Description
1947 Norton Big 4 -lovely example running and riding very well.
The Model 1, more commonly known as Big 4, was made between 1907 and 1954 in various forms and with a 634 cc (38. 6 cu in) engine, it was the largest and most powerful side-valve engine in the model range and with plenty of low end torque and was mostly used to haul sidecars and called Big 4, because it was rated at 4 horsepower.
Approximately 4, 700 of the nearly 100, 000 military bikes made by Norton during WW2, were Big 4 sidecar outfits. Designed to carry two or three men plus their fighting equipment over very rough terrain, the Big 4 was used for reconnaissance and carrying loads of ammunition to the front line troops. The Big 4 model continued to be produced for nine years after the end of World War II when Norton ended the manufacture of side valve singles to concentrate on twins.
She was built in Bracebridge Street in Birmingham on the 5th May 1947 and supplied to dealers, Godfreys of London, and is a matching numbers bike, as confirmed by the Norton Owners Club Certificate that comes with the bike. She was one of the first models to change over from girder forks to the much more modern Norton Road Holder forks in 1947, so really benefits from the improved handling of these.
An older restoration, she was fully restored some years previously and she still presents very well indeed and has been in long term ownership and has been very well cared for. She has only covered 1, 250 miles since restoration and is classified as Historic, so tax and MOT exempt.
Last week, I have just had the mag refurbished and re-fitted at a cost of over £600 and as a result she is a lovely easy starting bike and goes first or second kick and quickly settles down to a nice tick-over. I am a huge fan of these big old side-vales (I own a few) and they are lovely bikes to ride, with big loping engine, and loads of effortless torque, meaning that they pull very strongly and are a delight to ride. This bike runs very well indeed and pulls effortlessly and is a real pleasure to ride, with a lovely healthy thump from her big single cylinder engine.
She comes with a folder of paperwork, with the V5 in my name, Norton Owners Club Dating Certificate, some photos from her restoration etc and photo copies of various period owner/ maintenance manuals.
Viewing most welcome near Henley-on-Thames, RG9 5NB and I can help with delivery/ courier -just ask.
A super example of Norton’s Big 4, which looks superb and is running and riding very well indeed and offering excellent value at just £5, 295
