Lot details
Registration No: SRF 36G
Frame No: 18SS125823
Engine No: 18SS125823
cc: 650
MOT Expiry Date: None

Norton had introduced their first parallel twin during 1949 with the introduction of the Model 7 Dominator 500cc. This was joined in 1952 by a "featherbed" framed version typed the Model 88 which utilised the same 500cc twin cylinder overhead valve engine housed in Norton's race proven chassis. Early models featured a deeply valanced sprung front mudguard which did little for the models looks and was replaced by an altogether more attractive blade type mudguard in 1953. For 1955 the twin gained an alloy cylinder head and adopted an Amal Monobloc carburettor and for 1956 the battery was enclosed and the instrument location was revised, however of more significance was the introduction of the Model 99 600cc twin. Demands for a Norton twin with increased performance had been growing following the introduction of the Triumph Thunderbird and Tiger 110 and the BSA A10 series machines which had left the Norton at a disadvantage. The new machine utilised the 88's cycle parts housing a revised engine with a swept volume of 596cc resulting from dimensions of 62 x 82 mm. Despite the 99's excellent qualities its capacity disadvantage hampered it in the States where "capacity mattered" resulting in the release for 1961 of the 650cc Manxman model, initially offered exclusively for the US market, they became available to British riders from September 1961 in three forms, the standard, de luxe and, as offered here, SS forms. The SS followed the pattern established by its smaller siblings, the 88 and 99SS variants. Twin carburettors and polished ports together with a hotter camshaft and a siamezed exhaust system added extra brake horsepower. Chromed mudguards, flat handlebars and ball ended levers were fitted as standard and a rev counter was offered as an option. Capable of in excess of 110mph with acceleration to match and endowed with excellent handling and braking the 650SS could compete with the hottest Triumph and BSA twins.
This example is presented to a very high standard in café racer trim with a Manx style seat and tank, low bars, aluminium rims and rear-sets. The original components accompany the motorcycle should the purchaser wish to return it to standard specification. Described as being in good condition throughout it is offered with a Swansea V5.