Manufactured 1921-1954
The 'H' denotes that it was the 'Home' model, as distinct from the 'Colonial' Model which had a different frame and fork, and higher ground clearance for use on the typically rougher roads found in places such as Southern Africa and Australia. The early side-valve models achieved several sporting successes, but when Norton began campaigning the OHV Model 18 in competition the 16H was relegated to the role of sports tourer.
When the 16H was launched following the Great War, it featured a three-speed, hand-change, Sturmey-Archer gearbox and a Brown & Barlow carburettor. Druid forks provided front suspension and acetylene lighting supplied the candlepower. It changed little bar the introduction of electric lighting until 1929 when a saddle tank was introduced.
The 1925 16H had an expanding internal brake drum at the front and dummy belt rim rear brake. The Enfield rear brake incorporated a patented shock absorbing device for the rear sprocket.
From the 1928 Catalogue:
Photo by Kerrie Claffey
The Norton 16H was first presented to the military in 1932 and was found to be a suitable solution to an ever growing need for suitable motorcycles. Norton designers began working with the War Office on a range of modifications and having secured a military order the WD16H (War Department 16H) went on to become one of the most popular bikes used by Dispatch Riders during the war.
Selected due to their cheap production costs, economical petrol usage and easy repair, over 100.000 of the WD version of the 16H were manufactured before and during WW2. The BSA and Matchless were very similar and also incredibly popular.
Pre-war the colour of the paint work depended on the branch of the services the machine belonged to, dark blue for the Navy, light blue for the RAF and khaki green for the Army, however, in 1939 all motorcycles became identically produced as the Army bikes regardless of which service they belonged to. Some motorcycles were also painted sand coloured to camouflage them in the desert for use in North Africa.
An inset on the plague reads: "John (Jack) Elgie, Bletchley Park. Dispatch Rider with the Royal Corps of Signals."
Sources: NZ Classic Motorcycles, 1928 Norton catalogue.
