A Manxman

Here in the US, just what is in the pix would demand over $2000 if the numbers are correct. good frame, tank, seat, rear fender, correct engine with correct down draft head and mag.

You can probably get the rest without to much searching in England. Here in the US it would be much tougher and take longer to find.

To me however a manxman is not worth any more and more likely less than a nice 650SS.

The model 7 stuff would be of more interest to me.

You have got a RED seat.........Anna will be delighted ........ and then tell you how hard it will be to get hold of the correct exhausts and silencers, unless you have them specially made. The fork and wheel parts, high bars, controls and cables plus most fittings are all available as new bits.

HiI have the opportunity to acquire an Manxman, as you can see from the photo it is not assembled, according to the vendor it ran before being partially disassembled for storage but I find that questionable ... been there, been shafted already. The bike comes with an accompanying assortment of bits (engine/ plunger frame and other parts) of a Model 7 of which I have no interest so I'll have to deal with those. From what I've read the Manxman is basically a 650SS dressed up differently. My question is are there Manxman parts I simply won't be able to find? I'm a bit hesitant as I'm in the midst of a 99 restoration and really need another project.... but I hate to pass on an opportunity, there aren't many around.

Well its not the Manxman dressed up diffrent its the 650SS that dressed down with more common parts from the models 99 and 88, where the manxman had its own parts and a parts manual , the Manxman rides that bit better than the 650ss and thats not me saying this , its other owners , and if you got chance to buy one like this gab it with both hands there rare only some 560 built, there were more 99ss and 88SS ran even longer 1961to66 there all very nice motorcycles even the 650ss if I had the cash I buy them all the dominator range, even a Altas , yours Anna J

Bruce. I take it there is more than shown in the picture, given that it was running before being dismantled? As Phil said, the original exhausts appear to be the difficult parts to source, hens teeth being much easier to find..... 650SS items should fit, but will shout out as being wrong. If it is complete and fairly priced I would grab it. A nicer bike to ride that the 99, imo; waaay more grunt.

An incoming from Anna will no doubt be arriving shortly!

Oh, they crossed in the ether; she has already arrived!

You have got a RED seat.........Anna will be delighted ........ and then tell you how hard it will be to get hold of the correct exhausts and silencers, unless you have them specially made. The fork and wheel parts, high bars, controls and cables plus most fittings are all available as new bits.

well all you need is the tank to go with it then , the Manxman seat is more forward then the 650SS , yours anna J have fun

Bruce

Your tank is correct. The seat pan is identical to early atlas except the seat mounts are moved to the rear about 1-1/2" to close up the gap with the tank . I compared to my friends manxman so I can make my atlas seat fit with a small tank like the early 88SS. Seems when 61 manxman quit production the 62 88SS consumed the same small tanks. That required the seat mount hole in the fender to move also. I will just make a longer seat tab to compensate since mine is really an atlas fender and I'm not moving the fender hole.

My friends manxman exhaust looks more like an atlas one. I'll check them out again .

Send message if you need more help. I'm just south of you.... north of Boston Mass.

Dave

Many commando, 4 featherbeds, 2 gardengate (M7)

My records show that when the production of the Mark 1 Manxman ended around October 1961. The Mark 2 Manxman was given the standard Slimline tank as worn by the 99, 650SS, DeLuxe models , etc. Production of the Atlas Mark 1 (export only) seemed to absorb all the small rounded tanks from then on. This model only had a short run into 1963 when the Mark 2 Atlas arrived. See Atlas Mark 1 attachment.

The Original Mark 1 Manxman (& the first UK 650s) had exhaust pipes that swept forward and down and then curved in slightly towards the frame tubes to help them run much closer to the timing cover and primary case. This is why the rear brake arm had to be moved to an upright postion to clear the special fatter Manxman silencers. See attachment which is titled Atlas but is more likely to be a 650 Manxman.

The later Mark 2 exhausts were simpler with a straightforward downward curve. This made them stand away from the timing and primary covers and which in turn caused issues with both the brake lever and kickstart fouling the pipes.

The photo of the pipes and silencers is not clear enough to show if they are original Manxman items.

