So what Norton did I find??

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Dec 26, 2021
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Frame number is F736736 (I think 1951?) Rigid rear end - no rear suspension - looks like it once took a side car - any suggestions on model?
Engine - engine number is 71932 M13 (So I'm guessing 1957) and 71 X 88 so I'm thinking a Model 50 - 350cc??
This is my first Norton so seeking clarification before looking for the bits etc

Thanks

Ian
 
This is a bit of a puzzler. According to the year of the frame this bike would have been made in 1956, as that year ends with frame number 774000
But the engine number should match the frame, and it is early 1956.

I don't know if Nortons till made rigid rear for sidecars then..and rarely would a 350cc be pulling a chair, it's hardly strong enough. Model 13 is the Model 50, which was dropped in the late 30's I think and reintroduced in 1955, as basically a 350cc ES2, so that matches your frame in age, but you have not said what type of frame it is. IMO the '56 Model 50's had a Featherbed frame, no way that would accept a rigid rear end.

IMO I think you have a Bitza... you need to start scraping and looking for hidden serial numbers, and also any casting numbers you can find on the rear frame.

For the engine you can go with looking for Model 50 spares!

However I am not a full expert..I'd seek more opinions.
 
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Your frame was once part of a 1951 Big 4 sidevalve single. Model code for engine and frame is 7.
Engine is a later model 50 as you say (code no 13).
 
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