Norton 650SS Cafe Racer

For Sale Norton 650SS Café Racer

Frame Number: 18SS / 112688
Engine Number: 18SS / 112688/ P
Mileage: 2,549

Description:
This is a private sale on behalf of a valued customer and the history of the bike has been provided to us. We have however completed our own independent assessment of condition which can be found below.

Our customer acquired this Norton in Australia in 1987. It is a matching numbers machine retaining the original fitment slim line featherbed frame. When bought the bike had been used in classic racing for a number of years. it is believed to have had just three owners in its history. But as it has been transported around the world this cannot be confirmed. In 2000 the bike was dismantled and the engine rebuilt by a famous Melbourne based Norton expert. the bike then followed our customer to France in 2005. where it was reassembled and adapted for road use in 2006.

The bike is now fitted with 12v electrics. including indicators. H4 Halogen headlight and electronic ignition which has been built into the original magneto. The foot pedals have also been reversed to the standard modern configuration with gears on the left and rear brake on the right. This is a very neat job. but could be reversed if the owner preferred the original Norton fitment. This bike retains a very original appearance while the upgrades make it a very capable and practical classic.

Please note the bike has been imported from France and will require registration in the UK.

A walk around video and a clip of the bike being started and ridden.

Cosmetic

The specially shaped petrol tank is in lovely condition with no dents or damage and excellent paintwork. The central mounted aluminium oil tank is well crafted and in very good condition.

The mudguards are both stainless steel items and in very good order with no dents or damage.

The single leather seat is well fitted and in great shape with just some minor marks that would largely be removed with the appropriate leather treatment. The exhaust system features swept back down pipes mated to megaphones. these have been toned down a little for road use but still give a great sound as can be heard in the video. The wheels have been rebuilt with Akront rims which are both in excellent condition.

Mechanical

The bike starts easily and runs well it ticks over smoothly revs cleanly and pulls through the gears strongly. the engine in this machine is good order throughout.

The engine cases are clean. there are no signs of the bike being crashed or dropped. The clutch works well and the gears select easily and cleanly.

Chassis and Cycle Parts

The chassis and cycle parts are in good order.

The frame is undamaged and the paint clean. with just minor chips and marks. the tank could do with lifting off and a little foam or rubber being strategically placed as it does rattle on the frame a little when the bike is revved. a very minor point that would be sorted in 15 minutes. but it can be heard in the video when the bike is revved on the centre stand.

The front brake is an early Commando twin leading shoe item and is working well. the rear brake is also working as it should. On the suspension side the forks are clean and in good order the action is smooth and the damping effective. The rear shocks are in good condition and again are damping well.

The headstock. swinging arm. front and rear wheel bearings show no signs of excessive play.

Electrical

As previously stated the electrics have been converted to 12 volts and are all working well. The headlight works on both dip and high beam as do the tail light and brake light. The horn works. the bike has also been fitted with indicators. a useful safety feature on a bike that is to be ridden regularly.

The period Smiths instruments are very clean and both working correctly.

Summary

This machine is definitely been built to ride and has all of the right modifications to make it a really practical classic machine. without detracting at all from the essential style of a period café racer.

Please review the pictures and video carefully they form an integral part of the description. please do not hesitate to ask any questions you may have.

This Motorcycle will need to be registered with DVLA. The Registration procedure is simple. We spend a good deal of time working with the DVLA and HMRC to ensure that are bikes are compliant with all current legislation in order that our customers do not have any difficulties in obtaining age related registrations. we have not had a problem with this in over 700 motorcycles we have sold.

How to register an Imported Motorcycle.

1. MOT the motorcycle on the chassis number. not required for pre 1960 machines.

2. Insure the motorcycle on the chassis number.

3. We will provide the following forms:

▪ An invoice

▪ A V55/5 – Application form to register the bike at DVLA

▪ NOVA reference number as proof duties paid

▪ Contact details for the provision of a dating certificate for the age related number plate

4. Post all the paper work to the DVLA

5. You will then receive your tax disc. a new MOT certificate with your new registration mark within 3 to 10 days.

6. A normal V5C Registration Certificate will follow by post within the next 28 days.

7. DVLA will charge £55. 00 plus the road tax fee to register the motorcycle

This motorcycle is a classic machine. it will need to be maintained and cared for. and if you can't spin the occasional spanner we would not recommend purchase.

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