Description
Description
1968 Norton Mercury 650 SS
Realistically priced at £5, 850 for a rare model with matching numbers
The Mercury was introduced in October 1968 and only around 750 machines were produced up to 1970, most of the production going to the US. The model was also used by the Nigerian Police.
This was the last Norton model to use the featherbed frame and “is sometimes described as the nicest Norton ever” according to an article in Motorcycle Classics Magazine published in December, 2019 and “The last, maybe the best, featherbed twin” by Real Classics in April 2020. A number of internal improvements introduced for the Commando engine were used in the Mercury's engine.
This particular Mercury has an age-related plate having been re-registered in 1993, but was not one of the many that were exported, so it is a rare example of an original UK supplied model. Location for viewing is near Thame, Bucks.
Details of this Mercury are as follows:
Slimline featherbed frame, road-holder front forks, twin concentric carbs
Matching numbers Frame 18SS/ 129502, Engine 18SS/ 129502 Gearbox 129502
Recently emerged from a 30 year sleepover in clean dry storage.
2 previous owners; the second one had the Norton for about 2 years and only did about 200 miles
Recommissioned in 2026 as follows:
Some new engine seals and gaskets including oil pump seals
Carbs stripped, cleaned and new parts fitted as required
Magneto checked and cleaned
New HT pick-up brushes, plus and plug connectors fitted
Clutch stripped, cleaned, inspected, reassembled and adjusted
Fuel tank properly cleaned out and fuel filter fitted
Brakes checked and adjusted
New inner tube in front tyre
New Battery
New handlebar grips and foot pegs, kick start and gearshift rubbers
In immaculate condition and ready to go
Also available is a circa 1961 Norton 50, 350 cc frame. Needs tiding but straight (No V5) £750 o. n. o
Motorcycle workbench foldable £50 o. n. o
Previous owner had the Norton for about 2 years and only did about 200 miles
