Rotary norton riders

A full-on racing version was also prepared in , with the factory estimating that the air-cooled race engine was putting out horsepower at 9, rpm, with the potential for horses. Claimed dry weight was a mere pounds. As mentioned before, these Classics were quickly snapped up, although few saw much use due to their collectible status, and not much wear and tear information on these machines exists. But it was admittedly merely an interim model, as less than a year later Norton offered the liquid-cooled, fully faired Commander for sale.

It had some small success, even though the price had been elevated to 7, pounds. It was a smooth, unexciting, reliable motorcycle, with the fairing covering up a lot of ugly plumbing, and riders complaining about limited cornering clearance. This model was boasting 95 horsepower at 9, rpm, bolted into the Spondon frame, with a sporting upside-down fork and a fully adjustable White Power single shock at the rear. However, heat build-up within the fairing did not help the motor to retain its relatively high state of tune.

In the F1 Sport was offered, with a fairing redesign that took care of the heat problem. Unfortunately, that year LeRoux was investigated for fiddling the books, and the company could get no more credit. Only 66 of the F1 Sport models ever left the Shenstone factory. The racing results were quite successful, with Norton finishing second in the Isle of Man Senior TT in , third in disqualified for having an oversized gas tank , and first and third in Then, with no money coming in, it all went away.

What is the last 3 of you Vin? I just started storing a classic that I was told is the last one off the line. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Northeast U. South Central U.

Southeast U. Despite stiff competition from the likes of the Honda RC30 , the Norton rotary motorcycles were hugely successful. That win was the first for a British motorcycle in roughly 30 years. Unfortunately, management disagreements made Crighton leave Norton in And since , his company, Crighton Motorcycles, has been developing Wankel-powered bikes together with Rotron Power.

Plus, while it makes hp, it only has three moving parts and weighs about 53 lbs. And to keep the rotary from eating itself , it has silicon nitride ceramic apex seals that are supposedly wear-free. Also, its wear surfaces have Nikasil and molybdenum coatings. Furthermore, it has an internal cooling system with an integrated water pump.

However, the CRW is technically also an air-cooled rotary motorcycle. Also, its low weight is thanks to carbon-fiber bodywork, carbon-fiber wheels, and an aluminum frame. The Norton Owners Club would also be a good port of call to ask around for any likelihood of a Norton Classic for sale.

Restoring a Norton Classic is going to be just as difficult as finding one in the first place. Parts are not readily available and are as scarce as the bikes themselves. A Norton Classic would be a great investment, they are highly collectible and desired by Norton enthusiasts worldwide.

However, they are not the most coveted classic model, so while extremely rare due to their low production numbers, they do not fetch ridiculous prices on the market. My best guess would be that if you got your hands on a Norton Classic and looked after it, you would never lose money but it is unlikely to become a treasure chest down the road either. The Norton Classic is best left for someone who will love it for what it is, a British classic and a moment in time, something only 99 other owners would have and a real museum worthy piece of machinery.

Getting to look into the rotary powered bike has been super interesting. At a time when British motorcycles were stagnant and companies struggling, Norton were still pushing to be innovative. Who knows where the industry would be as a whole if rotary powered motorcycles had an increased amount of investment at the time, and further to that, who knows how far Norton would have got as one of the leaders of the development of these bikes?

I rode one recently, a superb machine, super smooth and torquey. What a shame it was never fully developed. I agree. I was at a motorcycle meet a few years ago and an old chap Rode up on one.

After chatting he let me have a go on it and I was very impressed. He offered to me for 5k. Largely the bikes that did sell went to Norton enthusiasts and collectors.

After this Norton left the rotary engines behind. Buying a Norton Classic Rotary. Norton Commando Pin 1.