The History of Norton Motorcycles

Norton 

Early Beginnings (1898-1913)

Norton Motorcycles was founded by James Lansdowne Norton in Birmingham, England, in 1898. Initially, the company was not involved in manufacturing motorcycles but produced bicycle components and later, complete bicycles.

It wasn’t until 1902 that Norton ventured into motorcycles, using engines from other manufacturers such as Clement, Peugeot, and De Dion-Bouton to power their bikes.

Norton’s first proprietary engine appeared in 1908, a single-cylinder, side-valve 3.5 hp engine, which marked the company's commitment to producing its own engines.

Norton gained early fame in motorcycle racing. In 1907, a Norton motorcycle, powered by a French-made Peugeot engine, participated in the inaugural Isle of Man TT (Tourist Trophy) race. Although it didn’t win, this entry cemented Norton’s name in racing.

The First World War and Expansion (1914-1918)

The outbreak of World War I in 1914 halted motorcycle racing, but it also provided Norton with an opportunity for mass production.

Norton motorcycles were used by the British Army during the war, with the 16H model becoming a popular military machine. The 16H was a simple, reliable, and robust motorcycle powered by a 490cc side-valve engine. Norton produced more than 100,000 motorcycles for military use during the war.

The Interwar Years and Racing Dominance (1919-1939)

After World War I, Norton became a dominant force in motorcycle racing, particularly in the Isle of Man TT, where it established itself as the team to beat. With engines designed by Walter Moore, Norton secured numerous victories.

The 1920s and 1930s saw the introduction of landmark models like the CS1 (Camshaft Model 1), which became a highly successful racing machine. The CS1 was powered by a 500cc overhead-cam engine, providing superior performance over the side-valve designs of the time.

In 1936, Norton introduced the Model 30 International, a road-going version of its racing bikes. This model carried on Norton’s legacy of using overhead-camshaft engines, marking it as a high-performance machine for the public.

World War II and Military Use (1939-1945)

Like many other motorcycle manufacturers, Norton’s production during World War II shifted to military machines.

The 16H model, which had already proven its reliability during World War I, became one of the most widely used military motorcycles by the British Armed Forces. Over 100,000 16H motorcycles were built during the war, used for a variety of tasks, including communication and reconnaissance.

Post-War Success and the "Featherbed" Era (1946-1960s)

After the war, Norton resumed civilian production and continued its dominance in racing. The late 1940s and 1950s saw the introduction of the "Featherbed" frame, which was a game-changer for Norton. Developed by the McCandless brothers, the Featherbed frame was incredibly light and provided superior handling. It became synonymous with Norton motorcycles and was used in models such as the Norton Manx, which dominated racing circuits.

The Norton Manx, available in both 350cc and 500cc variants, became the bike of choice for privateer racers and enjoyed success in the Isle of Man TT and other prestigious events. 

The Manx was equipped with an air-cooled, single-cylinder engine and, combined with the Featherbed frame, made it one of the most formidable racing bikes of the time.

The Norton Commando and the 1960s-1970s Boom

In 1967, Norton introduced what would become one of its most iconic motorcycles, the Norton Commando. The Commando was powered by a 750cc parallel-twin engine, later expanded to 850cc, and featured the revolutionary "Isolastic" frame, which reduced engine vibrations and improved ride comfort.

The Commando was well-received for its power, handling, and iconic styling. It won the prestigious "Motorcycle of the Year" award from Motor Cycle News five years in a row, from 1968 to 1972.

The 1960s and early 1970s were a golden era for Norton, but the British motorcycle industry as a whole was beginning to face increased competition from Japanese manufacturers like Honda, Yamaha, and Kawasaki. Norton’s parallel-twin engine, while powerful, was showing its age compared to the more advanced multi-cylinder designs coming out of Japan.

Financial Struggles and Decline (1970s-1990s)

By the mid-1970s, Norton was struggling financially. In 1972, the company merged with BSA and Triumph to form Norton-Villiers-Triumph (NVT) in an effort to save the ailing British motorcycle industry. 

However, this merger could not stop the decline. Norton’s manufacturing and financial troubles led to factory closures and strikes, further damaging its ability to compete in the global market.

Production of the Norton Commando continued until 1977, but by then, the company was in severe financial trouble, and the Norton name eventually disappeared from the marketplace. In the 1980s and 1990s, several attempts were made to revive the Norton brand, but these efforts were largely unsuccessful.

Revival and Modern Era (2000s-Present)

The Norton brand was revived in the late 2000s under new ownership. Stuart Garner, a British businessman, acquired the rights to Norton in 2008 and began producing new motorcycles, focusing on blending Norton’s heritage with modern engineering.

Models like the Norton Commando 961, a modern take on the classic Commando, and the Norton V4 RR superbike, aimed at high-performance markets, were introduced.

Despite efforts to bring Norton back to its former glory, the company faced financial difficulties once again, leading to its administration in 2020. In 2021, TVS Motor Company, an Indian motorcycle manufacturer, acquired Norton, promising to invest in the brand and its future.

TVS has committed to rebuilding Norton’s reputation, focusing on quality, engineering, and the development of new models that honor the brand’s legacy while appealing to modern motorcycle enthusiasts.

Norton’s Legacy

Norton motorcycles are synonymous with British motorcycling heritage, renowned for their racing pedigree and classic designs. From the early days of Isle of Man TT victories to the groundbreaking Featherbed frame and the iconic Norton Commando, the brand has left a lasting impact on the motorcycling world. 

Despite financial difficulties and ownership changes, the Norton name continues to inspire and attract enthusiasts, with hopes that the brand will once again rise to prominence under new leadership.

Norton’s journey is one of innovation, racing success, and resilience, marking it as one of the most celebrated and storied motorcycle manufacturers in history.

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