Fire it up! That involves a ritual all of its own. And, occasionally a call upon your particular deity when all seems futile.

Done successfully, you're off. You feel the low down weight of all that cast iron and steel, and the wuffling thump-thump-thump of the engine. On a sprung saddle to soak up the bumps, clutching wide bars bouncing around on girder fork springs, there's nothing like it. All this topped off by a vision of the world approaching through a pair of goggles.

And more! There's the hand-operated gear lever on the side of the tank. It takes a certain knack, and sense of calm, to co-ordinate its use whilst making hand signals in busy traffic. Use of the brakes takes a bit of foresight, too. For older machines there's also the manual oil pump to remember. A squirt every now and then keeps the engine lubricated. Some intrepid vintagents retain the older lever throttle, dispensing with the services of a new fangled twist grip. Surprisingly, it makes sense with everything else going on and has its advantages. But, at least the earliest 'Beams have a clutch. A clutch-less bike in traffic is not for the faint-hearted!
 

▲ photo  - parked up after the 17 mile run to work

Setting the timing
Sunday 2 August 2009

Okay, it's starting okay but feels rough. Time to sort the ignition timing before setting off on that big ride.

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Starting Up!
Monday 4 August 2008

There is a ritual to starting up an old motor cycle. The sooner it is learnt, the less you feel like you are at the mercy of unseen forces, waiting hopefully for the fortuitous alignment of the stars and for that magic moment to occur when the engine comes to life.

[ read more ... ]

YOUR 'BEAMS ... 

A number of you have sent photos of your Sunbeams to feature on the site.

Contributions are most welcome:

[contact details on home page]

........

1936 LION RESTORATION
5 January 2010
Adrian Player is looking for advice on getting his Lion running.
[ read more ... ]

1916 'GENERAL PURPOSE' MILITARY MODEL
30 December 2009
Brendan Kelly in Ireland kindly sent along a few photos of his well-restored machine.
[ read more ... ]

MODEL 8 NEWLY ACQUIRED
13 September 2009
Gordon Milburn contacted the web-site with news of his recent acquisition and a request for help.
[ read more ... ]

MODEL 2 RESTORED FOR GARDEN OF ENGLAND RUN
22 July 2009
Clive Larby contacted the web-site in August last year with news of his restoration of a 1929 Model 2 350cc side-valve machine. As planned, with the assistance of Harold Beal, he took part in the Sunbeam MCC's 'Garden of England Run' in Kent on 12th July - with excellent results!
[ read more ... ]

FACTORY-REGISTERED LONGSTROKE AT BROOKLANDS
4 July 2009
With Brooklands holding one of its motor cycle open days, I thought it was a chance to try the old 'Beam on Test Hill ...
[ read more ... ]

MODEL 2 SUNBEAM IN POLAND
23 April 2009
Artur from Poland writes as only the second owner since new of a 1930 350cc Model 2 'Beam ... and asks for help!
[ read more ... ]

RUSSIAN ARMY 5HP V-TWIN
21 April 2009
Juris from Latvia is not quite running and riding his 1917 V-twin machine.
[ read more ... ]

MODEL 6 IN BRIGHTON'S NORTH LAINES
22 March 2009
Having watched the finish of the Pioneer Run, a pleasing sight is glimpsed in Brighton's back streets ...
[ read more ... ]

AUSTRIAN SUNBEAM AT BANBURY
11 January 2009
Michael from Salzburg completes 2008's Banbury on his 1922 'Beam.
[ read more ... ]

SOUTH AFRICAN SUNBEAMS
25 July 2008
Paul and Caroline from Johannesburg, South Africa with two marvellous flat-tank Sunbeams from 1928.
[ read more ... ]

EARLY '20s SUNBEAM AT VMCC MANX RALLY
August 2006
The web-site received the following picture from Greg Allen, 'snapped' at the Vintage Motor Cycle Club's 34th Manx Rally in 2006.
[ read more ... ]