To NORTON or not to NORTON???

[Randy B. Singer]

This was very similar to my Norton 500 single Hemi.

Norton was famous for making big single cylinder motorcycles all the way from 1919 until 1966.

Their thumpers were especially popular in the '50's, as they made competitive power for racing thanks to the use of shaft and bevel drive to their overhead cams. They were competitive even against the early three and four cylinder competition in racing in the '50's.

Norton's twins became really popular in the late '60's and early '70's when they mounted their light and powerful engines in rubber so that their awful vibration became livable. Unfortunately Norton set the path for ruin when they acquired Triumph and BSA, which were failing due to labor problems and mismanagement, and tried to keep them alive against the onslaught of Japanese bikes.

 

[pm-r]

and tried to keep them alive against the onslaught of Japanese bikes.

Thanks for that extra information Randy.

And then the Japanese and their bikes certainly pretty well took over the rest of the world's major motorbike production and continued to do so and improve to this day.



- Patrick
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[pine man]

Norton Commandos, nice bikes, shakes and all.

Not all Nortons!

I had the use of a Norton in the 80s that was powered by a Wankel rotary engine. Smooth as silk, high revving, and pretty fast when it was running - but that wasn't often!!

 

[nancyspeed]

At least once a week I get an email thanking me for my subscription renewal and telling me how much money they are deducting (spam of course).