Norton Motorcycles 1950s

Today in Motorcycle History

Norton Motorcycles of 1936 at the Olympia Show

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Norton International 350 for 1936

Racebred! The 348 c.c. overhead-camshaft International model

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Norton Valve Guides for 1936 Models

Accessible grease nipples are provided for valve guide lubrication on the side-valve units

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Norton 490cc OHV Engine 1936

A much neater timing cover and long cylinder holding-down bolts are now fitted to the 490 c.c. overhead-valve engine.

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Norton 633cc Big Four for 1936

A side-valve for sidecar work - the 633 c.c. "Big Four"

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Norton International Valve Springs for 1936

A new type of valve spring fixing is employed on the " International " models in order that the valves may be free to rotate

STAND 45; Sporting Models Developed from Road Racing Experience: Improved Side- and Overhead-Valve Machines

Norton Motors, Ltd., Bracebridge Street, Birmingham, 6.

Model 18.—490 c.c. single-cyl. o.h.v. Norton; dry sump lubrication; magneto ignition; all-chain drive; oil-bath primary chain case; 4-speed gear, with hand or foot control; fuel, 2¾ gals.; 26x3 25in tyres.
Price with electric lighting (solo), £65.

AS usual, the Norton stand is a blaze of trophies, cups and replicas. Added to the many British and Continental victories is the hour record at the wonderful speed of 114.09 m.p.h.

Model 18 is a type turned out for the man who requires a fast roadster but cannot quite run to the camshaft type of Norton. It is fitted with a larger and smarter tank than last year, and the engine on the timing side is neater.

Model 19, which costs £67 10s. with full lighting equipment, is similar, but has an engine of 596 c.c., and is intended primarily for sidecar purposes.

There are two more 490 c.c. push-rod Nortons—the E.S.2 at £68, and the model 20 at £67 10s., and two 348 c.c. push-rod models—No. 50 at £58 10s. and No. 55 at £60 10s., with lighting.

“International” Model.—490 c.c. single-cyl. o.h.c. Norton; dry-sump lubrication; magneto ignition; all-chain drive; oil-bath primary chain case; 4-speed gear, with foot control; fuel, 3½ gals.; 27x3in. (front) and 26x3.5in. (rear) tyres.
Price with electric lighting (solo), £95 10s.

Famous throughout the world, the “International” Nortons have been modified in a few details. There is now slightly more ground clearance, the steering damper is fixed direct to the frame to ensure rigidity, and the front brake adjuster can be operated while, machine is in motion.

The 348 c.c. “International” differs from its larger brother only in size and price, the latter being £88. Both will be supplied with light alloy cylinder barrels and heads at an extra cost. It would be difficult to find a more straightforward and simple yet highly scientific design.

The “International” models form the basis of the racing machines which have been so successful for many years. Can one wonder, therefore, at the clusters of sporting riders which surround the exhibit?

“Big Four” Model 633 c.c. single-cyl. side-valve Norton; dry- sump lubrication; magneto ignition; all-chain drive; oil-bath primary chain case; 4-speed gear, with hand or foot control; fuel, 2¾ gals.; 26x3.25in. tyres.
Price with electric lighting (solo), £59 10s.

Still one of the most popular of sidecar machines, the “Big Four” remains substantially unchanged. The new timing gear cover is included and, of course, the pressed-steel oil-bath chain case with its rubber joint. This is now standardised on all Nortons.

There is only one other side-valve Norton, the famous 16H, and this embodies similar improvements.

Side-valve Nortons are now provided with grease-gun lubrication for the valve guides and a special oil trap to prevent leakage from the tappet guides.

The 1935 Olympia Show reported in The Motor Cycle, December 5th, 1935.