Norton 16H....?

Any help woul;d be much appreciated.....

Why don't you buy a 16H in really good condition? Then you will be able to ride it (if that's important) and spare parts won't be an issue for long while.

All the post-'32 girder rigid Nortons have the same low seat height; They're fine with my 32" inside leg, but probably not all-day comfortable if you're much taller.

A good 16H should be surprisingly smooth and feel fairly 'quick'.

As David says, engine parts are generally available. There isn't much to go wrong in the engine but if you need things like cams, then it's best if you enjoy autojumbling. They are out there though.

Any magneto that doesn't come with proof of a recent overhaul ought to be treated with suspicion.

The biggest problem with the 16H is just that there have been so many of them run into the ground over the years and many of those which come up for sale have been bodged together from autojumble leftovers. They will start and run but not much more. Add in the bikes re-imported from the Far and Middle East and I'd say a good number are not viable at any price.

I haven't seen any on eBay recently that I'd want...your best option is not to rush things and look around for one which an older owner has used a lot and decided to move on. Dealers in classics sadly don't seem to offer much in the way of warranties.

Do make sure that you choose one with clearly stamped and unaltered numbers. 16Hs have often been used as 'mules' by the number plate dealers.

I'd say that you have got to pay at least £5000 for a decent runner but £7000 sounds excesive for a WD bike. perhaps not for an earlier 1930s civilian model with a known history.

Hi Steven.

I have just had a look at 'the War Department' website and the 16H advertised. The only description is that it isin running condition! The engine might run but the fact there is no front brake cable or rear brake pedal means to methat it would need a lot of work to make it roadworthy. There are many other parts missing as well.

What part of the country are you in? Perhaps you should go along to a localNOC branch and see if any knowledgeable member could give you advice and possibly go along with you toview any16H you might think of buying.

I live in the north west if that helps and have owned my 16H for quite a while. They are good fun around town and A roads or smaller.

Nick

Have you looked at Andy Tiernan's? The Editor of a bike mag told me he was reputable; each bike is road tested and you can download reports. No experience myself just relaying some information.

I have re cently bought a Big 4 having had newer classics before. This model is not so very different to a 16H. It is hugely enjoyable, once you have overcome the peril of gear and brake pedals being reversed! Starting was a struggle to learn without someone there to advise; first attempt took me an hour and a half, now it can be first kick. basic servicing to date has been a doddle and it is all good fun. I've ridden a fair number of bikes and opening up the thumper is the most rewarding experience bar none. Good Luck!

Hi Steven

I've not long ago bought a 16H from Andy Tiernan and I'm having a great time on it.

I am 6'4" but still have fun on it.

I'm just doing the occasional jobs to keep it running but I haven't done any renovating as such , because I always want to be out on it.

If you can make it over to Peterborough some time you could try it for size maybe and see if it excites you??

Cheers