Editing Norton
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
Warning: You are not logged in. Your IP address will be publicly visible if you make any edits. If you log in or create an account, your edits will be attributed to your username, along with other benefits.
The edit can be undone. Please check the comparison below to verify that this is what you want to do, and then publish the changes below to finish undoing the edit.
Latest revision | Your text | ||
Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
[[Image:Norton-logo.gif|right|200px]] | [[Image:Norton-logo.gif|right|200px]] | ||
'''Norton''' was a British [[motorcycle]] | '''Norton''' was a British [[motorcycle]] marque from Birmingham, founded in 1898 as a manufacturer of cycle chains. | ||
By 1902 they had begun manufacturing motorcycles with bought-in engines | By 1902 they had begun manufacturing motorcycles with bought-in engines. In 1908 a Norton built engine was added to the range. This began a long series of production of single cylinder motorcycles. They were one of the great names of the British motorcycle industry, producing machines which for decades dominated [[road racing]] with highly tuned single cylinder engines under the Race Shop supremo Joe Craig. | ||
==Postwar Norton== | ==Postwar Norton== | ||
Postwar a 500 cc twin cylinder model called the [[Norton Dominator]] or Model 7 was added to the range for 1949, and this evolved into the 1970s through 500 cc, to 600 cc, to 650 cc, to 750 cc and to 850 cc models with the Dominator, 650, [[Norton Atlas]] and [[Norton Commando 850]], all highly regarded road motorcycles of their time. | Postwar a 500 cc twin cylinder model called the [[Norton Dominator]] or Model 7 was added to the range for 1949, and this evolved into the 1970s through 500 cc, to 600 cc, to 650 cc, to 750 cc and to 850 cc models with the Dominator, 650, [[Norton Atlas]] and [[Norton Commando 850]], all highly regarded road motorcycles of their time. | ||
In 1972, [[BSA]] was also in trouble. It was given government help on the condition that it merged with [[Norton-Villiers]], and in 1973 the new [[Norton-Villiers-Triumph]] (NVT) was formed. The Triumph Motorcycles name came from BSA's Triumph subsidiary. | In 1972, [[BSA]] was also in trouble. It was given government help on the condition that it merged with [[Norton-Villiers]], and in 1973 the new [[Norton-Villiers-Triumph]] (NVT) was formed. The Triumph Motorcycles name came from BSA's Triumph subsidiary. | ||
Line 33: | Line 12: | ||
In 1974, the outgoing government withdrew the subsidies, although the incoming government restored them after the election. Rationalisation of the factory sites to Wolverhampton and Birmingham (BSA's Small Heath site) only caused industrial disputes at Triumph's Coventry site; Triumph would go on as a workers cooperative alone. | In 1974, the outgoing government withdrew the subsidies, although the incoming government restored them after the election. Rationalisation of the factory sites to Wolverhampton and Birmingham (BSA's Small Heath site) only caused industrial disputes at Triumph's Coventry site; Triumph would go on as a workers cooperative alone. | ||
Despite mounting losses, 1974 saw the release of the [[ | Despite mounting losses, 1974 saw the release of the [[Noton 828 Roadster]], [[Norton Mark 2 Hi Rider]], [[Norton JPN Replica]] (John Player Norton) and [[Noton Mk.2a Interstate]]. In 1975 this was down to just two models, the [[Norton Mark 3 Interstate]] and the [[Norton Roadster]], but then the Government asked for a repayment of its loan and refused export credits, further damaging the company's ability to sell abroad. Production of the two lone models still made was ended and supplies dwindled. | ||
Also see: [[List of Norton motorcycles]] | |||
[[Image:1912-Norton-BS.jpg|left|thumb|1912 Norton BS]] | |||
<br style="clear: left"/> | |||
[[Image:1969-Norton-Commando-Fastback.jpg|left|thumb|1969 Norton Commando Fastback]] | |||
<br style="clear: left"/> | |||
[[Image:1970-Norton-Commando-750-Roadster.jpg|left|thumb|1970 Norton Commando 750 Roadster]] | |||
<br style="clear: left"/> | |||
[[Image:1970-Norton-Commando-750-Roadster.jpg|thumb|1970 Norton Commando 750 Roadster]] | |||
[[Image:1970-Norton-Commando-750-S.jpg|left|thumb|1970 Norton Commando 750 S]] | |||
<br style="clear: left"/> | |||
[[Image:1962-Norton-Dominator.jpg|left|thumb|1962 Norton Dominator]] | |||
<br style="clear: left"/> | |||
[[Image:1962-Norton-Manx-30M.jpg|left|thumb|1962 Norton Manx 30M]] | |||
<br style="clear: left"/> | |||
[[Image:1927-Norton-Model-18.jpg|left|thumb|1927 Norton Model 18]] | |||
<br style="clear: left"/> | |||
[[Image:1959-Norton-Model-50.jpg|left|thumb|1959 Norton Model 50]] | |||
<br style="clear: left"/> | |||
[[Image:1988-Norton-Rotary.jpg|left|thumb|1988 Norton Rotary]] | |||
<br style="clear: left"/> | |||
[[ | [[Image:1989-Norton-RCW588.jpg|left|thumb|1989 Norton RCW588]] | ||
<br style="clear: left"/> | |||
[[Category:Motorcycle manufacturers]] | [[Category:Motorcycle manufacturers]] | ||
[[Category:English motorcycles]] | [[Category:English motorcycles]] | ||
[[Category:Defunct motorcycle manufacturers]] | [[Category:Defunct motorcycle manufacturers]] |