Both bikes in the Anna Margaret and Boby Rydell photo seem to have a container under the front of the petrol tank. Any idea as to what that was?

Previously Phil Hannam wrote:

My records show that when the production of the Mark 1 Manxman ended around October 1962.

THe NOC models shows the manxman as 60-61? I am surprised to see that this manxman series is now reported as running thru the Oct 62 which I'd assume to be almost the beginning of the 63 models. Do you have a approximate VIN#. My possibly poor reference shows 104XXX being the end of 62 production.

I can't say I've seen Manxman # run over even 100xxx. But I'm not making any claims here... I also have not "yet" seen a big tank manxman here in the USA..

Hello Anna What's the vin for your American reimport manxman? Do records show it to be genuine?

Thanks all for my education. I tend to be more mechanical oriented and less color... trim... model correctness centered.

Dave

Added:

based on the seat, if properly mounted on the frame, and the vin, it might then turn out to be a MKII manxman that has been retrofitted with the small tank.???

David.....Brain failure....you are quite correct. Mark 1 Manxman run is from 1960 to late 61. I will amend posting asap. Anna will be getting the knives out ready for sharpening.

My own Manxman engine is shop number 430 and dated as an April 1961 build.

Both bikes in the Anna Margaret and Boby Rydell photo seem to have a container under the front of the petrol tank. Any idea as to what that was?

Well the film Bye bye birdy was shot in Califorina and these tanks under the main fuel tank are a type of exhust filter for the clean air act , the film was a B rated musical

Anna Margart owned a number of motorcycles she still owners her Norton Manxman witch its kept comany by and 61 Bonnie and 1959 Harley Davidson electra glide and a Moto-Guzzi V7 1962 model and a 1966 triumph adventura 500 off road bike she can ride motorcycle very well ,

Previously Phil Hannam wrote:

My records show that when the production of the Mark 1 Manxman ended around October 1962.

THe NOC models shows the manxman as 60-61? I am surprised to see that this manxman series is now reported as running thru the Oct 62 which I'd assume to be almost the beginning of the 63 models. Do you have a approximate VIN#. My possibly poor reference shows 104XXX being the end of 62 production.

I can't say I've seen Manxman # run over even 100xxx. But I'm not making any claims here... I also have not "yet" seen a big tank manxman here in the USA..

Hello Anna What's the vin for your American reimport manxman? Do records show it to be genuine?

Thanks all for my education. I tend to be more mechanical oriented and less color... trim... model correctness centered.

Dave

Added:

based on the seat, if properly mounted on the frame, and the vin, it might then turn out to be a MKII manxman that has been retrofitted with the small tank.???

Hello My machine is 100% real manxman and a early one at that , its stamp marked 65C has its has some custom parts added from new, bulit dec 1960 export date 13th jan has stated by the Factor records, and hear is a phone sent to me of My Manxman from the NEC 2012 Footman James Classic motorcycle show Norton owners stand , Ps this machine has been refubished and resprayed and polished by my fair hands including rebuilding of its wheels, and gearbox/ clutch /engine/carburettor, and sorting out of this cylinder head it was in a bit of a state, its now in very good order, with hand made bronze valve guides recut valve seats to match, its on standard BHB pistons with modified piston rings, hand made, Has you cannot get BHB rings,

David.....Brain failure....you are quite correct. Mark 1 Manxman run is from 1960 to late 61. I will amend posting asap. Anna will be getting the knives out ready for sharpening.

My own Manxman engine is shop number 430 and dated as an April 1961 build.

hello People well lets get it right first Batch of 330, Shipped Jan 13th 1961 landed in New Jersey By the 21th Jan1961,witch these were distributed to dealers , in February there where 3 showen in the New york motorcycle show . there very nice motorcycles to own and ride like All Norton's Crafted in Bracebidge Street workshops, So shop nuber 430 would of been the second batch last batch sent at the end of july 1961, landed in New Jersey by August of that year, the First ever Norton Manxman to be built was Number 18-93601 shop number 7 second Norton Manxman too be build was Number 18-93602 shop number -1 the Shop numbers do not run in order has Machines were pulled off and back on the assembly line the last batch did have some with black seat covers I do have all the Data for the Norton Manxman 650 and the part manual too Ps I have discounted the speical Built Police Models Has these had the big tank and a solo seat police radio and horns and leg shealds , And the 29 Plumbstead built ones has these do nothing like the Norton Manxman first batch. and do not have any of the parts like the first manxmans yours Anna j

