1990 Norton 588cc F1

• Two owners from new
• Present ownership since 2004
• Engine rebuilt by the factory incorporating
molybdenum-coated end-plates
• 14,587 miles from new
• Well documented
• MoT'd to September 2024

Norton's last valiant attempt to build a roadster around its fabulous rotary engine was easily the best looking. Race-styled and painted in the John Player Specials livery of the works bikes ridden by Steve Spray and Trevor Nation, the F1 made do with 94bhp as opposed to the racer's 150-plus, a figure which put its performance (top speed was around 145mph) on a par with that of contemporary sports 600s from Japan. In the quality of its equipment though, the F1 was streets ahead of the opposition: Spondon alloy beam frame, White Power 'upside down' forks, White Power rear shock, Brembo brakes all-round (floating discs at the front gripped by four-pot callipers). Even today there are few road bikes better specified. The downside however, was the F1's cost: a staggering £12,700 (a Honda VFR750 cost £5,799 at the time) but then quality never did come cheap. Perhaps not surprisingly, few were made before the factory hit yet another financial crisis and production ceased. Today, this last 'proper' Norton has become one of the most sought after British motorcycles of recent times.

The current vendor acquired this Norton F1 in 2004 from the original owner in Thatcham, Berkshire. The last MoT certificate on file from the previous owner shows a mileage of 2,398, while the only other previous-owner MoT certificate dates from 1994 when the mileage recorded was 2,362. When purchased in 2004 there was a 1994 tax disc in the holder, so for 10 years the machine was stored. Nothing more is known of the Norton's early history, but it may have been acquired as an investment.

While in the vendor's care the F1 has benefited from a twin-radiator conversion, installation of a gel battery and an engine rebuild to incorporate molybdenum-coated end-plates. All of the foregoing works were undertaken at the factory in 2009 by Norton Motors' proprietor Richard Negus before he retired (he signed the tank under the fairing). Factory photographs of the works are on file. The vendor has also fitted quick-disconnect couplings in the fuel lines, installed a power take-off under the seat, and replaced the OE tyres with modern equivalents.

Described as in generally good condition and last run in September 2023, when it passed the MoT test, the machine is offered with its original owner's manual; bills for the aforementioned Norton Motors' works; various other bills for parts; some correspondence; a quantity of expired MoTs; current MoT; and a V5C Registration Certificate. Included in the sale is a bespoke stainless steel luggage rack, a Givi top-box, a tank of Rotella and the old radiator.

Offered with key