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.

1927 Model 34 Norton

-SG- Thanks to Alan who has sent us these photos of a 1927 Model 34 recently acquired by a friend of his. For sure one of the rarer Norton models ( I see we have had but two postings about them over the years), this is virtually complete.  Alan's comments follow:

"Terry has just managed to acquire this largely original 1927 Model 34 which has lain undisturbed at the back of a garage for some 25 years. After the war, the machine was apparently owned by a local secondhand motorcycle dealer for many years who had a timber box sidecar attached. He reputedly used to sleep in it during his IOM visits! The machine came with a couple of boxes of bits, including the original primary cover which will probably be refitted, and kick start components. The intention is to lightly recommision the bike rather than restore. Incidentally the modernised handlebars and controls may well be replaced as part of this exercise."

1928 Model 34 Norton

Contributed by Howard: "This photo was taken at Penrith Speedway, New South Wales, Australia, probably in the late 1920s or early 1930s"

The Norton is a 490cc OHV Model 34, easily identified by the 4-speed gearbox and the final drive on the right hand side of the machine. The half round shape of the oiltank suggests a 1928 model. The front forks are sidespring Druids, one would expect Webbs.

Compare the motorcycle to this one.

1927 Model 34 Norton

One of the more exceptional models produced by Norton. It shares the engine and most of the cycle parts with the 490cc Model 18 but it has a 4-speed gearbox. The gearbox was Norton's own design and primarily developed to be used in a sidecar mount. The box is of the crossover type, the final drive being on the right-hand side of the machine. It has a hand change lever fitted to the tank side.

I've never seen one. Few people may have been convinced that you could do with an extra gear and most of them would have chosen for the Model 18 with the well-proven Sturmey Archer 3-speed gearbox. The Model 18 was less expensive too, at 69 GBP compared to 74 GBP for the Model 34. And frankly, the Model 18 looks better.

This one has seen some serious use. It's covered in oil and muck and two carbide generators were fitted. It was dropped on the road already, the footrest is bent.

Interesting too see how an old sheet was used to provide an even background. Was there anyone not smoking in the 1920s?

Added note:
The vintage Norton 4 speed box was the subject of a patent applied for by the company and, surprisingly, Arthur Carroll. This shows Carroll was working at the factory before Walter Moore joined them in '24. The basic principles used in the box - which was not a howling success except for the racket it reportedly made - were used at the end of the twenties in the development of the four speed Sturmey Archer box.
Cheers S