Bruce

Your tank is correct. The seat pan is identical to early atlas except the seat mounts are moved to the rear about 1-1/2" to close up the gap with the tank . I compared to my friends manxman so I can make my atlas seat fit with a small tank like the early 88SS. Seems when 61 manxman quit production the 62 88SS consumed the same small tanks. That required the seat mount hole in the fender to move also. I will just make a longer seat tab to compensate since mine is really an atlas fender and I'm not moving the fender hole.

My friends manxman exhaust looks more like an atlas one. I'll check them out again .

Send message if you need more help. I'm just south of you.... north of Boston Mass.

Dave

Many commando, 4 featherbeds, 2 gardengate (M7)

Hello Dave thank you for your information its all very interesting stuff we are of need of valuable information like this from the Norton Owners Of the USA, Has not all was recoreded in the Factory records , Yours anna j Dixon Norton motors Bracebridge street Reseach

David.....Brain failure....you are quite correct. Mark 1 Manxman run is from 1960 to late 61. I will amend posting asap. Anna will be getting the knives out ready for sharpening.

My own Manxman engine is shop number 430 and dated as an April 1961 build.

Phil by now there very sharp were do you want me to start cutting first, yours Anna J

My records show that when the production of the Mark 1 Manxman ended around October 1961. The Mark 2 Manxman was given the standard Slimline tank as worn by the 99, 650SS, DeLuxe models , etc. Production of the Atlas Mark 1 (export only) seemed to absorb all the small rounded tanks from then on. This model only had a short run into 1963 when the Mark 2 Atlas arrived. See Atlas Mark 1 attachment.

The Original Mark 1 Manxman (& the first UK 650s) had exhaust pipes that swept forward and down and then curved in slightly towards the frame tubes to help them run much closer to the timing cover and primary case. This is why the rear brake arm had to be moved to an upright postion to clear the special fatter Manxman silencers. See attachment which is titled Atlas but is more likely to be a 650 Manxman.

The later Mark 2 exhausts were simpler with a straightforward downward curve. This made them stand away from the timing and primary covers and which in turn caused issues with both the brake lever and kickstart fouling the pipes.

The photo of the pipes and silencers is not clear enough to show if they are original Manxman items.

poster from 1961 of the Norton Manxman

Dave said

"based on the seat, if properly mounted on the frame, and the vin, it might then turn out to be a MKII manxman that has been retrofitted with the small tank.???"

Bruce

I just rescanned the article in RH330 and based on your VIN it_ IS_ likely a MKII manxman. With the shiney paint and all, the small tank is probably a swap out and would account for the "normal" position red seat.

Restored to the big tank MKII manxman condition would make for an interesting place holder in the Norton lineage.

good luck

Thanks Phil,Anna for the helpful info and pix

Previously Bruce Mitchell wrote:

Some great information here, thanks folks it makes my decision easier. I will buy the bike if the vendor and I can agree on price. I'll likely part out what there is of the Model 7. The numbers match on the Manxman, and they are both 100123. I sent an email to the dating officer, no reply yet, so I don't yet know which year.

The bike has been in storage since 1984.

Cheers, Bruce

Well good for you it will make a nice Norton to ride and Own if you need any more iformation on these motorcycle you always know where we are, ,yours Anna J Dixon

Some great information here, thanks folks it makes my decision easier. I will buy the bike if the vendor and I can agree on price. I'll likely part out what there is of the Model 7. The numbers match on the Manxman, and they are both 100123. I sent an email to the dating officer, no reply yet, so I don't yet know which year.

The bike has been in storage since 1984.

