Norman Cycles

The illustrations in this article are taken from the brochures of "Norman Cycles Limited" of Beaver Road, Ashford, Kent for the year 1940. This was in the days when England still had a great cycle industry.

 

I know very little of the firm other than I believe than the business that I now run, then in the hands of my father sold these machines in the early years of the second world war. The business then encompassed Estate Agency, Insurance Broking and the Motor Trade, the introduction of petrol rationing drastically reduced the number of cars on the road being used for pleasure purposes so to keep the motor trading side going through the hostilities cycles and indeed motor cycles were stocked and sold.

The "Norman" motobyk was promoted as "The Motobyk that is Built for Economy" and the literature of the time states that a petrol consumption of up to 150 miles per gallon could be achieved from the Villiers 98 cc engine, this had a bore and stroke of 50 x 50 mm with a countershaft clutch of the two plate type running in oil, ignition by flywheel magneto.

A maximum speed of up to 30 miles per hour was claimed. The frame was of a short wheel base design with Accles & Pollock best quality weldless steel tubing, the standard model at £20. 10s. 0d. had rigid cycle type front forks whereas the "de Luxe" at £22. 0s. 0d. was fitted with motor cycle type spring front forks. A speedometer if required cost an additional 19 shillings and 6 pence.

 

Villiers engined carrier motobyk

For the shopkeeper who still was in need of making local deliveries the "Carrier Motobyk" was offered for just £24. 0.s. 0d. This was similar to the standard model but with a 20 inch Dunlop wheel at the front, the rear being the same 26 inch as on the machines described above. Road Tax on these models was 17s/6d. per annum.

 

 

 

 

Norman Continental 4 speed Sturmey Archer £8. 15s. 0d.

 

 

The Norman "Imp" Girls cycle £4. 7s. 0d.

 

 

Prices Gents £4.13.6d. Ladies £4.15s.0d.

 

 

Small Wheel Carrier £8. 12s. 6d.
Basket 11/6d extra.