Description
Additional photos are available here for your perusal.
Coming to market during the golden era of British motorcycling, the Norton 650SS Slimline Featherbed first arrived in 1962, standing as a true testament from Norton to their engineering prowess and innovation. The 650SS was iconic in more ways than one, coming packed to the brim with the latest and greatest in technology for the time.
With a strong heritage in racing, the 650SS – amongst many of Norton’s other models during that time – was heavily influenced by those competitive roots. With the idea of bringing a high-performance and superb-handling bike to the consumer market, the 650SS came packed with an air-cooled parallel-twin engine that was good for 49 horsepower. Norton brought on Rex McCandless – a former motorcycle racer and constructor – to design the frame, lightweight steel structure that was renown for its rigidity and handling. The featherbed frame itself became the benchmark for future models, changing the future of motorcycle chassis design.
Not content with simply creating an innovative frame, Norton incorporated a revolutionary dry sump lubrication system for the 6500SS, which helped keep the oil levels consistent in all critical engine components, greatly improving the reliability of the model. As expected, Norton strapped the 650SS full of many racing-derived suspension components, creating a certain appeal to those looking to buy a motorcycle that was built with a pedigree of racing in mind.
This example is VIN: HOMO9523560510956. The seller states they began this build in 1988.
The true mileage is unknown. The seller has put 713 miles on this example.
Maintenance:
The seller states they have performed all maintenance themselves. The seller reports the following: “every year oil changed, primary chain lubed, drive chain lubed ever other ride. Carbs cleaned every fall. New Lithium battery installed 2023. other than tires and front brake all parts were New Old Stock period pieces.”
The seller notes that all mechanical and machine work has been performed by American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AMHRA) Norton Guru Herb Becker, which included a complete rebuild of every mechanical part of the machine using new components.
Modifications:
Per the seller, “This machine was constructed over a period of 3 years and completed in 2000.”
750 Commando engine.
Custom-made ceramic-coated exhaust system tuned via Dynamometer.
1967 Ceriani forks with Ohlins internals, Performance Machine 4-pot caliper with Performance Machine front brake master cylinder, and Akront 19″x3″ front wheel.
1967 Koni rear shocks, Akront 18″x3″ rear wheel with Buchanan stainless steel spokes.
Painted frame in ‘Matchless Candy Apple Red’ with aluminum fenders.
BSA rear light housing, Lucas headlight with John Tickle mounts.
Fair Spares oil tank and Monza filling cap. The seller notes the oil lines have a mechanical anti-sump valve fitted.
NOS 1968 Commando instrument gauges, NOS 1968 Tommaselli cast-alloy clip-on bars.
Custom-made foot controls with 1971 Honda recut kickstart crank.
Black Widow Art painted tank. The seller notes the Norton logo and pinstripe are hand-painted.
Not pictured: Commando oil filter, BS lithium battery, Amal 932 carburetors with 4-inch intake manifolds, and box section JMC with vernier adjustable rear axle machined to fit the featherbed frame.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Avon tires that have aged out.
The sale includes one key.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
The seller reports that there is a small dent in the tank.
Currently located in Ontario, Canada, this Norton is offered on a clean Canada title. Have any 650SS stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
