Out of print magazines ...

 

... are frequently overlooked by authors of motorcycle histories, some of whom - mentioning no names - publicly patted themselves on the back for having spent days looking through pre-war copies of Motor Cycling and the Motor Cycle but seemingly did not bother to look at any of the other relevant pre-war magazines.

One of the New Zealand magazines which ran from 1909 to 1934 was entitled The New Zealand Motor and Cycle Journal and I am very grateful to Don Muller, the Archivist of the New Zealand Vintage Car Club, who has recently copied some early pages of Norton interest for us.  These are attached and well worth; they can be accessed via this link. 

c1912 Model 3 1/2 Norton

-Martin-  These pics come from George Brooks of the Sporting Car Club of South Australia who published a series of picture books of early vehicles in South Australia. Book 4 cover motorcyles from 1899-1930, and these two are nice early examples. One is a Norton the other a Norton engined bike built by a clever engineer. (Pics from the 'Marticelli Collection and SCCSA')

1912 frame wanted

-SG- Howard has sent in this recent photo of a pair of 1912 flywheels. He tells me the owner has all the rest of the bike with one rather major exception - the frame! So if anyone out there is seeking a home for such a frame, please get in touch!

1912 Model 2 1/2 HP Norton

From 'The Classic Motorcycle' "A Moto-Reve engined 2 1/2 HP Norton of 1912 pictured on the platform of Harwich Harbour railway station before the bike was embarked on the steamer to Holland to compete in the Anglo-Dutch reliability trial. F.A. Hardy, rider of the Norton, was one of the reserves for the British team, winning a silver medal."

1912 Model 9 Norton

Sent by Alf. From an article in Classic Motorcycling Legends No. 5

1912 Big Four Norton

Sent by Martin

Whilst looking for something else in a 1912 Motorcyclist's Handbook, I found this rather fine Norton which is a Big Four with Roc 2 speed hub.  The picture looks odd because there is no belt fitted at the time the picture was taken.

1912 3 1/2 HP Norton

One of the most famous Nortons ever, 'The Old Miracle'; again a brilliantly clear postcard contributed by Martin from the USA. As Martin remarked, little can be said about this bike that has not been said already. It's a 1912 3 1/2 HP model with a 500cc side valve engine and direct belt drive that secured some 112 speed records before the first World War with a top speed of over 80mph. Note the incorrect 'Curly N' logo on the tank.

Below a pictures of a similar 3 1/2 HP machine.