Sunbeam Cycles
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Bicycle and motorcycle manufacturing |
| Founded | 1887 |
| Founder | John Marston |
| Defunct | 1956 (motorcycles), 1937 (bicycles by original company) |
| Fate | Brand ownership transferred to Nobel Industries, then ICI; motorcycles trademark transferred to Associated Motor Cycles in 1937; later sold to BSA in 1943 |
| Headquarters | Wolverhampton , United Kingdom |
| Products | Bicycles, motorcycles, scooters, marine engines (outboard motors under Marston Seagull/British Seagull brand) |
| Parent | John Marston Limited (original), later Nobel Industries, ICI, AMC, BSA |
Sunbeam Cycles, manufactured by John Marston Limited based in Wolverhampton, was a renowned British marque known for its bicycle production and, between 1912 and 1956, its motorcycle manufacturing.
Following the passing of John Marston after the First World War, ownership of the company transferred to Nobel Industries, which subsequently evolved into ICI. In 1937, control of Sunbeam was assumed by Associated Motor Cycles, and later in 1943, it became part of the BSA. The brand is particularly celebrated for the S7 model—a motorcycle distinguished by its balloon tires, shaft drive, and an overhead valve inline twin powerplant.
History
The origins of Sunbeam Cycles trace back to industrialist John Marston, born in 1836 in Ludlow, Shropshire. At fifteen, Marston undertook an apprenticeship under Edward Perry, a manufacturer specializing in japanning, located in Wolverhampton. By the age of twenty-three, he had established his own japanning enterprise producing a variety of household items. Upon Perry’s death in 1871, Marston acquired his business and integrated it with his own operations.
In 1887, Marston commenced bicycle production and, inspired by his wife Ellen’s recommendation, adopted the Sunbeam brand name; their factory on Paul Street was designated as Sunbeamland. Known for superior craftsmanship, Sunbeam bicycles incorporated an enclosed chain drive system lubricated via an oil bath. Manufacturing of these bicycles persisted until 1936.
Engines
Starting in 1903, John Marston Limited began experimenting with motorizing bicycles but encountered challenges including a fatal accident. Coupled with Marston’s personal reluctance towards motorcycles, these issues hindered early progress. The company also produced automobiles from 1902 onward and established a separate entity—the Sunbeam Motor Car Company Limited—in Blakenhall in 1905.
Following a decline in automobile production, the company redirected its efforts towards motorcycles beginning in 1912 to capitalize on a growing market demand. These motorcycles were noted for their quality and typically featured single-cylinder engines, earning the moniker "Gentleman’s Machine." Sunbeam motorcycles also achieved prominence through participation in early TT races.
In 1931, diversification led to the introduction of marine engines with outboard motors marketed under the Marston Seagull brand, which later became known as British Seagull.
Ownership
After World War I, John Marston Limited was sold to a consortium that became part of Nobel Industries Limited in 1919. In 1927, Nobel merged with Brunner Mond Ltd. to form Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI), where motorcycle manufacturing represented a small portion of business activities.
The Sunbeam motorcycle trademark was transferred to Associated Motor Cycles Ltd (AMC) in 1937. AMC maintained production of Sunbeam bicycles and motorcycles alongside its primary brands such as Matchless and AJS until 1939. AMC subsequently expanded its portfolio by acquiring brands including Norton, James Cycle Co, and Francis-Barnett. In 1943, AMC sold the Sunbeam brand to BSA, resulting in the formation of Sunbeam Cycles Limited. Production facilities were relocated to BSA’s Redditch factory instead of their main Small Heath works. From 1946 through 1956, three distinct Sunbeam motorcycle models were manufactured, drawing inspiration from BMW designs utilized by the Wehrmacht during World War II. This era was followed by two scooter models produced between 1959 and 1964.
