A RECENTLY restored vintage motorbike which has just won a top award at one of the country’s most prominent motorcycle shows is to go on public display at the Lakeland Motor Museum.

This month Bill Bewley, motorcycle enthusiast and director of the Backbarrow museum, won the best private entry at the 36th Carole Nash Bristol Motorcycle Show with his 1928 Sunbeam motorcycle.

The 350cc Sunbeam Model 8 was acquired from fellow Cumbrian Len Hayton, who had owned the motorcycle for more than 40 years.

Already a prize-winner at the Manx Rally in 2002 (for ‘best kept original toolkit’), Mr Bewley has given the Sunbeam a new lease of life and now plans to add the 86-year-old motorbike to the ever-expanding collection of two-wheeled treasures at the museum.

Mr Bewley said: "I am passionate about vintage motorcycles and restoring the Sunbeam has been a real pleasure. It is a splendid machine and I’m glad to be giving visitors to the Museum the chance to admire it for themselves."

Mr Hayton added: “The Sunbeam is a lovely old bike, and is certainly light and easy to ride. Its history and family connections mean it’s very special to me, so to see it restored as good as new is fantastic. Bill is always meticulous in his approach and it is very well-presented.”

In its heyday the Sunbeam would have reached a top speed of around 60mph. With a tremendous reputation for quality and finish, these classic motorcycles even competed – and won races – in the famous Isle of Man TT.