Norton Mercury
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| Norton Mercury | |
| Manufacturer | |
|---|---|
| Production | 1968 - 70 |
| Engine | Four stroke, parallel twin |
| Compression ratio | 9.0:1 |
| Ignition | Coil capacitor |
| Spark Plug | KLG FE75 or FE80, Lodge 2HLN, Champion N5 |
| Battery | 12V |
| Transmission | 4-Speed |
| Frame | Single downtube, cradle |
| Suspension | Front: Telescopic fork Rear: Swingarm, plungers |
| Brakes | Front: Drum, twin leading shoe Rear: Drum |
| Weight | 185 kg / 408 lbs (dry), |
| Manuals | Service Manual |
Engine[edit | edit source]
The engine was a Air cooled cooled Four stroke, parallel twin. The engine featured a 9.0:1 compression ratio.
Chassis[edit | edit source]
Stopping was achieved via Drum, twin leading shoe in the front and a Drum in the rear. The front suspension was a Telescopic fork while the rear was equipped with a Swingarm, plungers. The bike weighed just 185 kg / 408 lbs.
Photos[edit | edit source]
Overview[edit | edit source]
Norton Mercury 650
In 1966 a new management, Norton Villiers, assumed the AMC reins, continuing with a scaled-down but un-changed workforce, whose urgent priority was to commence Commando production. Their secondary task was to utilise, and market, the huge stock of hardware (Atlas, P11 etc) not common to the new Commando; it was from this background that the Mercury arrived in 1968. Norton Villiers, meanwhile, and understandably so, were clearly that pre-occupied with the Commando whereby upon its announcement the Mercury was allowed to be perceived as a 'parts bin' special, whereas in reality it was only a slightly more sober (single-carb) edition of the greatly revered 650SS, and with a lumpy seat!
The Mercury is the last of the Dominator twins, and
the final stage of development from the introduction of the first Bert Hopwood
Norton twin, the Model 7, in 1949 (or parts bin production exercise depending on
your position). Production of Featherbed framed models ceased in 1968 when the
650SS and the 750cc Atlas were discontinued on the launch of the Norton
Commando. The Mercury sold between 1968 and 1970 with the 650cc motor fed by a
single carburetor. This one has the standard paint job with silver tank and
Atlantic Blue mudguards, primary chain case, oil tank and battery box, plus the
optional rev counter fitted. Being the final development it can run on unleaded,
has 12V electrics with capacitor for running without battery.
| Make Model. | Norton Mercury 650 |
|---|---|
| Year | 1968 - 70 |
| Engine Type | Four stroke, parallel twin |
| Capacityir Coole | 646 cc / 39.4 cu in |
| Bore X Stroke | 68 x 89 mm |
| Cooling System | Air cooled |
| Compression | 9.0:1 |
| Exhaust | Two-into-two, chrome |
| Induction | Single concentric carburetor, Amal |
| Ignition | Coil capacitor |
| Spark Plug | KLG FE75 or FE80, Lodge 2HLN, Champion N5 |
| Battery | 12V |
| Starting | Kick |
| Max Power | 35 kW / 47 hp |
| Transmission | 4-Speed |
| Final Drive | Chain |
| Gear Ratios | 1st 11.32 / 2nd 7.52 / 3rd 5.39 / 4th 4.42:1 |
| Frame | Single downtube, cradle |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic fork |
| Rear Suspension | Swingarm, plungers |
| Front Brakes | Drum, twin leading shoe |
| Rear Brakes | Drum |
| Wheels | Steel, laced wire spokes |
| Front Rim | 3.00 x 19" (USA 3.25 x 19") |
| Rear Rim | 3.50 x 19" (USA 4.00 x 18") |
| Dry Weight | 185 kg / 408 lbs |
| Colours | Quicksilver and Atlantic blue / Silver and black |