbase.com/chardinej/sunbeam_s8_restoration
    Wow! That's like starting with a feather to make a bird!

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    Thanks everyone! I'd never thought about head angle with motorcycles before!

    Bob- BSA of course put a small bore Amal carb on her, of course unique to the Sunbeam. I have one that is resleaved but it still didn't work that well. I now have a new, custom Amal carb on her which works great. Sunbeam owners are very lucky to have a company in England called Stewart Engineering that provides all the spares for the S7 and the S7. Amazing when you think that this is for bikes made between 1946 and 1956!

    Norm- You are right. Lots of parts were missing but there was a lot of help from owner's groups on the web, books and Stewarts.

    Paul- For sure next time you are down we will spend some quality time in the shed with a good cup of tea!
    Last edited by John Chardine; 10-18-2010 at 03:19 PM.

  13. #13
    Heather Forcier
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    Wow...you should be very proud of the results, she looks great! :)

    I am not too familiar with the older bikes but there is a local group that rides Nortons and they are pretty neat to see up close.

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