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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