The power of advertising

-SG- ... was more than apparent in the thirties - see attached Castrol Oil scan of Freddy Frith and Jimmie Guthrie from about 1936. Thanks to Adam for the image!

1936 Model 19 Norton

 

-SG- John has sent us a photo of his latest 'in use' Model 19 - a 1936 'bitsa' version which he says goes very well and - mostly - starts first kick!

Letter from James L Norton October 1904

 

-SG- Martin has just sent me an excerpt from The Motor Cycle (letters to the Editor) - October 1904. Thanks! James Norton's letter extolling the virtues of well-designed lightweight machines makes interesting reading 120 years later. The Clement-engined two speed Energette was presumably the culmination of his studies.

1932 Norton Model 30 International - SOLD

 

Having owned, fixed and ridden pre-war cammy Nortons for over 20 years, this is the most original one I've seen. It's the one my late pal "Norton George" postulated (over a beer or two) must be out there - a pretty much untouched very low mileage example. It's a joy to ride. From the condition and specification of the engine internals, it is believed the mileage is genuine. As far as can be determines, the spec and finish of most of the components is absolutely correct.

It was cosmetically restored probably in the '70s, and sat in the Beaulieu National Motor Museum for many years. I mechanically overhauled it with a view to using it regularly (I've done over 1000 miles on it) and it starts easily, rides beautifully, and has proven to be very reliable.

It's had a top overhaul (valve springs, rings, cams, followers & tappets) and the TT magneto serviced. The original (plated brass) TT carburettor has been overhauled and is in fine condition. The brakes have been relined (and for the type, actually work well) and all rubber components and service items like chains, clutch shock absorber rubbers, & cables have been replaced. Most of the handlebar controls have been refurbished with the correct dull chrome finish, and the 100mph Bonniksen speedometer is absolutely accurate!

Some minor modifications have been made to make the bike more user friendly: The very low 1st gear (the rest are close ratio) has been replaced with a "Daytona" high 1st which retains the kick-starter, and a much more ergonomic gear-change lever fabricated and installed: all original parts have been retained, and there is a decent spares package which goes with the bike, including the original exhaust system. the bum pad is home-made, but correct replicas are available.

Notwithstanding the originality, this is a rider's bike. It deserves to be used, and not gathering dust in a collection... So for sale, SOLD. In case of interest contact Miles.

More from Desmo

-SG- Back in April, we had a posting relating to the Desmo rocker covers and here's another (also thanks to to John) covering their sparking plug covers.  I find the advert text a bit 'over the top' - to the effect that D K Mansell's winning performance in the Cotswold Cup was due to his use of the Desmo plug covers! 

 

November 1928 Olympia Motorcycle Show

-SG- John has kindly sent this interesting scan from 'Motor Cycling' 7th November 1928. The text as published contains a blatant error - to the effect that the  ES2s would be fitted with Druid  ES forks. As  far as I have been able to find out, it was only the 350s - CJ and JE - which used these forks, while the ES2s and CS1s were fitted with the TT Webbs. We have just ONE posting on the site (November 2009) of a new 1930 ES2 in the Netherlands fitted with Druids! 

Replica DT Norton

-SG- The dirt-track museum 'Cinder to Shale' in Scotland, has been brought down to Ledbury in Herefordshire where I understand it was auctioned last week. It is thought to have been the biggest collection in the world. 

One of the lots was a replica DT Norton built some twenty five years ago by Jim Gregory.  Not having an original DT Norton engine, Jim used an early 1930 Model 20 unit, which looks very similar. He told me that he never actually ran the bike before he sold it to Ian Paterson, the 'Cinder to Shale' owner.  And indeed Ian may not have run it either. Of course, the Model  20 engine will almost certainly have been used during its life but how much is open to query! It will be interesting to see if the new owner gets it going!

PS: ... sold for a hammer price of £15000 and the buyer, would you believe, a well known gentleman named Sammy Miller! Perhaps the auctioneers did not  know it was just a replica ...

Norman Gledhill

 

-SG- Back in December 2012 we had a posting about Norman Gledhill - amongst other things, winner of the 1932 Senior Manx. He looks understandably cheerful although somewhat bedraggled after a wet ride!

Many thanks to Paul. who in the last few days  has sent us half a dozen further photos taken at Norman's home farm after returning from the IoM. The other chaps are local friends of his - the Livingstone brothers. The  MGP Winner's Trophy looks pretty impressive!

Who is he?

 

-SG- Thanks to Adam for the attached early twenties shot of a 16H in distinctly sporting trim. It appears to have one of the rare racing CS gearboxes as well as a Binks rat-trap carb. It was apparently taken in the IOM but who is the rider in his smart cricket jersey? Anyone got any ideas?

1926 Model 18 - Dan Maloney

 

-SG- Thanks to  John who has recently sent me the print of a 1926 Model 18 attached ... he tells me: "this was owned by a friend of mine's great uncle, a chap call Dan Maloney and this was his first Motorbike! Very nice too! Dan went on to race at the Gatwick Speed Trials, Brooklands and Crystal Palace (but on a 350 Velocette)." We wonder if  the Norton (YN3804) has survived!