Norton Motorcycles 1950s

Today in Motorcycle History

Norton Motorcycles of 1959

Manx 30 & 40, ES2, Dominator 88 & 99, Jubilee, Model 50

DIAMOND JUBILEE OF THE UNAPPROACHABLE NORTON 1959

1958 is Norton's Jubilee Year. Just think of it - sixty years of hard, practical experience and solid achievement goes into the World's Best Road Holder . . . winner of 32 T.T. races and hundreds of other outstanding successes all over the world. To celebrate this remarkable record without parallel in the annals of motor-cycling we proudly introduce the new range of unapproachable Nortons for 1959. Now read on . . .

60 YEARS OF MOTOR-CYCLE HISTORY...


Norton 1959 Model 50 350cc

THE MOST COLOURFUL NEWCOMER FOR 1959

Now housed in the famous "Featherbed" frame and having road-holding characteristics identical to the racing machines, this 350 c.c. single cylinder model retains all the docility and desirable attributes of its predecessors. The incorporation of A.C. generator and coil ignition still further enhances this lively and economical machine. Note the fully-enclosed rear chain case available as an extra on all models.

More... Model 50

Norton model ES2 500 c.c. SINGLE

Here is one of Britain's best known and most popular motor-cycles - identical in specification to Model 50 except in engine capacity. As evidence if its serviceability, R.A.C. patrolmen have covered over 100 million miles since the war on similar machines. While retaining all its robustness of construction, its handling is improved by the "Featherbed" frame. The 'Jubilee 250' is a supreme example of Norton craftsmanship and enterprise. Here is a new conception from stem to stern, embodying the most up-to-date protective styling and practical design. It is Britain's first motor-cycle powered by a 250 c.c. O.H.V., twin engine- gearbox unit, providing abundant power throughout a wide speed range, combined with excellent fuel economy and incredibly easy starting. The modern two-tone finish is available in a choice of pleasing colour contrasts.

The rubber-cushioned 11 spring-on dual seat is removed to show compact tool tray; also the combined dip stick and oil filler cap.

The rigid "one-piece" crankshaft contributes in no small measure to the smooth power of this outstanding unit.

Battery, carburetter and clutch cable adjuster are readily accessible. Half-a-turn with screwdriver or coin on quick action fasteners removes side panel.

Norton 1959 Jubilee 250

Norton leads again - and proudly presents the only British motor-cycle powered by a 250 c.c. Twin-cylinder four-stroke engine, with unit construction gearbox.

Some Outstanding Features of the Jubilee 250

The 'Jubilee 250' is a supreme example of Norton craftsmanship and enterprise. Here is a new conception from stem to stern, embodying the most up-to-date protective styling and practical design. It is Britain's first motor-cycle powered by a 250 c.c. O.H.V., twin engine- gearbox unit, providing abundant power throughout a wide speed range, combined with excellent fuel economy and incredibly easy starting. The modern two-tone finish is available in a choice of pleasing colour contrasts.

More... Jubilee 250

THE FEATURES OF 1959 RANGE

FRAME. The really outstanding handling of this frame must be experienced to be believed. This is now used on all models from 350 c.c. upwards.

TOTALLY ENCLOSED REAR CHAIN CASE. Provides considerably increased rear chain life and undoubtedly enhances the appearance of the machine. This is available as an optional extra on all models.

SUPERB COMPONENTS MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE

TABULATED SPECIFICATION

MODELS

250 JUBILEE

50

ES2

88

99

Bore x Stroke (m/m)

60 x 44

71 x 88

79 x 100

66 x 72.6

68 x 82

No. of Cylinders

2

1

1

2

2

Total Capacity

249 c.c.

348 c.c.

490 c.c.

497 c.c.

597 c.c.

Compression Ratio

8.75

7.3

7.1

7.8

7.4

Valves

O.H.V.

O.H.V.

O.H.V.

O.H.V.

O.H.V.

Gear Ratio - Top

6.76

5.29

4.75

4.75

4.53

Third

8 8

7.04

6.31

6.31

6.04

Second

12.5

9.36

8.41

8.41

8.03

Bottom

19.7

14.12

12.7

12.7

12.1

Seat Height

29"

31"

31"

31"

31"

Wheelbase

53.1/2"

55.1/2"

55.1/2"

55 1/2"

55.1/2"

Overall Length

81"

85 1/2"

85 1/2"

85 1/2"

85 1/2"

Overall Width

28"

29"

29"

29"

29"

Ground Clearance

5 1/2"

6 1/2"

6 1/2"

6 1/2"

6 1/2"

Weight

325 lbs.

377 lbs.

384 lbs.

390 lbs.

395 lbs.

Petrol Tank Capacity

3 1/2 gall.

3 1/2 gall.

3 1/2 gall.

3 1/2 gall.

3 1/2 gall.

Oil Tank working capacity

3 1/2 pts.

4 1/2 pts.

4 1/2 pts.

4 1/2 pts.

4 1/2 pts.

Tyre size - Front

3.25x18

3.00x19

3.00x19

3.00x19

3.00x19

Tyre size - Rear

3.25x18

3.50x19

3.50x19

3.50x19

3.50x19

Brake Dimensions

6" dia. x 1"

Front 8" dia. x 1 1/4"
Rear 7" dia. x 1 1/4"




Chains - Front

3/8" Duplex

1" Pitch x .305" wide

Chains - Rear

1/2" x 305"

5/8" Pitch x 1/4" wide

Some of the Norton SUCCESSES in 1958

GREAT BRITAIN
I.O.M. Tourist Trophy Races.
350 c.c. class - 13 in first 14 places.
500 c.c. class - 8 in first 9 places.

AUSTRALIA
New South Wales T.T. Mount Druitt.
350 c.c., 500 c.c. and Unlimited classes - 1st & 2nd.
Queensland T.T. Brisbane.
350 c.c. & 500 c.c. classes - 1st, 2nd & 3rd.

AUSTRIA
Austrian Grand Prix. 350 c.c. class - 1st & 2nd.

CZECHOSLOVAKIA
Piestany Race Meeting.
350 c.c. & 500 c.c. classes - 1st & 2nd.

FRANCE
French Grand Prix.
350 c.c. class - 1st & 2nd.
500 c.c. class - 1st to 6th inclusive.

IRELAND
North West 200
350 c.c. & 500 c.c. classes - 1st, 2nd & 3rd.

SOUTH AFRICA
Port Elizabeth " 200 ".
350 c.c. class - 1st & 3rd.
500 c.c. class - 1st, 2nd & 3rd.

SWEDEN
Swedish Grand Prix.
350 c.c. class - 1st to 7th inclusive.
500 c.c. class - 1st & 3rd.