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Difference between revisions of "Norton"
→Postwar Norton
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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. | ||
Norton had introduced their first parallel twin during 1949 with the introduction of the Model 7 Dominator 500cc. This was joined in 1952 by a "featherbed" framed version typed the Model 88 which | Norton had introduced their first parallel twin during 1949 with the introduction of the Model 7 Dominator 500cc. This was joined in 1952 by a "featherbed" framed version typed the Model 88 which utilized the same 500cc twin cylinder overhead valve engine housed in Norton's race proven chassis. | ||
Early models featured a deeply valanced sprung front mudguard which did little for the models looks and was replaced by an altogether more attractive blade type mudguard in 1953. For 1955 the twin gained an alloy cylinder head and adopted an Amal Monobloc carburettor and for 1956 the battery was enclosed and the instrument location was revised, however of more significance was the introduction of the Model 99 600cc twin. | Early models featured a deeply valanced sprung front mudguard which did little for the models looks and was replaced by an altogether more attractive blade type mudguard in 1953. For 1955 the twin gained an alloy cylinder head and adopted an Amal Monobloc carburettor and for 1956 the battery was enclosed and the instrument location was revised, however of more significance was the introduction of the Model 99 600cc twin. | ||
Demands for a Norton twin with increased performance had been growing following the introduction of the Triumph Thunderbird and Tiger 110 and the BSA A10 series machines which had left the Norton at a disadvantage. The new machine | Demands for a Norton twin with increased performance had been growing following the introduction of the [[Triumph]] [[Triumph Thunderbird|Thunderbird]] and [[Triumph Tiger 110|Tiger 110]] and the [[BSA]] [[BSA A10|A10]] series machines which had left the Norton at a disadvantage. The new machine utilized the 88's cycle parts housing a revised engine with a swept volume of 596cc resulting from dimensions of 62 x 82 mm. Regarded by many as being one of the finest motorcycles of the decade, the 99 was endowed with the best handling in its class although it did not have the outright performance of the Triumph. | ||
Norton was bought by motorcycle giant Associated Motor Cycles (AJS, Matchless, James and Francis-Barnett) in 1953 after it was evident that the company couldn't financially survive despite the success of the featherbed frame used in racing bikes as well as the Dominator in 1952. This take-over was not welcomed news to Norton aficionados. | Norton was bought by motorcycle giant Associated Motor Cycles (AJS, Matchless, James and Francis-Barnett) in 1953 after it was evident that the company couldn't financially survive despite the success of the featherbed frame used in racing bikes as well as the Dominator in 1952. This take-over was not welcomed news to Norton aficionados. | ||
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Despite mounting losses, 1974 saw the release of the [[Norton 828 Roadster]], [[Norton Mark 2 Hi Rider]], [[Norton JPN Replica]] (John Player Norton) and [[Norton 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. | Despite mounting losses, 1974 saw the release of the [[Norton 828 Roadster]], [[Norton Mark 2 Hi Rider]], [[Norton JPN Replica]] (John Player Norton) and [[Norton 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. | ||
==Models== | ==Models== | ||
* [[Norton Commando 850|Commando 850]] | * [[Norton Commando 850|Commando 850]] | ||