| MODEL | SUNBEAM S8 500 1949 - 1956 |
| Year | 1949 - 1956 |
| Engine Type | Parallel twin, SOHC, four-stroke |
| Displacement / Capacity | 487 cc / 29.7 cu in |
| Bore X Stroke | 70 x 63.5 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 6.5:1 |
| Cooling System | Air/oil cooled |
| Max Power | 18.6 kW / 25 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Max Torque | — |
| Ignition | — |
| Induction | — |
| Start System | Kick |
| TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
| Lubrication | Wet sump |
| Gear Box | 4-speed |
| Clutch | Single plate, dry |
| Final Drive | Shaft |
| CHASSIS SPECS | |
| Frame | Twin cradle, steel |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic, one-way damped |
| Rear Suspension | Plunger, spring-loaded saddle |
| Front Brakes | Drum, leading shoe, 203 mm / 8 in |
| Rear Brakes | Drum, leading shoe, 203 mm / 8 in |
| DIMENSION SPECS | |
| Overall Length | — |
| Overall Width | — |
| Overall Height | — |
| Seat Height | — |
| Wheelbase | 1400 mm / 57 in |
| Ground Clearance | — |
| Dry Weight | 187 kg / 413 lbs |
| Wet Weight | — |
| WHEEL SPECS | |
| Front Tyre | 4.50 x 16 in |
| Rear Tyre | 4.75 x 16 in |
| FUEL SYSTEM | |
| Fuel Capacity | — |
| Fuel Consumption | — |
| Top Speed | 121 km/h / 75 mph |
The lighter, sportier successor to the S7 from 1949, using narrower tyres, chromed wheels and cycle parts shared with other BSA models. Mechanically it kept the shaft-drive overhead-cam twin, with its worm final drive and vibration issues. It outsold the S7 but BSA eventually dropped the Sunbeam line.
