LOT 29

1988 Norton 588cc Rotary Classic Registration no. F291 AFD Frame no. *LE 031* Engine no. *LE 031*

Sold for £3,910 inc. premium

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Lot 29

1988 Norton 588cc Rotary Classic

Motorcycles Online - The Summer Sale|24 June 2024, 12:28 BST|Online, Milton Keynes

1988 Norton 588cc Rotary Classic
Registration no. F291 AFD
Frame no. LE 031
Engine no. LE 031

After a lengthy development programme commenced in the 1970s by Norton-Villiers-Triumph, Norton's rotary-engined roadster debuted in 1982 as the police-specification Interpol, though it would be 1987 before the motorcycling public got to sample the rotary's excellent handling and smooth, almost vibration-free engine in the form of the un-faired civilian Classic. The Classic used Norton's twin-rotor 588cc engine in its original, air-cooled form (the later Commander was water-cooled), coupled to a five-speed gearbox with left-side 'change. This compact unit was slung beneath a tubular spine frame suspended by Marzocchi at the front and Koni at the rear. Triple disc braking was courtesy of Italian Brembos. With 79bhp on tap, the Classic's performance was on a par with that of contemporary Japanese 600s: a top speed of 125mph and a standing quarter-mile time of 12-and-a-bit seconds being easily achievable. Conceived as a limited edition model - only 100 were made - the Classic is today one of the most collectible of modern Nortons.

Sadly not much is known of the history of this iconic Rotary Classic, having been stored for some considerable time it will need recommissioning/restoration to a greater or lesser extent and is sold strictly as viewed. Offered with a V5C, invoices and expired MoTs.
Offered with key

Footnotes

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