1968 Norton 650ss

50vincent · Nov 14, 2014

Should there be a Norton 650ss Decal on the petrol tank or the rear fender on a 68 model?

Thanks

JR

Stephen Hill · Nov 14, 2014

Norton did not produce a model 650ss in 1968. I think 1967 was the last year.
The Mercury was introduced in 1968. The cases on a Mercury are stamped 650SS, but the model was not designated as such.
Some Mercury's owners added the chrome and paint of a 650SS.
Perhaps your bike is a Mercury?
Below is from the NOC.

Stephen Hill

"The Norton Mercury was made, and dispatched, from engine and frame numbers129146 to the last one being 129896. They were dispatched in the years,1968,1969 and in 1970."

Beach · Nov 15, 2014

Stephen Hill said:
Norton did not produce a model 650ss in 1968. I think 1967 was the last year.
The Mercury was introduced in 1968. The cases on a Mercury are stamped 650SS, but the model was not designated as such.
Some Mercury's owners added the chrome and paint of a 650SS.
Perhaps your bike is a Mercury?
Below is from the NOC.

Stephen Hill

"The Norton Mercury was made, and dispatched, from engine and frame numbers129146 to the last one being 129896. They were dispatched in the years,1968,1969 and in 1970."

Perhaps it is a 1967 model 650SS, that was sold and titled in 1968...My 1974 Commando is titled as a 1975...This was a common thing in the 60s and early 70s...

50vincent · Nov 15, 2014

Thanks to all. After going back and researching Bacons books, checking the numbers, it appears to be a 1967 model. My title does reflect a 1968 model. This brings me back to my original question. Should the 67 have a Norton 650ss decal on the rear fender?

Thanks

JR

bad_friday · Aug 7, 2015

50vincent said:
…This brings me back to my original question. Should the 67 have a Norton 650ss decal on the rear fender?…

Not sure for the 67 but the NOC has one in theirs shop.
Fritz

possm · Aug 7, 2015

There is no listing in the 67 parts book for a decal on the tank.

RedBeemer · Aug 13, 2015

I put a 650ss decal on the fender just behind the seat. Hard to tell from period pix whether or not this was done originally, however it a) looks good and b) got tiresome hearing people refer to it as an Atlas.
SH

bad_friday · Aug 13, 2015

Great Picture in your Avatar

Fritz

1968 Norton 650ss

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