1910 Cycle and Motorcycle Exhibition
The Norton Mfg. Co., Ltd.
Deritend Bridge, Birmingham. Stand No, 56.
Mr. Norton has an exceptionally good team of motor bicycles for 1911,
and it is impossible to do justice to them within the narrow limits of a
Show report. One of the greatest novelties here or elsewhere is the
Nortonette, a 2 H.P. two-stroke machine, designed to serve as a hack;
the weight has been got down to about 65 lbs. The 2 1/2 H.P. Miniature comes out at 40 lbs, more than this, but it has spring forks and 2in. tyres,
besides a four-stroke motor. Both these models are also built as ladies'
machines. The 3 1/2 H.P. Unapproachable, upon which Mr. Norton has
performed some creditable feats, is improved in detail. The "Big Four" has a single-cylinder engine of
82 and 120 mm., and should be a fine steed for passenger work, especially with the two-speed gear.
There is also a 5 H.P. twin, and last, but not least, a Tourist, Trophy model. The bore and stroke of
this are 79 and 100 mm. respectively. The wheel base is short and a special spring fork is fitted. The
steering and brakes are designed with a direct view to the terrific trouncing a machine gets in this
race.
Norton Manufacturing Co., Ltd., Floodgate Street, Birmingham.
The Norton 3½ h.p. model remains in outward appearance the same as before, but it has been altered in several important details. Very large tank fillers are supplied, and as these are very easily opened and allow a good view of the interior of the tank the gauges have been done away with. A neat and ingenious adjustable pulley is provided by means of which the gear can be altered merely by depressing a spring and turning the loose part of the pulley boss, while the silencer and magneto brackets have been improved. The standard two-speed gear model will be a 3½ h.p. fitted with Griffin-Simplex two-speed gear, carried at the rear of the engine and driven by a chain. The two gears are engaged by means of internal expanding clutches. The engine is started by means of a toothed segment engaging with a spur wheel on the end of the gearshaft, which is enclosed but is run through a slot in the gear box. Another point of interest about the gear is that with it an 8in. engine pulley can be used, as the reduction is obtained through the gear. Yet another point in favour of the gear is its light weight, as it scales only about 9 lbs.
The Tourist Trophy Norton is an interesting model as it is shown to the public for the first time. It is very small, and has a wheelbase of 47in, The front fork is heavily raked, and the connecting links are at right angles to the steering column, so that the longitudinal shocks are more readily absorbed. The Best and Lloyd lubricator is fitted.
A lady's 2½ h.p. machine is another model which is shown for the first time. Ample dress clearance is provided. The machine shown weighs only 107 lbs. Another interesting model which is quite a novelty is the Little Norton fitted with a two-stroke engine 55 x 65. The machine is fitted with magneto ignition, spring forks, and has a counter hub in the back wheel. It is designed really as a runabout and is not intended for serious touring. The lubrication is forced, the crank case suction being used to deliver the oil. An outside flywheel in fitted and a neat oval tank. The weight is approximately 60 lbs.
The big 4 h.p. is shown fitted with Roc two-speed gear. Its essential features closely resemble those of the standard models just described. A point worthy of note in the case of the Norton machine is the exceptionally low saddle position obtained by heavily raking the saddle tube.
