Manx Norton - Pure Racing Motorcycles
By: Jason Beals
Often called the Norton Manx, the Manx Norton was a superb British racing motorcycle, produced by the Norton motorcycle company, from 1947 to 1962. Norton is famous for competing in every Isle of Man TT race since the beginning, in 1907, all the way through until the 1970's. The development of the Manx Norton was a crucial part of this racing legacy.
Evolution of the Manx Norton
The Manx Norton was designed purely to win the Isle of Man TT, and was based on the 1937 Norton International, which had a single cylinder and an overhead cam. The Manx Norton was ready in 1946, in time for the Manx Grad Prix. Initial production was delayed due to World War Two.
Twin leading shoe brakes and a telescopic fork were fitted as standard from 1948. The Featherbed frame, which was developed in 1950 and was used in the commercial Norton Dominator motorcycles, became standard for Manx Nortons as well. The much-improved new suspension, meant that the Manx Norton could compete on fast, technical racing circuits.
The Featherbed frame gave the Manx Norton a shorter wheel base and lower center of gravity - critical factors to its success as an Isle of Man TT racing bike. The tubular frame was welded together and no parts were forged. This kept the frame light, yet strong.
The Les Archer Norton Manx MX is an off-road racing bike, which won the 1956 European Motorcross Championship, in the 500cc class.
Engine Upgrades
In 1953, the first major engine upgrade was made to the Manx. The stroke was shortened, thereby increasing the rev range. There were planned upgrades for 1954, but these were never implemented properly, due to Norton and other manufacturers pulling out of GP motorcycle racing. The engine was supposed to be modified, to further lower the CG, making the Manx more like Italian racers, such as Moto Guzzi and Benelli. The prototype Norton F Type Manx exists and is on display in the Sammy Millers Museum collection.
Legacy
Although Norton stopped racing in Grand Prix's, they still produced the Manx for privateer racing.
Manx Nortons are still available as new motorcycles and can be built to specifications to suit any of Classic or Historical motorcycle racing league rules. The parts are sourced from factories all over the world.
Author Resource:-> Jason Beal is a norton manx motorcycles enthusiast and likes to share norton manx pictures that he finds on the web. ---- Article From Articles For All
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