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The Kneeslider

Doers Builders and Positive People

Sunbeam S7 Shows Simple Yet Appealing Post-War Design

By Paul Crowe

1947 Sunbeam S7
1947 Sunbeam S7

Here’s a really nice looking 1947 Sunbeam S7, a postwar model that looks as good or better than many of those other big name bikes of the same era.

1947 Sunbeam S7 side view looks clean
1947 Sunbeam S7 side view looks clean

The engine is a 24 horsepower, 500cc vertical twin sitting longitudinally in the frame which allows shaft drive. The shaft drive turns a worm gear which is not something you see every day, The rear wheel has a simple plunger suspension.

Not a bad looking bike from any angle,
Not a bad looking bike from any angle,

Evidently, the performance isn’t overwhelming and some would fault the suspension for less than sporty handling, but I really like the look. It’s far less busy and cluttered than a lot of Harleys and Indians of that era and won’t get lost in a sea of lookalikes.

Even on the engine, everything is hidden away to keep the lines uncluttered
Even on the engine, everything is hidden away to keep the lines uncluttered

Reports from owners say the reliability is high and if you’re looking for a bit of attention on bike night from a design that makes plain you don’t have to be painted in wild colors with sharp edges to catch someone’s eye, this is your machine. I like it. It’s for sale on eBay.

Posted on February 14, 2018 Filed Under: Vintage Motorcycles Tagged With: Sunbeam


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Comments

  1. Charlie Beard says

    February 15, 2018 at 4:44 pm

    The ’47 Sunbeam looks great. I wish someone built a shaft drive bike with comparable looks today.

    • Bob Cass says

      February 18, 2018 at 1:01 pm

      Beautiful bike! There is a similar Sunbeam here in St Louis Mo, in Carl Donelson’s collection at his shop. I think his is a pea green color.

      • Paul Crowe says

        February 18, 2018 at 3:10 pm

        I think the green ones were the later ones, though I could be wrong about that. Nice design either way.

  2. Dave Richmond says

    March 22, 2018 at 6:52 am

    The S7/8 came out after Sunbeam was absorbed by BSA, hence the BSA cycle parts. They certainly look good but have a poor rep for reliability, not lease due to overheating of the rear pot. And they really are underpowered. If I was looking for sturdy, no-nonsense transport I’d be inclined to look at Beeza’s contemporary B and M ranges.

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