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2007 Melbourne International Motorshow Auction
Lot
49

1928 Norton 18 500cc 'Flat Tank' Motorcycle

$21,000

melbourne

Sold

Specifications

Engine Single-cylinder, 490cc
Gearbox 3-speed manual
Colour Silver
Trim Black

Description

This lot is no longer available

The Norton Model 18, announced in 1922 and first listed in the catalogue the following year, became the first overhead-valve model with an engine designed under the watchful eye of J.L.Norton himself. The 490cc motor had a bore and stroke of 79mm by 100mm, developed plenty of power and was soon proving itself in competition, with Alec Bennett winning the Senior T.T. event in 1924 along with numerous other speed events and World Records. For 1926, a four-speed CAV-made gearbox was adopted along with internal expanding brakes and automatic primary drive chain lubrication. With the advent of the OHC CS1 Norton over the winter of 1926/27, the Model 18 and all subsequent OHV bikes were relegated to the role of fast, reliable tourers. The OHV Norton soldiered on until 1954, the post-war models having a full cradle frame and numerous other modifications.