Description
This motorcycle is Lot 244 to be auctioned by Bonhams at The Spring Stafford Sale (The International Classic MotorCycle Show) on April 25th & 26th, please see the Bonhams Motorcycles Website for full details.
Auction Timings:
Lots 1 - 94 are to be sold from 14:30 on Saturday 25th April 2026.
Lots 201 - 353 are to be sold from 11:30am on Sunday 26th April 2026.
Public Viewing:
Available 25th & 26th April 2026 from 09:00 until 17:00, at The Staffordshire County Showground (The International Classic MotorCycle Show).
The David Plant Collection
** 1928 Norton 490cc CS1**
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. 31111
Engine no. CS40291
Like the majority of their contemporaries, Norton relied on the sidevalve engine until the introduction of its first overhead-valve design in 1922, and the resulting Norton Model 18 was a big success on the road. On the racetrack however, Velocette had shown the way forward when its overhead-camshaft KTT romped away from the field in the 1926 Junior TT, and Norton responded with its own similar engine the following year. Designed by Walter Moore, the Norton motor retained the firm's traditional 79x100mm bore and stroke dimensions, employing bevel gears and a vertical shaft to drive the cams in KTT fashion. The cycle parts too were new, a cradle frame and saddle tank appearing for the first time on the works CS1 racer, which scored a debut win in the 1927 Isle of Man Senior TT with Alec Bennett riding. The production version of the new CS1 duly appeared at the Motor Cycle Show later that same year and continued as Norton's top-of-the-range sports machine until the introduction of the International. Today this rare landmark model is one of the most sought after of all Norton motorcycles and is sometimes referred to as the 'cricket bat' Norton, after the engine's distinctive timing-side appearance.
This CS1 is an older restoration that has started to mellow. The vendor purchased the Norton on the day of the Bradford City football ground fire in May 1985. The CS1 had previously been owned by Stan Johnson, a well-known Norton tuner who prepared machines for various riders. After Stan's death our vendor acquired the Norton and a substantial quantity of parts sufficient to rebuild it. There are no documents with this Lot. The engine turns over.
Following a period of inactivity, this motorcycle will require recommissioning and/ or restoration to a greater or lesser extent before returning to the road and thus is sold strictly as viewed. Prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's completeness, history, authenticity, originality and mechanical condition prior to bidding.
Key not required
All lots are sold ‘as is/ where is’ and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams Motorcycles website for all pertinent auction information.
