Wednesday 27 November 2013

A Ray of Sunshine




Sunbeam

In those quiet times at the Museum I find myself looking through magazines for some interesting bits they I may put into the blog. Last week I found an article about the Sunbeam B24 that has the big timing chest, short pushrod tube and an engine style that would have looked good in any 60’s bike. For 1938, a masterpiece. It was when Sunbeam was owned by AJS and among the many developments that Sunbeam had in the pipeline during the 30’s this particular motorcycle had a very big AJS influence. For those who know AJS certain characteristics of the Sunbeam engine, like the tappet cover, reflects this. Sad to say that the designer of this engine is not known. Please let us know if you do happen to know even if it is only someone who worked on the bike. It all adds to its history.



So what is important about the B24? It is because in 1939 there was the B24S, the sport model, and we do have this one on show. The main obvious differences are the high level exhaust system and the twin friction dampers on the forks. There were also additional springs attached to the friction dampers to add progressive damping. This was seen on many racing bikes in the 30’s notably Moto Guzzi and Bennelli. This was the peak of the girder forks and it was evident that something different was needed as is seen by the use of telescopic forks from the 40’s, notably BMW. In the Museum the Sunbeam is displayed with a window behind and is a difficult photo to take best done on a winters’ day when the sun is not shining. For me, it is the prettiest motorcycle in the Museum.


It has been an interesting few weeks with an array of international visitors coming to the Museum including a motor cycle shop owner from Tokyo, a couple from Australia, a Norwegian,  a Canadian farmer from Saskatchewan who has a friend wanting parts for his Velocette LE. Also visiting us was Dean Williamson who is about to launch a new motorcycling magazine called “Mustard”. He is on Facebook.

 Out and about I still have people from the Wey Valley Advanced Motorcycle Club who do not know about the Museum. I thought I had got everyone! Pete is in contact with a number of Motorcycle dealers and last week was West London Yamaha who now have a Museum poster and are handing out fliers too! Now that winter in on us we have another deal for a pound off if you visit on a Monday. The fliers will get out there soon. Keep an eye out for us at the Off Road Bike Show at Kempton Park 7th December.

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