Description
Sunbeam 1928 Model 5 “Longstroke” 492 cc side valve frame # B 2752 engine # J 1983
The Wolverhampton based firm of John Marston earned fame for their superb bicycles in the early years of the last century.
In 1912 their first motorcycle was presented, a 350 cc side valve model ( 75x 79 bore and stroke) with a 2-speed gearbox.
Soon the capacity was increased to 500cc, and also models with proprietary V-twin engines were made.
Sunbeam motorcycles gained fame for their very high standards of workmanship, their speed and their reliability: races all over Europe were won in the early half of the twenties with machines equipped with the very fast and reliable “ Longstroke” side valve engine with bore/stroke of 77x 105.5 mm.
From 1927 the Model 5 was the touring version of the Longstroke and therefore has the characteristic fully enclosed oil bath rear chain. This Sunbeam is in unrestored condition and runs well.