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Sunbeam Model 8

Make Model.	Sunbeam Model 8
Year	1924 - 31
Engine	Single cylinder, OHV
Capacity	347 cc / 21.2 cu in
Bore x Stroke	70 x 90 mm
Cooling System	Air cooled
Lubrication	Dry sump
Induction	AMAC carburettor
Exhaust	Single
Starting	Kick
Power	2.1 kW / 2.75 hp
Transmission	3-Speed
Final Drive	Chain
Frame	Bifurcated front down tube
Front Suspension	Druid forks
Rear Suspension	Rigid, spring loaded saddle
Front Brakes	Drum, internal expanding
Rear Brakes	Drum, internal expanding
Wheels	Steel, laced wire spokes
Source	Marston-Sunbeam

1924 was a year of firsts for the Sunbeam. It was the year the now familiar model number system was introduced, and it was on the new overhead-valve models 8, 9, 10 and 11 that most of the new features were to be found.

The 1924 OHV Model 8 featured overhead valves for the first time on a Sunbeam. These were controlled by triple return springs.

An EIC magneto was fitted, and an AMAC carburettor. Engine lubrication was by the Sunbeam-patented fully enclosed automatic dry-sump system. The standard fuel tank also had an oil compartment, but an optional separate oil tank could be ordered, giving increased petrol capacity.

A special detachable aluminium silencer could be ordered. To enable the cylinder head to be removed without taking the engine out of the frame, the tank tube, complete with tank, could be detached by undoing two bolts, and to accommodate the straight-through single port head, the frame featured a bifurcated front down-tube. Marstons called this a “Duplex Frame”! How seriously these two “improvements” compromised the stiffness of the frame can hardly be imagined.

This Model 8 also featured, again for the first time on a Sunbeam, internal-expanding brakes, front and rear. The v-twins had ie rear brakes from 1914 onwards, and they were also worn by the touring 3 ½ and 4 ¼ HP/Model 7s but never on the front. The more sporting models retained belt-rim brakes front and rear right up until 1924. The front chaincase was fully enclosed, as with all other Sunbeam models, but a kick-starter could not be fitted.