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o ignition key for 1952 Roadholder?

I am new to the biking scene. Following the funeral of my dearest friend Uli Helm I have just inherited his 1952 Norton 499cc Roadholder. We have no idea where the ignition key nor the documents. I have been told it may be this bike needs no ignition key? As it needs some maintenance before starting can anyone please advise is it the case it just kick starts without an ignition key? (Apparently this was the case with some bikes).

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A 1952 Norton should have a magneto which does not require an ignition key. Is it single or twin cylinder? If you state the engine number, we can tell you what model it is.

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'Roadholder' was the trademark name for the front forks. The machine model will be something else.

The singles were 490cc and the twins 497cc.

'Just kick starts' is probably rather glossing over the ritual necessary to fire up a sleeping sixty-five year old Norton...but yes, if it is magneto equipped as would be expected then there is nothing else electrical to worry about in order to get it running.

 


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