| |
NORTON MANX 350CC (Model 40M)
Country of Manufacture: England
Year: 1961
Vin
#: 97284 (Both frame and engine)
Frame: Double cradle (continuous loop) welded steel tubes known as a “Featherbed” frame
Suspension:
Front: “Roadholder” telescopic front forks with
hydraulic damping
Rear: Swinging arm with hydraulically damped Girling
racing shock absorbers
Wheels: Dunlop light alloy serrated rims with spokes, electron hubs, brake plates and shoes
Brakes:
Front: 8” Twin leading shoes in conical hub with air scoop.
Rear: 7” Single leading shoe
Weight (dry): 298 lb
Tank Capacity: 5.25 gal.
Horsepower: 42 HP
Torque: 35 bhp @ 7200 rpm
Gearbox: AMC 4 speed close ratio
Engine:
Type: 4 stroke
Cylinders: Single
Cylinder Head: Light alloy
Displacement: 348 cc
Compression Ratio: 11:1
Timing System: Double overhead camshafts
Clutch: Dry, 3 plate
Primary Drive: Chain and sprocket
Carburetors: Amal Type 5 GP2
Exhaust System: Single megaphone
Top Speed: 118 mph (190 kmph)
Production/History: An estimated, 2000 combined (350cc & 500cc) machines were built. The Manx, was the quintessential race bike of the 1950’s/early 1960’s and the most celebrated of the English Grand Prix motorcycles that dominated racing before losing ground to more modern designs from Italy and Japan. All post war Norton racers were “Manx” models but it was not until the introduction of the “Featherbed” frame in 1951 that the Manx really began to consistently outperform more powerful competitors. The frame, developed by the Irish racer Rex McCandless, resulted in a more compact motorcycle with superior road holding and handling capabilities. Upgrades were made every year but particularly in 1954 when the rear sub-frame became a welded-in unit, the engine had a major redesign and twin leading shoe front brakes were utilized for the first time. An AMC gearbox arrived in 1958. Parts production ended in 1961 and final year 1962 bikes were built up from l961 parts but the 1962 model did introduce a 7” 4 leading shoe front brake for the first time.
Return to Top
|
