Marston Sunbeam Northern Run, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria

Posted on October 8, 2014 by Dodson

I only just arrived in time for the Sunday run-out organised by Geoff Brazendale as part of the Marston Sunbeam Northern Run at Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria. And I do hope you enjoy the rather eloquent comment on proceedings provided by this pair of ‘beams from either side of the Scottish border.

The run kicked off at 10am from the Fat Lamb at Ravenstonedale and took in 25-30 miles of the excellent local roads. Nobody in our group seemed to know where we were going and so we just found our own way round until coming across some bright spark with a map of the route. The earlier rain had long since past leaving wet roads but the autumn colours along the way were a delight.

Archie Beggs and Kenny Crawford were in fine form on the Model 9 and 90 respectively having also made the run up to the lakes that morning. And it was great to have a fine collection of flat tank models as well as a variety of the later saddle tank.

Sunbeam gears to be re-manufactured

Posted on August 27, 2014 by Dodson

Always a hot topic whenever owners meet, the Sunbeam 3-speed crash box gearbox is not perhaps the bike’s crowning glory. Whilst the original Marston gears did last surprisingly well, most are now “long in the tooth” with wear causing all manner of engagement and selection issues.

Stepping up to the plate once more, the redoubtable Chris Odling is planning to produce a small batch of new gears and I, for one, will certainly be purchasing a couple of much needed sets for my own bikes.

Here follows the note received from Chris…

“I have commissioned new gear sets for Sunbeams. These are for the narrow and wide sliding pinion gearboxes. There will be BT and CT ratios manufactured. All those interested in a set please contact me to place an order. Delivery dates will be announced shortly. It is envisaged that a deposit will be required near the point of completion and following receipt of the gear sets I will ask for the remainder and deliver them. Final cost of a gear set is not written in stone as yet, but expect around £490.00

The number of gear sets presently ordered is 20, of which a few are already allocated. This number can be increased according to interest.

After the sets have been made I envisage a few spares i.e. sliding pinions and lay shafts.”

Contact: Chris Odling

Tel: 01852 300191

e-mail: chris@odshed.co.uk

Sunbeams at the National Motorcycle Museum

Posted on November 28, 2013 by Dodson

Many thanks to Rob from Racing Lines Derby for a grand day out at the TT riders Association luncheon yesterday. This annual celebration of TT riders past and present was held at the National Motorcycle Museum. Whilst Nick Jeffries acted as MC, we shared a table with the legendary and apposite John Cooper. Others present included 5-times in a week TT winner Ian Hutchinson and Triumph factory rider Percy Tait. Publisher and TT rider Malcolm Wheeler rode into dinner on a Ducati to take over presidency of the association.

Beforehand, we squeaked a couple of hours to check-out one or two of the many wonderful exhibits.

It is of course impossible to do justice to such a collection so I didn’t bother. Instead, I took a lot of photos of the Sunbeams on display which included a number that were restored by our good friend Peter Woodward. These included a Model 80, Model 9 and two Model 90s and they can be seen in the gallery together with many other detail shots.

Debates about provenance may continue in certain circles but the 1925 Sunbeam Sprint must be one of the most beautiful bikes in the museum.

Ex-Dance racer, unbeatable in its day

Art-deco masterpiece

Revill’s of Hathersage

Posted on November 19, 2013 by Dodson

I just had to post this lovely old photo that Richard Jones showed me at the autumn Stafford Show. Anyone here remember Revill’s of Main Road, Hathersage?

I wonder how much business was brought in by “wringing machine” repairs? Later wandering around the show I spotted this 1935 Sunbeam 350 twin-port was up for grabs amongst the auto-jumblers paradise.

It’s the same kind of ingenuity and inspiration that put men on the moon that gave rise to these next two creations.

And of course John Phizacklea made sure of a couple of stunning Sunbeams on the Wilts club stand. The recently finished Model 3 sits well alongside John’s own trials spec. Model 9.

One of the best machines at the show to my eye was this beautiful Rudge TT replica, tucked away in the corner of the VMCC stand. As far as I could tell it looks to be in a fantastic “as raced” condition complete with twin-floats, twin-fillers and cable operated damper. Just awesome.

And finally, there were of course some two-smokes too…. One of my favourites was this beautifully prepared, late model RS250 Honda. Nice touches include the radial front brakes fitted to the custom-made fork bottoms. The equally gorgeous Joey Dunlop that features the single-sided swinger of the earlier model bikes can just be seen.

VMCC Festival of 1000 Bikes

Posted on August 16, 2013 by Dodson

Brough Superior SS100

A fine sight indeed. And the Brough looks good too. Kenny had a fine time on the SS100, taking no prisoners on track and making the most of the fabulous weather. The Brooklands cans were made especially for the day and gave the bike a magnificent bark to match its bite. Of course Archie couldn’t be kept off track completing all the sessions on his 1928 Sunbeam Model 90.

One or two other ‘beams were spotted around the paddock, for example this tidy Model 8 saddle tank looked purposeful and is presumably an easy starter without its decompressor. Not sure of the year but druid forks and saddle tank would could mean 1930 or so.

I also spotted this gentleman seemed once or twice having fun on his twin-port Model 9 but didn’t manage to get any on-track photos.

With lots to see both on and off track, this really is an event for all the family.

But for me, the day really belonged to Nottingham’s finest. The Brough just never fails to impress and it is a credit to Archie and Kenny who use it in the way that they do.

Annual Sunbeam Rally 2013

Posted on July 9, 2013 by Dodson

A beautiful weekend for the annual Marston Sunbeam club rally this year with some iconic models on display before the Saturday morning run out.

With the damper at the top, the druid forks fitted to this beautifully restored bike would date it around 1930. The twin port head suggests Model 90 but the valanced mudguards point towards Model 9.

This immaculate restoration won John Phizacklea an award at Stafford this spring. The bike is John’s take on the perfect Sunbeam green-laner. You can see more of John’s works including the amazing 95R on his website : http://www.johnphizackleamotorcyclerestoration.co.uk

Ready for the off, a magnificent site with the sun beaming down.

This rare 350cc Model 10 made an appearance having been ridden down by the owner from Runcorn. It seems the Model 10 shares few parts with other Sunbeams but its smaller dimensions create a stylish, sporting lightweight.

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