Racing Inter rims

What year did they start offering alloy rims on the inter?

Hi.

Although not officially listed in the part book or sales brochure, Nortons started supplying 'production' (as opposed to 'works' mentioned by Roger) Manx models with flanged alloy rims in 1948 so it is possible that they would have been available as an option for Internationals around then. My own Manx has what I believe to be its original rims which, incidentally, have no manufacturer's marks on them, and I also have a photo of the bike ~3 weeks old at the TT with the alloy rims fitted. As it had already done the Leinster 200 I can't see it being a change made by its owner in such a short space of time. Also, a look through 'The Keig Collection Vol 4' shows the all the 48 spec production bikes fitted with them, the 47 spec bikes having un-flanged, black painted, presumably steel rims fitted. I say 'presumably' because Nortons used to paint some of their alloy rims black on the works models. Another little point of interest is that each rim was fitted with 2 tyre security bolts!

Hope this helps.

Ian.

I think that pre war standard Inters had chrome rims [Dunlop or Jones] with black center sections pinstriped with red, whilst competition bikes had fully painted high tensile steel rims without any chrome as high tensile steel should not be plated if to remain high tensile and safe.