Sunbeam clone
Do you have any details on the Japanese-made 250cc copy of the Sunbeam S7? I think it was called the Liner or Linter. Les Whitehouse, Kempton Park discussion.
You’re right, Les, it was branded the ‘Liner’ and was manufactured in small numbers during the mid-1950s. Research suggests it was launched then displayed at the 1955 Tokyo Show, and, again, research implies it was a Japan-only model and never exported.
Only in limited production over a short period, the Liner was, in many ways, based on the shaft -drive Sunbeam, with its in-line, upright ohc engine, generator to front, two in one exhaust, shaft drive, plunger type rear suspension with telescopic front fork. Although many sources state it’s based on the Sunbeam S7, with its more standard motorcyclesized tyres, it looks more like the Sunbeam S8, but more lightweight. Seemingly, a 350cc version was offered too.