Norton electric starter conversion kit from Alton, via The Classic Bike Experience. 

Norton specialist The Classic Bike Experience (CBE) in Essex, Vt., is now carrying electric starter conversion kits for pre-MkIII Norton Commandos. The kit is made by Alton in France, who are well-known for their alternator upgrades for Vincents, Velocettes and other British bikes, and includes a new inner primary cover, alternator, starter, wiring and solenoid. A battery upgrade is typically required. Owners can install the kit themselves (estimated time is three hours) or have it done by CBE. $2,150 (est.).

Here are some shots of Mother Norton, a ten-year project I finished this August, just in time for my 65th birthday!  

I bought it from behind a tool shed for $500 – just as it was getting ready to settle its basic elements back out into the earth. But despite the grime encrustation, ape-hangers, Harley back wheel, and pearl-white frame; the unexpected Marchand Equilux headlight gave it a glint in the eye and an air of possibility. 

There is no paint on the bike, unless you count the powdercoated frame. And the motor was blueprinted by my old friend T.C. "Hogslayer" Christenson (http://nortonhogslayer.com/). He ported it and installed a medium-lumpy Megacycle cam. I fitted an 18-inch back wheel and Avon Super Venoms, Al Miles uprated the front brake, and I bolted up a MAP Mikuni kit just because I am a little lazy. You know from the slightly rude exhaust note that this is a healthy 850.   

With 850 Atlas torque, Roadholders and Hagons, it is A BLAST on the Jemez Mountain Road here in Northern New Mexico. 

1960 Norton Dominator Model 99

Country: Great Britain
Engine: Air-cooled vertical twin 4-stroke
Ignition: Battery and coil
Power Rating: 34bhp @ 6,500rpm
Bore x Stroke: 68 x 82mm
Displacement: 596cc
Valves: Overhead, pushrod activated
Fuel System: Twin Amal 1-1/16-inch Monobloc carburetors
Transmission: 4-speed
Suspension: Front Norton Roadholder telescopic forks, rear twin shock
Brakes: Front and rear drum
Weight: 395lb.
Top speed: 106mph

To make their products more attractive, Norton supplemented their traditional silver and black color schemes with some daring new colors. This "99" is finished in "Post Office red and Dove gray," with optional chrome fenders.

Twin carburetors, as on this machine and 9 to 1 high-compression pistons were optional equipment to increase performance. The Model 99 was reguarded as to be the best combination of power and smootness of the pre-Commando Norton twins.

1936 Norton Manx Early Factory Racer

Norton'a impressive reputation was founded on its considerable success on the race track. The firs engine to carry Norton's own name, a single-cylinder design, was produced in 1908. The company went on to develop a wide variety of singles - from racers to touring bikes to simple workhorse machines.

The model shown here is a 500cc 1936 Norton International, Borro Castellani's race bike. It has been documented and authenticated by both Castellanis himeself and his mechanic, Cranely Jarmin. This motorcycle has seen numerous victories, including the DJ (Durban to Johannesburg) as well as TT history. At the National Motorcycle Museum in Anamosa, Iowa, the bike is accompanied by a folder with many pictures and articles provided by Castellani.

The International was introduced into Norton's line of single-cylinder machines in 1932 and used the improved OHC engine that had been redesigned by Arthur Carroll in 1930. A sports model intended as a fast road bike or a competitive mount for the amateur racer, it was available in 350cc or 500cc models. Lights were not included in the list price, but the otherwise impressive equipment included an Amal TT carburetor, Webb competition girder forks and a 4-speed gearbox.