Sunbeam 1928 Model 5 500 cc 1 cyl sv

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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.