Sunbeam S8 Motorcycle

Sunbeam S8: A British Motorcycle with BMW Inspiration

Background and Design

After acquiring the rights to the Sunbeam brand, BSA sought to expand its motorcycle lineup with a premium touring model. Enter the Sunbeam S7, designed by Erling Poppe and loosely inspired by BMW's R75 designs. The S7's distinctive features included a 487 cc parallel-twin engine, OHC four-stroke technology, and styling reminiscent of its German counterpart.

The S7's Successor: The Sunbeam S8

In 1949, Sunbeam introduced a lighter and more affordable version of the S7: the S8. Incorporating most of the same features as its predecessor, the S8 was equipped with smaller tires and weighed a mere 412 pounds. Its handling and performance were improved, making it the more popular choice, with over 8,500 units sold between 1949 and 1956.