Motorcycle Discussions > British Bikes
Is a Sunbeam S8 capable of cruising at 57mph?
antoni:
...and would I be able to get spares and maintain it?
I've ridden a G3LS for 10,000 miles over 10 years.
iansoady:
For a while......
Although the fake Sunbeams are very popular with those with a hipster leaning they did have a number of design flaws including the worm drive back axle. If I was looking for a 500 twin I'd go for an A7 unless you really want shaft drive in which case a BMW might suit you. But your Matchless would probably be nearly as fast......
Spares are available for the S7 / S8 from Stewart Engineering.
Rex:
As I understand it the old "rear drive problems" ended when a) the bikes stopped being merely old nails and started to be maintained properly, and b) when better oils became available.
A charming old bike which always attracts people ready to chat. My mate's bike does more than 57mph but like so many 65 year olds, it's cruelty to expect longevity if you anticipate doing those speeds continuously.
mini-me:
I love these posts about whether this or that 50 yr old bike will cruise at 80mph all day or some such nonsense.
Have these people never heard of Japanese bikes, or even Triumph?
antoni:
Mr. Me,
Do you love these posts or do you not like them?
57 mph is a very important speed to be able to maintain if you find yourself needing to use motorways or A-roads. Informed opinions on a marque and model are what this forum is about.
Moving onto the Sunbeams' worm drive, would modern lubricants designed for 'modern' hypoid drive differentials be appropriate for an old drive using old metal alloys?
For example it is necessary to use safe lubricants in my 1960 Regal MkV's transmission. There are unsafe ones.
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