Norton has a long and storied history building and racing motorcycles. The International was built in 350 and 500cc variants from 1931 to 1957, with a break for that big war. As it evolved, so did its engine, frame and suspension. In its final form, it used the “Featherbed” frame, famous for it’s roadholding ability.
This particular Norton is a 1948 model, pre-featherbed. It has a plunger-type rear suspension and Roadholder forks. The engine was an overhead cam design with external valve springs, and was good for all of 29hp.
Any Norton Manx would be a great find these days. What makes this one special is that its ownership and history has been fairly well documented. When you buy any old bike – in this case, 69 years old – you never really know what previous owners have done to the bike until you take it apart. The surprises can sometimes be good – think race cams or high compression pistons. But more often than not they are bad. I have heard of bikes with pistons installed backwards, wrong valves, stripped bolts, you name it. In the case of this bike, the seller is representing the owner, a long-time friend who has owned the bike since the 1960s. He has extensive records and personal knowledge of the bike and what has been done to it.
The bike is in non-running condition, but as people like to say is “all there”. There are several pictures and a long description of it’s history and condition.
I’m sure the debate here will be what to do with the bike. Personally, I would try to go for a full restoration. Something along these lines:
I just hate to see a classic bike like this sitting around collecting dust. As they say, “rust never sleeps”. There is a trend recently to just leave barn finds as found. I don’t get it, but that’s just me. Either way, this is a classic that need to be preserved in one form or another. What would you do with this?
You can find it here on Craigslist. The bike is located in Buffalo, New York, and the seller is asking $14,000.