More on Four Speeders

 

-SG- Earlier this year we had a short posting about the few four speed 'cross over' box machines which have survived from the twenties. As I mentioned, by the time 1929 came along the number being sold was quite small. BUT a recent chat with Robert - who has a 1926 Model 24 - prompted me to have a more in depth look at the figures and I was very surprised at the result. The first machine actually listed is a Model 24 (although the Works called it a four speed 588 in the records) in mid 1925 and this was shortly followed by a few four speed Big Fours. But come 1926 and the numbers grew surprisingly such that by the end of 1928 there appears to have been model totals as follows (e and oe!):

 

Model 14 ... 177

Model 24 ... 399

Model 34 ... 114 

Model 44 ... 43

And for what it's worth, the Four Speeders made up about 3.5 % of total machine output in the period of their production. 

And a final point ... it is apparently possible to replace the four speed gearbox with the usual type CS three speed version.  The frame lug is the same although the rear wheel has to be turned round to get normal chain alignment etc.

The Model 14 Norton

-SG- The rarity of the Model 14 is evidenced by the fact that we have had only two postings about it.  It was first listed in the 1926 Sales brochure as a Big Four but fitted with Norton's cross-over four speed gearbox in place of the usual Sturmey Archer three speed CS box.  One again, much indebted to Alan who spotted this one - complete with period Norton chair - in the IOM last month.  It is seemingly in original condition and the present owner, Colin, is just the third since new. When I checked the engine number in the records, the entry shows it as a 'Big Four fitted with a four speed g/box.'  It was despatched in June 1926 to the Scottish firm of J Reid, Aberdeen and was fitted as new with a Norton de luxe sidecar.  The photos show the four spring Druid forks, correct carb. and magneto and what looks like an unusually long arm on the rather feeble front brake!

1928 Model 14 Norton

-SG- Good period photo but just not quite clear enough under the tank! It does have a 4-speed gearbox so it's either a Model 14 or Model 44. One can see the oil pump on the magneto chain cover (1927 and part of 1928) and the forks are HRT Druids rather than the earlier 4 spring version used up to and including 1926. My guess is that it's a 1928 Model 14 - the tyres look a bit fat for beaded edged type and by 1928 they were using 325 x 19 wired on tyres. Note the chap at the controls has the inevitable ciggy between his fingers - shares in tobacco companies must have given good dividends then!

1926 Model 14 Norton

Matt in the UK sent this photo of a cousin on his Norton. "The chap in the photo was born in 1902… mind you, having been down the pit since he was 14 it is feasible that the poor bloke looks a lot older than he is"

-JdK- Now this is a rare one; it's a Model 14, identified by the 4-speed crossover gearbox and the 633cc sidevalve engine. (right mouse click on photo - open in new screen - for a better view)

-SG- What a great picture - note obligatory cigarette on the go! I think it must be 1926 as the bike has an 8 inch Enfield rear brake and anyway I think you will find 1926 was the first production year for the four speeders. Note the regular S-A single spring clutch which was used on the four speeders. This also became a regular fitment on all the 1926 bikes.

-Martin- The number PY2196 was issued by Yorkshire County Council (North Riding) in late 1924, the numbers for that year starting at PY534 and ending at PY2481. I love the background details too, the stone house with brick outhouse, the coal box and the barrel and dish for the dog's water. Obviously a man of taste as well as substance!!  I have a set of clip on rear footrests exactly like those he has fitted for 'the missus'...