Sunbeam bicycles
Sunbeam bicycles, often referred to simply as "The Sunbeam," were produced in Wolverhampton from 1887 until 1937. The company applied its expertise in sheet metal fabrication and japanning—a form of early enamel coating—to pioneer Harrison Carter's Little oil-bath chain case during the mid-1890s. This innovative design enclosed the bottom bracket, chain, and rear hub within an oil bath for continuous lubrication.
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Many of these bicycles were built with longevity in mind, resulting in numerous examples retaining their original finishes and components even after a hundred years. The high-end "Golden" model was distinguished by alloy rims, epicyclic two- and three-speed gear systems, and decorative gold-leaf pinstriping. The "Royal" model shared similar craftsmanship but featured more understated ornamentation. The 'RR' variant was entered in the 1929 Olympic Games, while the subsequent 'Golden Light Roadster' incorporated state-of-the-art 'Cromoly' tubing. Production of these bicycles occurred alongside motorcycles at the "Sunbeamland" factory in Wolverhampton until 1937, after which manufacturing continued under AMC until 1943 and then BSA until 1957. |
Sunbeam motorcycles
John Marston developed a range of Sunbeam motorcycle models, beginning with a 350 cc machine in 1912 and followed by various 500 cc single-cylinder bikes as well as some V-twin configurations. In 1924, a revised model numbering system was introduced, encompassing Models 1 through 11, with additional models bearing higher numbers introduced later on. Most of these motorcycles employed single-cylinder engines with moderate power output but nevertheless secured multiple victories at the TT races, the last win occurring in 1929. Marston’s Sunbeams earned a reputation for superior build quality and their signature black paint complemented by gold-leaf pinstriping.
S model motorcycles
Designed by Erling Poppe for BSA and produced between 1946 and 1956, the S series comprised the S7, S8, and S7 Deluxe models. Despite commanding premium prices, these motorcycles delivered only moderate performance levels, which limited their commercial success.
The S7 was notable for its engine layout resembling that of an automobile: a longitudinally mounted inline vertical overhead camshaft (OHC) 500 cc twin-cylinder engine featuring coil ignition and wet sump lubrication. Power was transmitted to the rear wheel via a dry clutch coupled with shaft drive. Unlike BMW’s bevel gear crown-and-pinion system for the rear drive, Sunbeam adopted worm gearing with a bronze spiral gear that tended to wear quickly.
The initial S7 was manufactured from 1946 to 1948. In 1949, the sportier S8 was introduced with standard-sized wheels and front forks sourced from BSA. The upgraded S7 Deluxe followed thereafter. Color options varied: the original S7 came only in black; the S8 was available in either "Polychromatic Grey" or black; and the S7 Deluxe could be ordered in "Mist Green" or black. For export markets, BSA offered Sunbeams painted in almost any BSA color. Although early models of the S7 suffered from mechanical problems and low sales volumes, they have since become highly collectible, often commanding higher prices than both the S7 Deluxe and S8.
Following the end of Sunbeam production, BSA sold remaining inventory of parts to Stewart Engineering, which remains the exclusive supplier of spares for post-war Sunbeam motorcycles.
B model scooters
Sunbeam ventured into scooter manufacturing between 1959 and 1964 with the B1 and B2 models (refer to BSA Sunbeam). These scooters marked the brand’s introduction into this segment of motorized transport.
- Champ, R.C. 1983. Sunbeam S7 & S8 Super Profile. Haynes Publishing Group, Yeovil. 56 pp.
- Champ, R.C. 1980. The Sunbeam Motorcycle. Haynes Publishing Group, Yeovil. 205 pp.
- Champ, R.C. 1989. The Illustrated History of Sunbeam Cycles and Motorcycles. Haynes Publishing Group, Yeovil. 112 pp.
- Haycraft, W.C. 1954. The Book of the Sunbeam S7 and S8. Sir Isaac Pitman and Sons, Bath. 120 pp.
- Munro, D.W. 1954. Sunbeam Motor Cycles. Motorcycle Maintenance and Repair Series. C. Arthur Pearson Ltd., London. 138 pp.