Cheers, Bruce

Well its a june 1961 build last batch sent just before the 650ss the Manxman motorcycle styling was based on a fast layed back crusier with grunt, and Glam to match the 8 inch bars are just nice you can Cruise nicely at 80mph all day on a long road or Motorway and you get off the bike with No aches and pains yes there dream to ride roadholding impecable thee is a dealer in te South of england thats got a Norton Manxman up for sale he has never ridden one before he has ridden many british Motorcycle, But he fell in love with the Norton Manxman 650 if its dose not sell he's to that bothered he says he keep it , in his private collection , he says its a fantastic bike too ride, I am luck to own it, yours Anna J

Previously Phil Hannam wrote:

David.....Brain failure....you are quite correct. Mark 1 Manxman run is from 1960 to late 61. I will amend posting asap. Anna will be getting the knives out ready for sharpening.

My own Manxman engine is shop number 430 and dated as an April 1961 build.

Hello again Phil - Do you have any idea why (and who) they gave it the name Manxman? As a teenager I well remember standing at the floating jetty near the Pierhead in Liverpool watching whilst my Dommie was lifted in a batch of four, by a crane, on to the deck of a rusty old tub that had just been saved from the scrapheap, to send ever more people to the TT Races. I well recall the name of that old tub beacause occasionally we used to go on it for a Sunday treat to visit Llandudno. It was called "The Manxman'. I also remember the swish new RORO ferry that came in to service the route 'The Manxmaid' and I expect she'll be leaping into print directly. Unfortunate choice by Norton.........Cheers Howard

Most reference books mention Joe Berliner as being responsible for the choice of name for this model. Why Manxman I am not too sure? Perhaps he wanted a connection with the TT races. He certainly promoted the bike vigorously with big potential performance claims in his adverts.

The choice of name must have been a very late 1959 or early 1960 decision as none of the 650 parts drawing I have dated pre-1960 mention the word Manxman. Just 650 Standard, 650 .Deluxe & 650SS.

Perhaps the Manxmaid can add some more info.

Previously Phil Hannam wrote:

Most reference books mention Joe Berliner as being responsible for the choice of name for this model. Why Manxman I am not too sure? Perhaps he wanted a connection with the TT races. He certainly promoted the bike vigorously with big potential performance claims in his adverts.

The choice of name must have been a very late 1959 or early 1960 decision as none of the 650 parts drawing I have dated pre-1960 mention the word Manxman. Just 650 Standard, 650 .Deluxe & 650SS.

Perhaps the Manxmaid can add some more info.

Indeed she may Phil ? I don't think a Norton Dominator Berliner would work either. If my memory serves me correctly, a Berliner is not a person from Berlin as one may assume. It is in fact a large type of do-nut filled with a vanilla custard or some such delicacy. Absolutely scrumptous when fresh but a soggy floppy lump when stale. Hmmmm ? That's got me thinking............ She'll bite soon.....H

Previously Phil Hannam wrote:

David.....Brain failure....you are quite correct. Mark 1 Manxman run is from 1960 to late 61. I will amend posting asap. Anna will be getting the knives out ready for sharpening.

My own Manxman engine is shop number 430 and dated as an April 1961 build.

Hello again Phil - Do you have any idea why (and who) they gave it the name Manxman? As a teenager I well remember standing at the floating jetty near the Pierhead in Liverpool watching whilst my Dommie was lifted in a batch of four, by a crane, on to the deck of a rusty old tub that had just been saved from the scrapheap, to send ever more people to the TT Races. I well recall the name of that old tub beacause occasionally we used to go on it for a Sunday treat to visit Llandudno. It was called "The Manxman'. I also remember the swish new RORO ferry that came in to service the route 'The Manxmaid' and I expect she'll be leaping into print directly. Unfortunate choice by Norton.........Cheers Howard

