Rob's WD16H and Big4 Forum

One of first 500 of contract C14498 with leg shields

Rob's WD16H and Big4 Forum
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Pre war OHV Norton with military rider

I found this picture at the war and peace revival.

Rob

 photo norton_zps85d00a3a.jpg

Re: Pre war OHV Norton with military rider

That's nice Rob. Presumably quite a late-war photo, judging by the badging. Bike looks to be a 1934 (the hub dust covers kept the water in and were dropped after a year). The silencer fits for '34 too.

I don't think that it's a cradle frame and the engine doesn't look tall enough for a 600 so my guess is a Model 18.

Re: Pre war OHV Norton with military rider

Great picture and what a lovely bike, do you know what year the fork damper springs came in Rik?

Re: Pre war OHV Norton with military rider

The rebound check springs first appeared on the Internationals for 1933 (these were the larger diameter parallel type which they retained).

The rest of the range gained the barrel shaped springs for 1934.

Norton had used Webbs for some years and I believe there is some suggestion that they were trying to distance themselves from the Webb patents and overall design. In some ways the Norton fork is inferior (not bushed and fiddlier to adjust) but the rebound springs give it an edge in use.