- Norton Navigator
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Norton Navigator Manufacturer Norton Motorcycles Production 1960-1965 Predecessor Norton Jubilee Engine 349cc air cooled twin Power 22bhp @7,000rpm[citation needed] Transmission four-speed, chain final drive Wheelbase 51.5 centimetres (20.3 in) Weight 330 kilograms (730 lb)[citation needed] (wet) The Navigator was a Norton motorcycle made from 1960 to 1965, based on the Norton Jubilee 250cc[1] when the Norton factory was closed following the collapse of the parent group Associated Motor Cycles.[2]
Contents
Development
Launched in 1960 at the Earls Court Motorcycle Show the Navigator was a development of the Norton Jubilee. As well as bring bored out to 349cc, it also gained the Norton Roadholder forks with eight-inch brakes to replace the Jubilee's lightweight front end. The down tube on the frame was also stiffened to improve handling and deal with the power increase to 22bhp.[1] The cylinder block was also now a single casting to improve oil retention although both models had two part cylinder heads.[2]
The top speed was recorded at over 129 kilometres per hour (80 mph),[citation needed] and the factory persuaded Harold Daniell, the Isle of Man TT racer who named the Norton Featherbed frame,[3] to enter a standard Norton Navigator in a race at Silverstone race track where it recorded 163 kilometres per hour (101 mph) on the straight with only minor carburettor modification.[1]
The 1960 model was still aimed at the Jubilee market, with heavy valenced mudguard and enclosed rear end. In 1961, optional extras included a handlebar mounted fairing and screen, as well as large legshields and panniers, giving it the enclosed look popular at the time.[1] Early Navigators came with two-tone paintwork in grey and black for the "De Luxe" and grey and blue for the "Standard" model. From October 1962, the Standard's colour options were changed to black and polychromatic blue, with black seats with white piping.
When Norton production moved to Plumstead in 1963, production of the De Luxe ended, but the Standard model continued with wider front forks and a steering lock, until Navigator production ended in 1965 with the collapse of Norton's parent group, Associated Motor Cycles.[2]
Norton Electra
The Norton Electra was essentially a Norton Navigator bored out to 383cc with an electric start that drove the crankshaft by a chain inside an extended crankcase. Launched in 1963, the Electra also has upgraded 12v electrics to handle the starter, handlebar-end direction indicators and heavyweight rear brake.[2]
References
- ^ a b c d Reynolds, Jim (1990) (in English). Best of British Bikes. Patrick Stephens Ltd. ISBN 1-85260-033-0.
- ^ a b c d Westworth, Frank (in English). The British Classic Bike Guide. Haynes Publishing. ISBN 1-85960 426 9.
- ^ "Harold Daniell". http://www.500race.org/Men/Daniell.htm. Retrieved 2009-01-03.
External links
Categories:- Norton motorcycles
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