Many thanks to Takeshi Okazaki for getting in touch and sending some photos of his rather splendid and original 1927 Model 9 now being well cared for in Japan, some 6000 miles from its Wolverhampton birthplace.

Sunbeam from Japan

I’ll let Takeshi give a little bit of the history of the bike that he now uses for long-distance touring…

“I was lucky enough to obtain this 9 two years ago from a famous dealer in Austria who specialized British Vintage Motorcycle.  Based on documents accompanied, the 9 was owned previously by Mr. Brian Wise in UK, and detailed observation on the 9 revealed that it had received careful treatment by Mr. Wise with much of love and enthusiasm for the motorcycle.  I am so pleased to own this motorcycle, and thus think to pass it to the next owner like Mr. Wise did.”

Spares and information are difficult enough to source here in the UK but the challenges further afield are significant. As Takeshi so succinctly puts it ” “Far East”,  which indicates “far from information” in case of my Sunbeam”  It’s great to see these bikes appreciated by enthusiasts around the world and I hope we can help with information and useful contacts.

Takeshi also has a friend with a 1931 Model 9 and hairpin spring head and I hope we can see some photos of this bike in the future. In the meantime perhaps it could be time for the Marston Sunbeam Club to start a new far-east section?