c1949 Norvin HRD 998cc Motorcycle

Description

The Norvin moniker has been coined to describe the popular hybrid of a Norton Featherbed frame fitted with a Vincent V-twin engine, combining the best handling and most competitive frame of the era with the most potent engine available. Although most Norvins were one-off creations built strictly for the track, there have been a few attempts at series production over the years, including by Tom Somerton of Staffordshire in the late 1950s and more recently, by the likes of Hailwood Motorcycle Restorations and JMC Classics. There is no definitive Norvin specification as such, each bike being a unique creation reflecting the skills - and budget - of the builder, with the Featherbed frame often modified to lower the centre of gravity, while some Norvins even have the front tubes removed entirely. As the supply of original Manx frames dried up, various aftermarket parts were used in the construction of these potent weapons and a cottage industry has sprung up supplying the componentry needed to build one. Norvins remain popular today and can be found at bike meets around the world, where they are sure to attract a crowd of admiring onlookers.