Norton neeler
Norton neeler | |
Manufacturer | |
---|---|
Weight | |
Manuals | Service Manual |
Photos[edit | edit source]
Overview[edit | edit source]
Norton 350 "KNEELER" 1953
1953 NORTON "KNEELER". Although Norton's policy throughout
their many years of racing has always been to race models more or less the same
as the "production racers" they sell, they have tried many experiments which did
not subsequently go into oroduction. Most of these were smallish items, but one
complete machine stands out clear of the pack as a really revolutionary
modelwhich didn't quite make it.
It was the "kneeler"; a machine based on the 350 c.c.
"Manx" but embodying complete streamlining, front and rear, and a near-prone
riding position. It made its debut in the hands of Ray Amm at the 1953 North
West 200 meeting in Ulster where, after a bad start due to a flooding
carburetter, he made fastest lap of the race on his second tour, getting into
second berth in the processand then stopped with engine' trouble. The model
appeared fleetingly in the Isle of Man during a practice period but was not
raced there.
Although the down-tubes and steering head of the frame
followed normal "Featherbed" practice, the top-tubes did not, for they were
splayed out behind the head to pass on each side of the cylinder-head, mating
with the bottom rails just over the swinging-fork pivot. From these points
smaller-diameter tubes, braced by others below them, swept upwards and rearwards
to form top anchorages for the rear spring units. A variety of other tubes
provided a carrying frame for the streamlining and pannier tanks and also
mounting points for the gear-change and brake pedals.
The low pannier tanks made it necessary to use a pump to raise petrol to the
weir-type carburetter. This pump was driven from the inlet camshaft and a
similar pump was also fitted to some of the orthodox "Manx" models (to return
the overspill from the carburetter, in this case).
SPECIFICATION
Engine: single-cylinder 350 c.c. d.o.h.c; light-alloy
barrel and head; shaft and bevel drive to camshaft
gear train. Ignition: Lucas magneto. Transmission: chain via four-speed gearbox.
Frame: modified "Featherbed"-type duplex cradle with
swinging fork rear suspension, pannier tanks and
nose and tail fairings. Forks: "Roadholder" telescopic.