When mentioning the name Norton, many immediately think of robust and fast motorcycles such as the Manx, the '88' or the '99', Atlases and Commandos. Others might think about software, depending on age and interest. However, it's less likely that anyone will get excited about the Norton Navigator. Still, this motorcycle deserves more attention as an unexpected classic.
Rarity and price
Nortons are known as sought-after classics. If rarity determines price, the 350cc Norton Navigator should be more valuable than its better-known counterparts. This motorcycle was part of a series of lighter models, launched after a change in British law in 1958. As a result, novice motorcyclists from 1960 were only allowed to ride motorcycles smaller than 250 cc. Norton's response to this was the development of the 250 cc Jubilee in 1958, designed by Bert Hopwood. Despite its innovative design, the Jubilee quickly gained a reputation for limited reliability.
Our photo model: the Norton Navigator
Our photo model, the Norton Navigator, is the bigger brother of the Jubilee. We found it a year or so ago at Joop Stolze, a classic car dealer who also sells motorcycles. The Navigator stood there among a series of light, bright red Italian motorcycles.
Grow with the market
In 1960 the Jubilee's engine was enlarged to 350 cc, resulting in the Navigator. Launched at Earls Court, it brought with it some improvements, including a cylinder block instead of individual cylinders, a RoadHolder front fork, larger brakes, and a reinforced front frame tube. This had to be able to handle the 22 hp power better. But the Jubilee, and therefore also the Navigator, remained a product of poor management, with parts from different models and brands.
The Norton Electras
In addition to the Navigator, there were also the Norton Electras, developed on behalf of the American importer Berliner Motor Company. These were essentially Navigators with a starter motor, boosted to 383 cc. These models had problems with the electric start, vibrated excessively, were thirsty and unreliable.
The end of an era
Norton continued to produce Navigators until 1966, just before the collapse of parent company Associated Motor Cycles. Despite the launch of the Navigator DeLuxe, the model continued to suffer from the bad reputation of the 250 cc Jubilees. As a result, the Jubilees and Navigators are now considerably cheaper than the larger Norton twins.
Demise of the British motorcycle industry
The demise of the British motorcycle and car industries is complex. It was partly due to the inhibitory lead: long-term success blinded British management to market changes and innovation. Class differences, management styles and union power also played a role. In addition, British motorcycles were mainly developed for English roads, which made them less suitable for the highways in America, for example.
Reappraising a classic
Despite everything, England has left us many desirable classics. And with the current trend of lower speed limits, a Norton Navigator is now once again becoming an attractive motorcycle for quiet rides on secondary roads.
