Autocycle
1946-48, Villiers JDL 98cc,
2-stroke, 1 speed, 110lb
The autocycle was produced with a Junior De Luxe engine mounted in a
rigid frame with girder front forks. Pretty basic post war model. Motorcycle 1946-48,
Villiers 9D 122cc, 2-stroke, 3 speed, 160lbs
Similar to the autocycle, this was a basic post war model with
girder front forks and rigid frame.
Model C 1949-57,
Villiers 2F 99cc,
2-stroke, 1 speed, 130lb
The renamed version of the Autocycle with the Villiers power plant
and revised frame. Panels enclosed the engine and tubular girder forks
were fitted to the rigid frame.
B1 1949-52, Villiers 10D 122cc, 2-stroke, 3 speed,
168lbs
Rigid frame fitted with telescopic oil damped front forks, 5"
brakes and 2.75 gallon tank. Norman traditionally offered a standard or
deluxe option. The standard model had direct lighting, while the deluxe
used rectifier with battery, horn, ammeter and stop lamp.
B2 1949-54, Villiers 6E 197cc
(1949-53), Villiers 8E 197cc (1954), 2-stroke, 3 speed, 206lbs
Very much the same as the B1, but with the larger engine unit.
Offered in standard or seluxe versions.
Model D 1950-55,
Villiers 1F 99cc (1950-53), Villiers 4F 99cc (1954-55),
2-stroke, 2 speed, 128lbs
Another light-weight with rigid frame and tubular girder front
forks, which became simple telescopic forks in 1951. Offered in standard
or deluxe versions.
B1S 1952-59, Villiers
13D 122cc (1952-54),
Villiers 30C 147cc (1955-56),
Villiers 31C 148cc (1957-59), 2-stroke, 3 speed , 230lbs
Due to a world shortage of nickel the chrome plating was replaced
with paint, but the major change for the S model was the swinging arm rear
suspension fitted to the previous frame and initially using telescopic
front forks, which went to leading link in 1956. A dual seat was fitted as
standard.
B2S 1952-58, Villiers 6E 197cc
(1949-53), Villiers 8E 197cc (1954), 2-stroke, 3 speed or 4 speed (1954), 206lbs
Very much the same as the B1S, but with the larger engine unit. In
1955 leading link front forks were fitted and in 1954 the rear suspension
units were changed to Armstrong. E
1952-53, Villiers 10D 122cc, 2-stroke, 3 speed,
155lbs
An economy version of the B1 with rigid frame and simple telescopic
front forks. Available in standard or deluxe versions. TS
1955-57, Anzani 242cc, 2-stroke twin, 4 speed,
275lbs
A replacement for the B2 with swinging arm rear suspension and
Armstrong leading link front forks. Dual seat and valanced mudguards were
fitted as standard. B3
1958-60,
Villiers 2T 249cc, 2-stroke twin, 4 speed, 307lbs
Replacing the TS model with a Villiers engine unit. Fitted with
6" brakes, full width hubs and a larger fuel tank. B2S
Roadster 1959-61, Villiers 9E 197cc, 2-stroke,
3 or 4 speed, 272lbs
Replacing the previous B2S with a new engine fitted into the B3
frame, the standard model offered 3 speeds, while the deluxe had a 4 speed
gearbox. Also incorporated a larger fuel tank. A sports model was also
available with dropped bars and narrower front tyre. B4
Roadster 1960-62,
Villiers 2T 249cc, 2-stroke twin, 4 speed, 304lbs
New frame and larger fuel tank for the replacement of the B3 model.
Again offered in standard roadster or sports models. The roadster retained
the deep valanced mudguard and rear enclosure, while the sports had less
metal, dropped bars, quick-release fuel cap and a fly-screen. As with
most other British motorcycle manufacturers, Norman fitted full rear
enclosures to the models from 1957. |
In 1935 they had a new
factory built in Beaver Road, the company was renamed Norman Cycles Limited. A range of lightweight motorcycles, autocycles and mopeds were produced from 1938 to 1961. During the Second World War small paratrooper's motorcycles and the Rudge autocycle were produced alongside the cycles.
In 1943 the rights to the Rudge autocycle were acquired and after the war they were manufactured and sold under the Norman brand. The post war range consisted mainly of autocycles and 122, 150, 197cc single
cylinder & 250cc twin cylinder Villiers engined motorcycles. Norman were one of the first to
introduce swinging arm suspension in 1952 and Fred Norman was also involved in developing the Armstrong leading link forks. Norman produced the Mk2 leading link fork at Ashford when Armstrong
stopped making them at York, they supplied Cotton with these forks until the factory closed. Having already
been acquired by Tubular Investments (TI owner of Raleigh) when Fred and Charles announced their retirement on the 30th
August 1961, the factory closed and manufacturing was transferred to Raleigh for the B4 motorcycles and some mopeds at Nottingham, where they carried on marketing the machines until
1962.
