Norton Motorcycles 1950s

Today in Motorcycle History

Norton Motorcycles of 1921

Norton-1920-TMC-02.jpg
Norton 1920

A speedman's "simple single" - the 3½ h.p. single-geared Norton.
The "Big Four" Norton which popularised single-cylinder machines for passenger work.

Olympia Show 1920

Norton. (Stand 11.)

  • 3½ h.p.; 79×100 mm. (490 c.c); single-cylinder four-stroke; side-by-side valves; drip feed lubrication; B. and B. carburetter; C.A.V. chain-driven magneto; two-speed Sturmey-Archer gear; all chain drive; 26in. × 2½ in. tyres. Price £132.

Norton Motors, Ltd., Bracebridge Street, Birmingham.

Of the Norton range the 3½ h.p. model is well-known by its successes on the track. As a three-speed roadster it is perhaps one of the fastest touring machines existing, while it is also a very attractive sidecar-mount when fitted with a light attachment such is the new Norton sidecar to which it is seen affixed. The low riding position is remarkably comfortable, and it is safe to say that the Norton reputation could not be obtained merely by the excellence of the engine alone, for riding position and road worthiness play an important part in peed work on the track. This model nay also be obtained single-geared as a peed machine with an engine which is guaranteed to lap Brooklands at 70 m.p.h., or to cover the kilometre at 75 m.p.h.

  • 4 h.p.; 82x120 mm. (655 c.c.); single-cylinder four-stroke; side-by-side valves; drip feed lubrication; B. and B. carburetter; C.A.V. chain-driven magneto; two-speed Sturmey-Archer gear; all chain drive; 650x65 mm. tyres. Price £135.

As a sidecar machine the "Big Four" has a reputation second to none, and, like its 3½ h.p. relative, it is also one of the fastest machines of its type on the road. The same general lines are followed in the design, but the chain drive is totally enclosed as distinct from the 3½ h.p. model, which has a chainguard on the upper portion of the drive only. Larger tyres are also fitted to the "Big Four," and if desired 700x80 mm. tyres may be obtained as an extra.

Wide domed guards are provided, and with its enclosed drive and large rubber covered aluminium footboards, it is an all-weather mount in every respect. A model is also shown fitted with the Lucas Magdyno.

Olympia Show. The Motor Cycle, December 2nd, 1920. Page 729