1956
Sunbeam S7 500 - Specifications & Review
Article Complete Info
| Articleid | 241248 |
|---|---|
| Category | Sport touring |
| Make | Sunbeam |
| Model | S7 500 |
| Year | 1956 |
Chassis, Suspension, Brakes & Wheels
| Frametype | Twin cradle |
|---|---|
| Frontbrakes | Expanding brake (drum brake) |
| Frontsuspension | Telescopic |
| Fronttyre | 4.50-16 |
| Rearbrakes | Expanding brake (drum brake) |
| Rearsuspension | Plungers |
| Reartyre | 4.50-16 |
| Seat | Single |
| Wheels | Spoked |
Engine & Transmission
| Borexstroke | 70.0 x 63.5 mm (2.8 x 2.5 inches) |
|---|---|
| Clutch | Dry singleplate |
| Compression | 6.5:1 |
| Coolingsystem | Oil & air |
| Displacement | 487.00 ccm (29.72 cubic inches) |
| Enginedetails | Twin, four-stroke |
| Fuelsystem | Carburettor |
| Lubricationsystem | Wet sump |
| Power | 24.00 HP (17.5 kW)) @ 5800 RPM |
| Topspeed | 121.0 km/h (75.2 mph) |
| Transmissiontypefinaldrive | Shaft drive (cardan) |
Other Specifications
| Coloroptions | Black/ green |
|---|---|
| Starter | Kick |
Physical Measures & Capacities
| Dryweight | 194.0 kg (427.7 pounds) |
|---|---|
| Powerweightratio | 0.1237 HP/kg |
About Sunbeam
Country of Origin:
United Kingdom
Founder:
John Marston / Sunbeam Motor Cycle (later BSA ownership)
Best Known For:
Refined pre- and post-war roadsters; the S7/S8 inline-twin with shaft drive
Company History
Sunbeam built motorcycles with a reputation for civility: smooth engines, careful finishes, and road manners suited to Britain’s mixed surfaces. The postwar S7/S8 twins—with cushy seats, shaft drive, and distinctive styling—embodied the brand’s gentlemanly ideal: not the fastest, but unfailingly pleasant. Earlier singles were admired for quality and endurance, with quieting touches that made long days less tiring. Ownership changes eventually folded Sunbeam into larger groups, but the name endures in clubs and concours lines where details—hand-lined tanks, polished alloy—speak of a company that cared about how machines felt as well as how they performed. Historically, Sunbeam represents motorcycling as gracious travel: measured, comfortable, and beautifully made.