1947 Norton 16H

Registration No: HYW 713
Frame No: B2 7104
Engine No: B2 7104
CC: 500
MOT: Exempt

• Classic matching numbers Norton 500cc side valve single
• Only showing 2 owners on buff log book from 1947 to 2003
• Early post war production model featuring Roadholder forks
• In regular pleasure use by vendor as a fine weather bike
• Supplied with the original bill of sale from Godfreys London
• Recent overhaul including a new head gasket, complete with V5C

Norton was founded by James Lansdowne Norton in Birmingham in 1898 and began building motorcycles with French and Swiss engines in 1902. In 1907 a Norton with a Peugeot engine won the first Isle of Man TT race starting a long tradition of sporting excellence. The 16H was first released in the early 1930s and was a popular model during WW2, with most production going to the armed forces where it earned an enviable reputation for reliability and durability. The model was one of the first civilian bikes built by Norton after the ending of hostilities and in 1947 received its final modification with telescopic forks improving handling and giving the bike a more modern look, despite its age. The basic engine configuration proved popular with customers so Norton continued production until the mid-1950s when the fashion for twin-cylinder motorcycles was prevalent. The 16H has a strong following of enthusiasts to this day.

This 1947 16H was one of the first production models to feature Nortons legendary Roadholder front forks. The buff log book shows only 2 owners between 1947 and 2003 and it comes with an original bill of sale from Godfreys Motorcycles of Great Portland St London. Subject to a sympathetic restoration over a 10 year period, it has been in regular fine weather use by the vendor for runs around the countryside. A recent top end overhaul showed the bore and valves to be good and it was re-assembled using a new head gasket. This good looking Norton will make a perfect bike for vintage runs and rallies and comes supplied with a current V5C.