Produced from 1911 to 1954, the Norton 16H had various modifications throughout its production run, but always stuck to the 490cc engine. In 1911, the Norton bike was entered into the Isle of Man TT, where it finished unplaced. With development ongoing for the 16H, there was a drive chain developed which would replace the belt drive, and this became known as the Sturmey Archer gearbox which was a 3 speed.
The seller of this 1924 Norton 16H Flat Tank, has owned the motorcycle for the past 4 years. It was originally purchased just because he liked the look and the originality of the bike. The intention was to have it parked in the conservatory as a showpiece, where it did live for some time. However, the space was needed and the bike was put under cover in the garage, and now with a house move abroad, the seller has decided to part with this rare classic Norton.
When the seller got the bike it had been used by the previous keeper who had owned it for the past 16 years. The then keeper started the bike and it was seen running as it should, but since then it has not been started. The list of owners on the Norton is not that many, with the previous one being 16 years, and the one prior to that 33 years, and its claim to fame is that it's believed to have been owned by the Mayor of Windsor.
The V5 is present and shows 2 previous keepers, but there is the old Vehicle Registration Book pre V5’s, which does show further previous keepers.
There is a letter dated in 2001 from a previous keeper, which mentions Frank Burton, the Mayor of Windsor, owning the bike, but did not put the bike in his name.
There are some previous MOT certificates, with the oldest one being in 1970. There is a copied instruction manual for the bike showing the do’s and don'ts. A receipt for some Dunlop tyres in 2001, and a note for the carburettor rebuild are present, and also the receipt for the paintwork on the flat tank.
This 1924 Norton 16H Flat Tank is reported to be as original as you could imagine for a 1924 bike. It has had a sympathetic restoration carried out, but has retained the original parts which have been refurbished.
Starting at the front of the bike, the mudguard is in good condition and has been repainted at the same time as the frame. The number plate looks to be the original, and moving further back, the forks operate as they should without being too soft. The Acetylene lamp is in good order and does have the tank to hold the Acetylene crystals. The handle bars are a little tarnished but have no real signs of corrosion, and the same can be said for the clutch and throttle levers.
Looking at the Norton from the side you will see the Flat Tank, and most noticeable is the stunning paint finish. This was carried out in 2009 by KAS Racepaint to a very high standard. The frame has been repainted in black, with the seat finished in light brown leather, and just below the seat is the Acetylene tank for the rear lamp. Again, this is reported to work once the crystals are added.
The wheels on the bike were treated to some new Dunlop tyres and inner tubes in 2001, which haven't seen any excessive use since then. The rear mudguard is free from any noticeable corrosion, and nice to see are the small leather storage cases to either side, of which the leather is still nice and supple. At the rear, the original number plate and Acetylene light are in place, along with the original stand. 1ZbSiy8RTpfzDlUgepCZKD6Ym1ijXklWRKspgAPp.jpeg67.57 KB
The Mechanics
Fitted with a 490 cc, as mentioned, the seller has never run the bike since he purchased it 4 years ago, but he does stress that he did see the bike running and ridden before he bought it. At that time, it was running and riding how it should, changing well through the gearbox and stopping as well as you would expect for a bike of this age.
The magneto has been rebuilt and there is a new spare spark plug hiding in the side storage container. Around the same time that the fuel tank was getting repainted in 2001, the Brown & Barlow carburettor was also stripped and rebuilt, to ensure the correct running of the Norton.FHkm1YiJmrjzpkEAvHLbSrjQfKB9vjCVYbZscWNW.jpeg44.5 KB
The Appeal
Anyone into their vintage bikes will appreciate the originality of this highly desirable 1924 Norton 16H Flat Tank, and will know just how rare it is to find one in such an original state, even retaining the Acetylene tanks, and having only had the lightest of touches to keep it the way Norton intended.
Like previous keepers, it could be regularly used for classic bike rallies, which provides an enjoyable experience, or just enjoy looking at it, knowing that you own a piece of Norton history.
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