Model 50

Previously roger_ridley wrote:

I am looking round for a Model 50 so any advice regarding possible "pit falls" and where I can pick one up for under £4000 would be appreciated. Abike which is sound mechanicaly but possibly needs work on the cosmetics would be considered.

The model 50 is a lightweight single. A 350 cc. one.

Hmmmm a "lightweight single" you say Hans. Well mine is certainly a single but frankly it is no lightweight. It is just about as heavy as an ES2 and my Dominator.

As a bike Roger I have to say it is brilliant. It starts first kick, is reliable and after 83000 miles since its last restoration in 1976 it is still a lovely looking machine. Opinions vary about which version to have, but mine is a Wideline model with alternator and distributor.

Remember it is a full weight smallish capacity bike and it will not smoke the tyres or cruise at high speeds, BUT it is a delight to ride. Would I sell it? Most certainly not, it is a bike with great sentimental value and just a joy to ride.

This board will not allow me to post pictures as it only has a low mbyte limit, however my bike has been shownhas beenon view here on this very NOC website for many years. Click on the Models tab on the left hand side of this page, then click on OHV Singles and scroll down until you find the picture of the 1959Forest Green Wideline Model 50, with the SMW90 plate. That is mine.

I hope you find a good one. They are about and currently a number of classic bike dealers have them. Parts are reasonably easy to obtain, particularly for the Wideline cycle parts, and gearbox......Norvil etc etc.

Hi Michael,

I also own a 1959 Norton M50 wideline with alternator and distributor. I meant it as lightweight due the small cylinder capacity: just 350 cc., and not as the weight of the machine.

....and also, you have posted this thread under heavy twins, not singles! Our webmaster may move it...

Model 50's go through girder rigids, tele rigids, tele plungers, tele swinging arm, wideline featherbed to slimline featherbed. Give us a clue which era you are looking at!

Previously michael_jobson wrote:

This board will not allow me to post pictures as it only has a low mbyte limit,

All my photos start out at 2MB. I go to pixlr.com and it takes me seconds to reduce the size to 500kB (it can be a lot smaller and still look good). The web site lets you find the photo on your desktop (or wherever), open it and modify it then resave it. I like the "autofix" feature.

Hi Roger

There is some info here on the Model 50. It was stopped in 1939 before the war and not re-introduced untill 1955 when it had swinging arm and tele forks, so unlike the 500's skipped a couple of the setups Ian has mentioned.

The 500's (Model 18 and ES2) Where made for longer with a bigger variation on the models, and may be easier to find one for sale. Depends what you are looking for in the bike. Any more clues?

Andy

I am looking round for a Model 50 so any advice regarding possible "pit falls" and where I can pick one up for under £4000 would be appreciated. Abike which is sound mechanicaly but possibly needs work on the cosmetics would be considered.

But what about the case of a heavy twin which is only running on one cylinder?

Meanwhile, Model 50 or ES2? Both have their merits. There are occasions where a 350 single is an absolute delight (in my case a B31) but on others the greater capacity of a 500 (in my case an MSS) brings an even bigger grin. Horses for courses.

But what about the case of a heavy twin which is only running on one cylinder?

Meanwhile, Model 50 or ES2? Both have their merits. There are occasions where a 350 single is an absolute delight (in my case a B31) but on others the greater capacity of a 500 (in my case an MSS) brings an even bigger grin. Horses for courses.