The Model 50 was a touring motorcycle built by Norton between 1933 and 1963. A further Model 50 was briefly produced by Norton parent-company AMC during 1965 and 1966 using a re-badged Matchless.[2][3]
Designed by Edgar Franks in 1933, the first run was almost identical to the Norton Model 18 except for the bore and stroke. The single-cylinder engine was 348 cc with pushrod operated overhead valves.
Halted by World War II, production of the Model 50 single restarted in 1956. After 1959 the Model 50 gained the Featherbed frame, Lucas RM15 crank-mounted alternator (upgraded from magneto/dynamo used on 1957–58) coil ignition and improved lighting. In common with other large Nortons, the frame was updated to the 'slimline' version with revised styling in 1961.
When road testing a used example provided by a London dealer in 1964, UK monthly magazine Motorcycle Mechanics reported 75 mph (121 km/h) top speed with 50 to 60 mph (80 to 97 km/h) cruising.[4]
Few survive in original condition as many were converted into 'Tritons' with Triumph engines. Production ended in 1963.[5]
References
^Motor Cycle Data Book, George Newnes Ltd, London, 1960. Accessed 2013-07-09
^Motorcycle Mechanics, December 1964, editorial p.3 (Earls Court) Show - not much new. "Two Matchless singles christened the Mark II versions of famous and former Norton models by virtue of a Norton badge". Accessed and added 2015-01-21
^Motorcycle Mechanics, December 1964, pp.29-31 "What's new? Bill Lawless takes a look at the 1965 models." "Messrs AMC reintroduce the once popular Model 50 and ES2 Nortons by calling them the Mark II models and sticking Norton badges on Matchless G3 and G80 machines". Accessed and added 2015-01-22
