| Sunbeam S7 and S8 (Super Profile Series) - Robert Cordon Champ
 This book was first published in the mid-eighties as part of a popular series of marque guides published by Haynes. The book is roughly spit into three sections. The history and evolution section give a great insight into the bikes, the factory, industry and process that came together to produce the Sunbeam S7 and S8's. It briefly covers the pre-war Marston Sunbeams, the design phase for the bikes, their disappointing sales, the launch of the deluxe and S8, and the eventual cease in production. This first section of the book is well researched and written; it is the best part of the publication. There's a brief section on Sunbeam identification and a reprint of road tests. There is then three owner interviews, which each add a little in terms of practical ownership advice. The last section of the book is stuffed full of photos. Many of the photos illustrate differences, or specific details of the models. I do not worry overly about my bikes appearance; it's a road running machine. However there are many bikes in something approaching factory condition, and it is a pity that a few better preserved machines had not been used for the photos. A book like this could have been a reference point when looking for how a bike might have original been; unfortunately most of the photos are of road running bikes with many minor alterations.
The Sunbeams were a commercial failure and the bikes are not perfect. These two points are highlighted by the book, time and time again, which leaves the reader with rather a negative impression. Since the book is mostly aimed at the owner/enthusiast audience, it seems a shame to focus on the negative aspects of the machines. I would have thought the book could have covered and in no way glossed over all the bikes failings whilst better highlighting the advances made by the bikes design and the enjoyable and successful aspects of the machines.
This book is worth owning for the excellent first section covering the history and evolution of the bikes, the book peters out from that point on, but the good bits make for a very interesting read. |
Bedtime Book - Chines Stewart
 This book was written by Chines Stewart, one of the original proprietors of Stewart Engineering. It's an excellently quirky book that starts with a lecture about caring for one's 'beam, and at least reading, preferably memorising, the maintenance advice before you might first need it. Before you first step on the kick start. High ideals. The core of the book contains step by step instructions for all minor and major maintenance. It is written in a great level of detail and all in a plain-spoken language. It covers how to start the bike, to how to remove and overhaul the engine. There are just a few diagrams and pictures, used sparingly where required, there are no fillers, no pictures of nice bikes. Any detailed descriptive work is done via reference to the standard Sunbeam Plate diagrams.
This booklet has been republished various times, in several sizes and with slightly different covers. If it says Bedtime Book on the cover, these details are relevant to the contents.
As way of introduction Chines states "This book is intended to play its part in your life with your 'Beam. Read it, digest it, follow it, consult it,..... keep it as your bedside book !"
If you own a Sunbeam, you should own this book.
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