hello well i buy it , that rusty old tub you refurr to was in her hey day one of the fastest ferrys out of Liverpool and was driven buy twin parsons steam turbines which I services last in the late 1970s she was taken the tyne dock for preservation but thieves broke in a set fire to it she sank in the dry dock and later cut up for scrap, sad realy she had a lovely sleek line and she was the pride of the fleet in her hey days there is something about steam turbines I just love, in a way she was like the norton named the same the Manxman they both had sleek lines too them and the Norton Manxman did stand up too its name has in racing form it can out perform the Manx , and did so on many acations and won many races But Joe Berline and his brother and J.B Sachs the stylist designer of this machine who was stylist designer for Ducati's too , was so designed to celerbrate the new dealings with Norton and the USA export market, So a eye catching Stylish Motorcycle was Need to kick things of with , thats where the 650cc Norton Manxman came in with a redesigned and improved engine and restyled parts and more extra parts fitted has Standard and More Chome to better paint work and more Colourful in both the countrys colours Red Blue and Chrome And with its very own exhaust system to match the machnie, they were a limted number built, and now less than 50 have turn up to date, and thats world wide, I do have all the Numbers, but what a machine Norton Built one of there very best, So today we all need to perserve has many has we can has these motorcycles will not be built ever again , and that goes for all Bracebridge Street Models, some of the best were built in the dieing days of Bracebridge Street 1961 to 1963, the most rarest was the 650 Standard and De-lux models has not many of these got to see the home country , has most where exported to the iron curtain countrys

So then we can deduce that any of the Bracebridge street built Norton Motorcycles will be a good investment, for the future, So get your cash out and get buying and get your spanners out and get restoring Bracebridge street Nortons and put them back to there glory days with there nice two tone spirt of the 60s glam colours Has NOT all Nortons were painted In Black and Sliver,,,,,,,,, So brighten up your day, and look on the bright side of life, yours Anna J

Well I made an offer, it was accepted. The Manxman is mine. Now the work begins....

Previously Bruce Mitchell wrote:

Previously anna jeannette Dixon wrote:

Previously Bruce Mitchell wrote:

Well I made an offer, it was accepted. The Manxman is mine. Now the work begins....

Well you have the colour polychromatic blue Nearest we got was Lotus pacific blue met And Welcome to The Norton Manxman Register we need the frame and engine number send this too my email addressannajeannette@btinternet.com if you need any help feel free too email me any time , yours anna j dixon

Numbers sent Anna.

Bruce

Hello yes now received and recorded and have fun rebuilding it all but take your time any more help you know where were all are .yours anna j

You bike might be a Manxman Mk 2 dressed up as a Mk 1. Depends on the engine and frame numbers. Quite a few 650SS Nortons were painted Blue and exported to Europe as Manxman Mk 2s. But not with Red seats.

Attachment shows brochure for late 62 early 63 range sent to the US.

The machine dates from 24th October 1961 and was shipped to a dealer in Montreal, Canada. Engine number 100123, frame 18100123.

This is from the NOC records

First TWO 650 SS

100099 18SS 5.10 61 - exported to Hamburg

100100 18SS 5.10.61 - dispached to Hooleys of Nottingham

..........Both machines were in blue !!!!

Your numbers are so close to these I would suggest that it is a genuine 650SS. But note the colour.

My own first 650 SS had engine number 100174.

Have you contacted the Club Librarian about your bike?

He may have other records.

My 650 engine 100213 is 650C 793

Previously David Comeau wrote:

My 650 engine 100213 is 650C 793

Interesting... I have an earlier engine stamped 650SS and both look like Manxmen. What the heck do I have? A Manxman or SS? LOL.

Previously Phil Hannam wrote:

The machine dates from 24th October 1961 and was shipped to a dealer in Montreal, Canada. Engine number 100123, frame 18100123.

This is from the NOC records

First TWO 650 SS

100099 18SS 5.10 61 - exported to Hamburg

100100 18SS 5.10.61 - dispached to Hooleys of Nottingham

..........Both machines were in blue !!!!

Your numbers are so close to these I would suggest that it is a genuine 650SS. But note the colour.

My own first 650 SS had engine number 100174.

Have you contacted the Club Librarian about your bike?

He may have other records.

Interesting. The Dating Officer told me "These machines were never listed as the exact model of a Manxman they were only listed as an 18 which is the code for a 650" .

The club librarian..., would that be Peter White?

Previously anna jeannette Dixon wrote:

Previously Bruce Mitchell wrote:

Previously Phil Hannam wrote:

The machine dates from 24th October 1961 and was shipped to a dealer in Montreal, Canada. Engine number 100123, frame 18100123.

