This is my 1936 Sunbeam Model 14 250cc OHV vintage motorcycle warming up for a short run.
There is a bit of “clatter” at the top end but that is mostly down to the way that the microphone has picked it up. It doesn’t sound that clattery when you are stood next to the machine. It is one of the early Sunbeam models, when they stopped using the hand change and moved to a foot-change gearbox.
WATCH VIDEO
Despite the rigid frame set up, this is a very comfortable motorcycle when moving along at 55-60 MPH. It has an original Dunlop Drilastic saddle and nicely set up girder forks that absorb much of the road undulation.
The Sunbeam Model 14 was the baby of the Marston Sunbeam family. It is considerably lighter than my old 1930 Model 9 (500 cc OHV). It’s very easy to start and simple to use. The drum brakes are reasonably effective too. It still requires an arrangement with a calendar to get the bike to stop if you are moving at pace. I prefer to take it easy though. So, stopping is fairly relaxing.
Just like other British motorcycles, the foot change for the gears is on the right and rear brake pedal is on the left. You have a familiar set up on the handlebars, with a twist grip on the right and clutch lever on the left.
The magneto on this little Sunbeam is excellent. It usually starts with just one kick and very little effort. You have a lever on the handlebars to control the advance and retard. With this small capacity engine, getting this right makes a huge difference to performance.
Would I recommend that you have a 1936 Sunbeam Model 14 250cc OHV vintage motorcycle in your garage?
YES!
Loads of smiles per mile.
View & subscribe for more of my videos on my YouTube Channel: @bikefun-thetimingchest9247
Or, take a look at the latest videos in this site here: NEWS
