Model 18 purchase

Only you can decide if that bike is worth the price. But I would expect it to near problem free for that price.

Once properly fettled with a decent carb, rebuilt mag, and working clutch Norton big singles are great to live with.

For sure there is the limitations of the period forks brakes lights etc, but get it as good as was back in the day and I am sure you will love it.

I have a Model 19 rigid and I can honestly say that out of my five bikes it is my favourite. Tony Williams has a girder rigid ES2 and we are out on them all time. We have hardly looked at our Commandos for the last few years.

At 50/55 mph you can still cover some big distances, that big single engine sounds nice and relaxed thumping away underneath you, they climb hills with no problem, look as if God designed them, and in my humble opinion are what biking all about.

The only downside with them is that in general use you can never park or stop without somebody wanting to talk to you about them

Looks a nice bike and doesn't seem to bad a price either. I've got a rigid-girder international. It rides as well as any tele bike I've ridden and the handling is incredible for a bike of that age.

I also have a '50 ES2 which is tele-plunger but has a very simillar engine to the one you are looking at. I've never riden it as I bought it as a project and it is still a fair way from completion, but the engines seem pretty robust and parts aren't to hard to find for them. Generally a nice engine to work on if you have to.

If you look closely I think you see the frame is made for a rear stand. You can fit centre stands to these frames. I did on my inter even though its meant to have a rear stand. No reason why you couldn't return it to its orional spec if you found a rear stand.

A proper Altette horn would just add that finishing touch. There is nothing like a well set up single for a great day's motorcycling - best of luck!

Hi everyone, I am new to the club, noNorton yet but have my eye on the 18 at venture classics, just want any Norton with girders preferably in good condition, the 18 at venture classics is a 1946 & has a fish tail rear exhaust which I don't think they had originally (any thoughts) but i do like the look, what are they like to live with?

regards

Paul

Register after the war so do your research before buying any old machine , Yours Anna J

Never heard anyone accuse any Norton single of 'whispering along' before. Personally I like the bang bang bang. The engine number starts with A3. This is correct for a 1946 model 18.