1953 Norton 500t Factory Built Trials Motorcycle on 2040-motos

Norton 500T description

A 1953 production model 500T Norton. This bike is in very good, "oily rag" condition. This bike was used up to about 2008 in the UK for a yearly outing in a vintage trials environment. I bought this bike from my uncle and imported it into Canada with an aspiration to ride it occasionally in vintage trials. Sadly I do not have the time and the vintage competitions in Western Canada are aimed at 1980s Yamahas etc. I am not prepared to damage this historical bike on that type of section. I love to look at the bike as I consider this to be one of the best looking bikes ever built. It just looks right!

The bike is very original in the main. It even has a rust free interior to the fuel tank. It enjoys a patina of use and is not a show bike but meant to be ridden. The bike has had some improvements over the years and these are:- Folding footrests and smaller rear brake lever for usability. Smaller more tucked in "Sammy Miller" kick start. Amal monoblock carb for better fuelling. Special "one off" alloy chainguard, kickstart spring cover and oil bath mounting hardwear. 21" and 18" alloy rims to use modern trials tires, a new Mitas is fitted to the rear. Burgess silencer was a popular period mod as it has a cutout in the rear allowing the silencer to tuck in by a further inch. A 17 tooth engine sprocket is fitted but I will supply the standard 20 tooth one as well.

This bike starts first kick from cold so the magneto is strong and set up correctly. I will give a book of mine to show setup of the motor etc.

Original parts that indicate a 500T you can pick out in the photographs:- Straight gear lever. Curved back bottom yoke. Wader BTH magneto. Oil Tank with short neck

I imported a 1949 relica 500T at the same time. This bike I intend to rebuid and modify in my retirement. If the non original parts  on the 53 bother you I am willing to change out the footrests and kickstart  for the original type used on the replica. This replica was built in 1983 from mainly 500T components and a 16H frame and forks. I do not want to sell this bike but as stated may trade parts if originality is your goal. Personally I think the improvements are all for the better.  The speedometer I suspect is not original so the mileage is unknown. Condition is key and the engine sounds tight. Trials bikes rarely covered huge distances.

Twenty five 1954 models were built, these terminated the production run which between 1947 and 1953 had seen a total build of some 850 machines. It is thought that nearly 200 still survive. For further reading on this paste the following into your browser

www.nortonownersclub.org/history/1945-1954-trials

I will work with you to get the bike to a good home. Deposit of US $500.00 within 48 hours of auction close. Full payment required within 7 days of auction close. You may come and look at the bike by arrangement. No trades asked for or wanted. No complicated financial wrangling. Shipping and border clearances are up to you. I will supply a bill of sale, the Canadian registration document and the remainder of the UK registration documents that I used to import the bike