This is from the NOC records

First TWO 650 SS

100099 18SS 5.10 61 - exported to Hamburg

100100 18SS 5.10.61 - dispached to Hooleys of Nottingham

..........Both machines were in blue !!!!

Your numbers are so close to these I would suggest that it is a genuine 650SS. But note the colour.

My own first 650 SS had engine number 100174.

Have you contacted the Club Librarian about your bike?

He may have other records.

Interesting. The Dating Officer told me "These machines were never listed as the exact model of a Manxman they were only listed as an 18 which is the code for a 650" .

The club librarian..., would that be Peter White?

Now the Club Librarian is Christ Streather email library@nortonownersclub.org yours Anna J

Previously david_evans wrote:

Both bikes in the Anna Margaret and Boby Rydell photo seem to have a container under the front of the petrol tank. Any idea as to what that was?

I bet it is an optional extra fuel tank.

Previously Jonathan Soons wrote:

Previously david_evans wrote:

Both bikes in the Anna Margaret and Boby Rydell photo seem to have a container under the front of the petrol tank. Any idea as to what that was?

I bet it is an optional extra fuel tank.

......

wonder if its a water injection tank.

Previously Jonathan Soons wrote:

Previously david_evans wrote:

Both bikes in the Anna Margaret and Boby Rydell photo seem to have a container under the front of the petrol tank. Any idea as to what that was?

I bet it is an optional extra fuel tank.

......

wonder if its a water injection tank.

Looks very much like an IED to me, which would have indirectly helped to control emissions - by destroying said machine......Fast Cruiser indeed ? only if you calculate the average speed on a Manxman by deducting the time taken for the very frequent fuel stops. Should we now have a separate Message title for Manxman - then Dominator 88. 99 and 650SS people wouldn't have to read such garbage ?....Howard

Previously howard_robinson wrote:

Looks very much like an IED to me, which would have indirectly help to control emissions - by destroying 8said machine......Fast Cruiser indeed ? only if you calculate the average speed on a Manxman by detucting the time taken for the very frequent fuel stops. Should we now have a separate Message title for Manxman - then Dominator 88. 99 and 650SS people wouldn't have to read such garbage ?....Howard

Hello now witch part is garbage the bit were you put we should have separate messages ,and how would you know about the Norton Manxman if you not ridden one there just has fast has the 650ss if not faster and they did win many races in there day just because it got 8inch high bars dose not retract any speed for the machinewell you would not know this having not ridden one, and if you do not like them you do not have to read the threads the only garbage is what you put in your thread and for you information theManxman 650 will do 140 miles to a tank full there should afuel station with in this distance , I love the machine has its a bit different too the rest , now safe riding have fun yours anna j ladyNorton Manxman 650 owner

Previously anna jeannette Dixon wrote:

Previously howard_robinson wrote:

Looks very much like an IED to me, which would have indirectly help to control emissions - by destroying 8said machine......Fast Cruiser indeed ? only if you calculate the average speed on a Manxman by detucting the time taken for the very frequent fuel stops. Should we now have a separate Message title for Manxman - then Dominator 88. 99 and 650SS people wouldn't have to read such garbage ?....Howard

Hello now witch part is garbage the bit were you put we should have separate messages ,and how would you know about the Norton Manxman if you not ridden one there just has fast has the 650ss if not faster and they did win many races in there day just because it got 8inch high bars dose not retract any speed for the machinewell you would not know this having not ridden one, and if you do not like them you do not have to read the threads the only garbage is what you put in your thread and for you information theManxman 650 will do 140 miles to a tank full there should afuel station with in this distance , I love the machine has its a bit different too the rest , now safe riding have fun yours anna j ladyNorton Manxman 650 owner

Dear Manx Maid, You clearly have no concept of drag which is more commonly known as air resistance. When I say 'garbage' it mostly refers to the inane statements you make on the message boards. I realise that you probably have good intentions but a lot of what you write is just your opinions and not based on any scientific fact. The definition of 'garbage' for your future reference is as follows; in general - worthless, useless or unwanted matter ; and in computing circles -invalid data . Please think before you write. Ride carefully, Howard