1928 Model 24 - For sale

For sale at Verralls; a flat tank Norton described as an original 1928 Model 24. I've never seen one before but when the description is correct the dry-sump 588cc engine (!) sitting next to it would originally have been fitted. The 4-speed box is correct for this model. There were a few 588 dry-sump ES2 engines made/sold by Nortons; it is only the differing main shaft diameters which means that standard 588 flywheels can't be used in ES2s so in that respect it could be correct. A very interesting flat tanker with a hefty price tag at £21,500 (for which off course you also get the spare Model 18 engine).

Ian Hatton:"It's a 588cc OHV with the Model 25 type recirculating oiling system. Standard Model 18 engine is presently fitted but I have included a pic of the oil tank to show the return oil line. Obviously the external oil pump is not correct. Also has a four speed cross over gearbox. I believe all these details to be original."

Norton at the 1914 Isle of Man TT

This photo was taken on Ramsey Promenade during the 1914 TT races on the Isle of Man. From left to right: Dan O'Donovan, the Braid Brothers, James Norton and his father sitting inside the sidecar combination. The motorcycles would be TT Model 9's or 3 1/2 HP models while Pa Norton brought his Big Four. This is another pic of Ossie Braid on this very machine.

...same day, same people, except for James' father.

...and looking at the rider's number (59), this must be Dan at the 1914 TT.

1923 Model 18 cylinder head - For sale

Chance to buy a rare very early OHV Norton cylinder head dating from October 1923 (stamped 23/10).  This head has had valve seat inserts fitted at some stage in its long life, and has regrettably sufferd a fair amount of fin damage which will need to be repaired, but the head (including the threads on both inlet and exhaust ports) is basically in sound condition. On Ebay motors, item 260773524448. See this blog entry for the difference between early- and later M18 heads.

1928 Model 18 Norton

Sold at Bonhams

1928 Norton 490cc Model 18. Registration no. VW 4704. Frame no. 29074. Engine no. 36093. This matching-numbers Model 18 was sent to a dealer in Leytonstone on 18th November 1927 and sold new to a Mr Cox of Chigwell. Sold for £16,100 on the 24th of april 2011.

My fortune cookie says....

Money is the root of all evil and man needs roots.

I love it!

Yuengling Traditional Lager

I peeled off my bottle label and brought it back home just to share with you.

Since 1829 by America's Oldest Brewery!

Now that's saying something!

I was Yuengling de-virginized when I was on storm duty handling insurance property hail claims in Alabama this spring. Now had it not been for posts from Jay at Road Captain USA, I would have never even heard of this beer, let alone been intrigued enough to try it. You see, Jay lives in Delaware. Just a hop skip and a jump away from Pennsylvania where Yuengling is brewed.

WTF this beer was doing all the way across the country in Alabama, I've no clue, but there it was. I just had to try it. I'm glad I did, cause it is pretty damn fine beer.

I'm not a big fan of beer with little to no beer flavor. You know those Sexy beers, those beers that are like love in a canoe. You know. Fucking near water! HA! LOL!

I must admit, even though it is virtually flavorless, I do partake in a Mich Golden Light here and there to try to help keep in check my slender girlish figured beer belly.

Anyway, it is an amber beer. Not what I expected at all.

Thanks Jay for the heads up way back when.

Think I'll go get me a beer now that we are talking about it. You go do the same. Cheers!

c1924 Model 18 Norton

This picture shows mr Karel van Berlage and his Model 18 Norton at the very first Dutch TT held in 1925. Fifteen motorcycles competed in the 500cc class, six of which were Nortons. The race was won by Piet van Wijngaarden on his 1925 Model 18.

Karel's Norton looks a bit outdated compared to Piet's Model 18; is it a 1924 model?

Tony's 1930 Model CS1 Norton

Not surprisingly, the Norton advertised recently in the magazines has surfaced; it's in Malta and Tony is the lucky owner. It's in very nice condition; the petroltank and 'box are from a later model and I've never seen such an oiltank before but for the rest most of the hard-to-find bits seem to be there. Note the Enfield hubs, the correct girder forks (with later links), the three-stay frame and the left-hand exhaust.

It still has the original engine to frame. It was sent to the agent Psalty, Paris, 11th December 1930. Dyno and foot change were fitted at the factory. Interestingly Tony bought the bike also in Paris 81 years later!

Back together

The Titan Sidewinder that I custom painted has been put back together. I hope to see it in person soon. Yeah, someone else owns it, just like most things I paint, but a little piece of it feels like it is mine.

The paint jobs always take on a different feel when the bike is put back together.

I'm diggin this one.

Stanley on the 1926 senior TT winning Norton

Not yet the Model 25 but already incorporating the dry sump lubrication which would be visible if the label was not exactly at the lower end of the timing chest! Read this blog entry by Simon for more info about this Norton.

...and below find a similar picture (sent by Martin) probably taken within seconds of the one above and now without the label over the timing chest!

An important letter from Mrs Woods to Stanley Woods

From a Bonhams catalogue

Dated 27th July 1919: 'Dear Stanley, I am giving you the motor bicycle because I think it will give you pleasure - in return all I ask is that you never take intoxicating drink - no matter who asks you - & that you will always be kind in your manner to daddy & Violet all your life. Yours affectionate, Mother'

Model 16H Norton

Joe Craig tells of incident between the big races...

By Martin

In this article (The Motor Cycle, 1st April, 1937) Joe Craig tells of the experiences of a team manager on his overseas travels with the all-conquering Nortons, which makes interesting comparison with today's Formula 1 circus.  Of course 1937 was to be a bad year for Norton and Scotland with 40 year old Jimmie Guthrie losing his life in the German Grand Prix, as recorded on Guthrie's Memorial on the Isle of Man TT course, which reads: "James Guthrie, 1897-1937. Erected to the memory of Jimmy Guthrie, of Hawick, a brilliant Motor Cycle Rider, famous on the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy Course for his wonderful riding and great sportsmanship. He won the race six times. Beat many world's records and was first in numerous foreign races. He died while upholding the honour of his country in the German Grand Prix, August, 1937."

1937 Model 40 Manx - For sale

For sale at Yesterdays; a 1937 Model 40.

1937 Model ES2 Norton - For sale

For sale at Dutch Lion Motorbikes: a nice 1937 ES2. Though front wheel, headlamp and the front mudguard seem to come from a BSA.