classic motorcycle forum

Motorcycle Discussions => British Bikes => Topic started by: youngjohn on August 01, 2009, 10:27:50 PM

Title: Norton Rigid Frame With Curved Top Tube
Post by: youngjohn on August 01, 2009, 10:27:50 PM

Can anyone tell me the years that the Norton rigid frame with the curved top tube was produced? I have a 1936-1938 parts list which shows a straight tube.

Title: Re: Norton Rigid Frame With Curved Top Tube
Post by: RichP on August 02, 2009, 09:00:49 PM

This is a good question and one that I didn't manage to find a definitive answer to when I was trying to pin down the ID of WD frames. I'm a little wary of trusting the re-touched images in the Norton parts books. I have 1937 and 1938 copies and the illustrations are identical.

Are you referring to the 'open diamond' or cradle frames ?

I have a photo of a 50000 odd numbered pre-war diamond frame which should be 1932 and it has a curved tube.

I know of a 1938 Model 19 and that has a straight tube diamond frame.

Post-war rigid cradle frames seem to have curved top tubes.

Not a lot of help, I'm afraid.

Title: Re: Norton Rigid Frame With Curved Top Tube
Post by: youngjohn on August 02, 2009, 09:06:10 PM

I've discovered the answer today - rigid cradle frames for ohv were curved, and for ohc were straight.