.jpg) 1969 Norton Mercury | |
| Manufacturer | Norton-Villiers |
|---|---|
| Production | 1968-1970 |
| Assembly | Plumstead, London |
| Predecessor | Norton 650SS |
| Engine | 646 cc (39.4 cu in) air-cooled OHV vertical twin |
| Bore / stroke | 68 mm × 89 mm (2.7 in × 3.5 in) |
| Compression ratio | 9:1 |
| Top speed | 110 mph (180 km/h) (est) |
| Power | 47 bhp (35 kW) @ 6,800 rpm |
| Transmission | Wet clutch, 4-speed, chain drive |
| Frame type | Featherbed duplex cradle |
| Suspension | Front: telescopic forks Rear: swinging arm |
| Brakes | Front: 8 in (200 mm) drum, Rear: 7 in (180 mm) drum |
| Tyres | 3.00x19 front, 3.25x19 rear (UK) 3.50x19 front, 4.00x18 rear (US) |
| Wheelbase | 55.5 in (1,410 mm) |
| Seat height | 31 in (790 mm) |
| Weight | 408 lb (185 kg) (dry) |
| Fuel capacity | 3.5 US gal (13 L; 2.9 imp gal) |
| Footnotes / references [1][2][3] | |
The Norton Mercury was a 646 cc (39.4 cu in) air-cooled OHV parallel twin motorcycle made by Norton-Villiers from 1968 to 1970.[2] It was the last Norton model to use the 'featherbed' frame. Following the collapse of AMC and the subsequent formation of Norton Villiers, the company's focus had been on the new Norton Commando. There was a large inventory of parts from previous models that would not be used on the Commando, and to use up this stock the Mercury was conceived. The Mercury was introduced in October 1968 and around 750 machines were produced,[4] most of the production going to the US.[5] The model was also used by the Nigerian Police.[6]
- ^ Reynolds 1990, p. 99.
- ^ a b "1970 Norton Mercury". Classic-British-Motorcycles.com. Retrieved 4 July 2021.
- ^ "Mercury Rising: Norton's Forgotten Featherbed". Motorcycle Classics. Retrieved 4 July 2021.
- ^ "1 of 750 – 1970 Norton Mercury". Bike-urious. 28 October 2015. Retrieved 4 July 2021.
- ^ "Norton Mercury". Real Classic. 4 April 2020. Retrieved 4 July 2021 – via PressReader.com.
- ^ "Mercury". andover-norton.co.uk. Retrieved 4 July 2021.