Production Years: 1922-1953[1]
490cc OHV, 79 x 100mm
A Twin-port version, the Model 20, was produced from 1930 to 1939 and apart from the dual exhaust was the same as the model 18 in all but minor detail.
J.L. Norton introduced his first OHV engine in 1922 using the same bore and stroke of the earlier SV incarnations including the 16H.
The new machines were tested at Brooklands where it established a 500cc world record, achieving 89.22 mph over a flying kilometre, before being fielded at the IOM races. Success was forthcoming when, in 1924, Alec Bennett won the Senior TT.
The 1923 catalogue offered the Model 18 which before long became very popular indeed. It appeared in the winners circle in no end of events including the gruelling Maudes Trophy, which Norton dominated from 1923 to 1926.
Initially the magneto was situated in front of the engine but was later moved to the rear. A four-speed CAV gearbox was fitted in 1925 and the chain drive moved to the right, allowing easier access for sidecar riders.
The top end featured well spaced finning on both the barrel and the comparively large cylinder head. The rockers were placed high on the head further enhancing cooling.
Saddle tanks were employed from the early 1930s along with better oil pumps, and the exhaust system was moved to the right side of the machine.
From the 1928 Catalogue:
Alberto Granada and his friend Ernesto "Che" Guevara began their eight-month journey across South America on a 500cc OHV Norton Model 18. A replica of their machine, "La Poderosa II" is exhibited in the Che Guevara museum in Alta Gracia, Argentina.
Prior to this, Ernesto rode a Micron more than 4000 kms throughout Argentina.
A film of Guevara's book "The Motorcycle Diaries" premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in Utah on January 15th, 2004. It received a standing ovation. It presents the story of the extraordinary journey which he and his friend Alberto Granado undertook. Reviled by the ignorant as a "lefty woke commo", Che Guevara is revealed in the movie as a deep and thoughtful soul.
Granado was invited to the Sundance premiere, but was refused an entry visa.
Notes
1. First appeared in the 1923 catalogue, which would have been issued in the latter half of 1922. It did not appear in the 1954 catalogue.
Sources: nortonownersclub.org, nzmuseums.co.nz
