1954 Norton 250 Prototype
1954 Norton 250 Prototype
Jack Moore’s sleepless nights
Since they lacked the means to put their design studies into production, the major British marques – and Norton in particular remained hopelessly conservative, though the projects kept appearing.
Head of Design
This Norton 250 prototype was the work of Jackie Moore (no relation to the famous Walter Moore, father of the first “Cammy” Norton), who had succeeded Edgar Franks as head of the research and development department during WWII.
Roadholder Forks
During WWII, Jackie Moore designed the famous “Roadholder” hydraulically-damped telescopic forks (patented in January 1944). For many years it was one of the best front suspension systems. Moore also designed a 350cc unit constructed twin-cylinder engine and this 250, with its pure lines that, sadly, never made production. A colleague recalled that these projects were designed at night in the factory where Moore was fire-watching during wartime air raids. The 250 was not unit-constructed, though the gearbox was bolted to the rear of the crankcase; the classic Norton pressed-steel chain case was fitted. Like the Vincent, the cam was set high in the crankcase, operating the valve rockers through short push rods. The cylinder and head were iron castings, but this 250 departed from Norton practice by using coil ignition rather than a magneto. Sadly, Norton had just been bought by AMC, which already owned AJS and Matchless and decided in 1954 that Norton should concentrate exclusively on large-displacement bikes.
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine: 248cc (66×72.6mm) air-cooled single cylinder four-stroke
Power Rating: 11 hp @ 5600 rpm
Valves: overhead, high-level camshaft
Fuel System: Amal carburetor
Transmission: 4-speed, chain primary and final drive
Suspension: telescopic forks (front); swing arm with twin spring/dampers (rear)
Brakes: drum (front & rear)
Wheels: 19 inch (front & rear)
Weight: 320 lb
Maximum Speed: 65 mph
AMC’s takeover of Norton ended this intriguing project; the prototype survives in Britain’s National Motor Museum at Beaulieu, near Southampton.
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