1969 Norton 650ss Mercury, matching 650cc last of the Featherbed Dommies

1969 Norton 650SS Slimline Featherbed “Mercury” 650cc.

Here is an interesting late Norton featherbed. the Mercury.

Towards the end of production at Plumstead this model was introduced possibly to use up surplus spares. In fact they hit accross a very nice specification for the Dommie. Basically this is a single carb version of the 650SS. slightly detuned and in general a much nicer more tractable. practical riders' bike. I suppose they didn't want to compete with the Commando which had just come out at this time. Sadly less than 1000 of these Mercurys were built so they remain a bit of a rarity!

This example is in really good general condition. It is not over restored or concours. just very clean & tidy.

It starts easily (points ignition)

The engine sounds good with crisp exhaust note and doesn't smoke. There is undoubtedly some typical Norton audible piston slap on a cold engine at low revs but it goes away when up to running temperature.

The bike is absolutely great to ride. It handles beautifully at high and low speed and can be turned around on a six pence! Gearbox and clutch are A1. in fact really really sweet!

Brakes are excellent with Twin Leading Shoe at the front. Both Smith's magnetic clock are are working well. (The rev counter was an optional extra for the Mercury)

Engine is free revving and oil tight with no sign of fin damage or other bad workmanship. This is a genuine matching numbers machine that appears to have been well looked after and probably not had too much use over the years.

It was first registered in 1970 so was probably sitting in a showroom for a while.

Date of reg is 18th September 1970. registration number is XAP 454J.

Frame number is 18 129381. Engine number is 18SS 129381. Gearbox number 129381

Cosmetically the bike is in lovely very tidy condition.

The paint on the frame is excellent quality stove enamel. as is the paint on the oil tank. tool box & petrol tank. The primary chaincase has a few marked and could probably do with repainting.

The wheels have been rebuilt with rechromed Jones front rim and new “rustless” type spokes. The rear has a rechromed Dunlop rim with new rustless spokes also.

Seat is like new. exhaust is just off as new. Tyres are new. Good centre stand.

This is a superb genuine. matching example of the last of the featherbed Nortons to be made. The end of an era. yet probably the best Featherbed twin made. Don't miss it!

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