Description
Ex-Ron Lewis 500cc OHV Norton B3T Trials bike. This is an extremely rare machine, with only just three known to survive.
With current V5 and the old buff logbook.
Supplied by Harold Daniell 17/ 4/ 47, see Norton OC factory record.
More pictures can be supplied.
See it running in this YouTube video
More details about this rare model can be found on the NOC website .
Selling on behalf of the family. £8, 750 (Kent)The late Ron Lewis was a well-respected engineer and tuner in Norton circles.
From the Norton Owner's Club Website:
350 / 500 TRIALS
For the never implemented range for 1940 Norton had intended to offer a single trials model with either 348 or 490 ohv engines. It was to be based on the rigid ES2 frame and it is surmised that the three ES2 machines used by the Army in the 1939 ISDT were prototypes. The 'works' bikes built during 1945 followed this approach, had a short wheelbase rigid cradle frame, International type rear tank lug, Inter girder forks, WD adjustable handlebar clamps, WD rubber bump stops, some had the Manx 8" cone front brake and 21 x 3 and 18 x 4 inch Universal tyres. The petrol tank held just over 2 gallons and the engine was based on the standard Model 18 motor, but was fitted with an alloy Inter barrel and the alloy head developed for the 1938/ 39 bikes. Ignition was by either BTH or Lucas racing magnetos. A high level exhaust system with a 1937 type silencer was fitted. The gearbox had wide ratios and a folding kickstarter. The 350 used an 18 tooth engine sprocket, whilst the 500 had a 20 tooth sprocket. Racing clutch and brake levers, reinforced steel mudguards, short footrest hangers with the tubular footrests adopted from the WD machines completed the ensemble. The 350 utilised the 500 crankcase, but mainshafts were 25mm dia. as prewar.
For the 1947 season these bikes were fitted with teles and the frame was extensively modified. The front down tube was shortened by 1. 5" and some curious bends incorporated in the front down tube and tank rail to provide a more upright steering head.
At present six bikes are known to survive, the Billy Matthew's D30T in Canada, three 500s (1 No. A3T and 2No. B3T) and two 350 (Bl3T), one being Ted Breffitt's machine.
