Norton Big 4
The Model 1, more commonly known as Big 4, was a Norton motorcycle made between 1907 and 1954 in various forms. With 633 cc (38.6 cu in), it was the largest and most powerful side-valve engine in the model range and with plenty of low end torque was mostly used to haul sidecars. It was called Big 4 because it was rated at 4 tax horsepower. Mechanically, 'the power output, about which Norton Motors tended to be cagey, was lowly, 14 bhp for 1951'.
| Manufacturer | Norton Motorcycle Company |
|---|---|
| Also called | Model 1 |
| Production | 1907 - 1954 |
| Engine | 633cc, side valve air cooled single |
| Bore / stroke | 82 mm × 120 mm (3.2 in × 4.7 in) |
| Top speed | 68mph |
| Power | 14 bhp |
| Transmission | Four speed gearbox to chain final drive |
| Suspension | Girder front forks, solid rear. Telescopic front fork from 47 to the end and rear suspension as option |
| Brakes | drum brakes |
| Weight | 305 lb (170 kg) (dry) |
Approximately 4700 of the nearly 100,000 military bikes made by Norton during WW2 were Big 4 sidecar outfits. Designed to carry two or three men plus their fighting equipment over very rough terrain, the Big 4 was used for reconnaissance and carrying loads of ammunition to the front line troops.
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