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It has the usual 12-hole timing cover (stamped inside with the same code as the crankcase, so I assume it's original), and the rocker end covers are separate from the rocker spindles. This machine was built in March 1950.

Thank you!

Yes, like a steam engine it is heated by a fire. It is interesting that the fire is on the outside, but Stirling engines can also be powered by cold. The energy source is the difference in heat, hot or cold.

For answers to your questions regarding your 1951 Model 7, you could join this group: groups.io/g/nortonmodel7. There are many good resources online for Commandos. The owners clubs are recommended, Norton Owners Club and the INOA. Good luck.

Probably the most important books are (1) the original Maintenance Manual and Instruction Book for Model 7 Dominator, (2) the original factory parts book, (3) Modern Motorcycle Mechanics by J.B. Nicholson (any edition after 1953, though the edition from the late 1960s is helpful because it includes torque specs for fastener tightening), and (4) Norton Twin Restoration by Roy Bacon. Other helpful books are the Haynes Norton Twins Owners Workshop Manual (covers 1957-1970, but 99% of it applies to 1949-1956 also) and Norton Motor Cycles by E.M. Franks (published 1952 by Pearson).

Coupled with world leading mismanagement .

Great question! This machine does not have a handlebar lever for manual ignition advance, because it has automatic ignition advance via an integral unit on the sprocket end of the magneto. This was the common fitting for most twin-cylinder British machines in the 1940s and 50s. Most single-cylinder machines (and a few twins) had manual ignition control from a handlebar lever. Single cylinder engines of 500 cc and more usually had a handlebar lever that would allow you to lift the exhaust valve slightly, so it would be easier to use the kickstart lever to roll the engine just past TDC on the compression stroke before giving it a long, swinging kick to start it. British 500 cc twins did not need the decompressor lever because the cylinders fire 180 degrees apart, so a 500 twin is nearly as easy to kick over as a 250 cc single.

Thanks for the very clear explanation. I remember years ago I tried to kick start an old British bike belonging to a friend of a friend and I damn near broke my foot not knowing how to use the decompression facility.

I should have also mentioned that, when starting the larger single-cylinder bikes, it is critical to correctly set the ignition timing using the handlebar lever. If the timing is too late (ignition retarded) it will never fire, but if it's too far advanced it may kick back (always startling and sometimes painful). Obviously there is more to know when starting a big single than starting a twin, like mine.

Thanks for the additional clarification. I suppose hitting the correct advance position is a product of rider experience.

@@racyclecrank Sorry for bumping in this old topic, I understand the 500cc single cylinder is certainly difficult to start, is the twin Model 7 difficult to start as well?

Haha, you tell em, Levver shoes, I got some of them,

Yes, it has a dynamo. I've had no problems with the dynamo in 15 years and over 15,000 miles. The carbon brushes have not needed attention, and the charging system has never failed. There is no oil tap fitted. Wet sumping is a potential issue with any dry-sump engine, but it does not occur with this machine unless the engine is not run for several weeks. The front 21-inch tire is readily available (Avon Speedmaster Mk II). The gearbox is the original Norton box, which was manufactured by Burman.

I don't think it was that simple. There were many dynamics occurring from the mid 50s into the early '70s that caused the bottom to drop out for the British bikes. I began work as a mechanic in a shop, very successful one, that sold both British brands and Japanese ones. To me, it was the foresight of marketing and the rapid expansion of the U.S. market that caught the British makers off balance to compete and they never really caught up. Too many other factors that brought it down mixed in as well. For sure, this is a very sweet and unusual restoration and glad to see it done in a way to show off the handsomeness of the machines of the era.

Perhaps. But 500 cc was considered big when it was built, 350 was normal, and 250 was small.

Thanks for your comments. Shortly after I filmed the video I located an original dip switch, rewired it, and it's in place now. I did not realize that earlier choke levers had a hexagonal top. The bike has a 21-inch front wheel. The fuel hoses I made up from pieces of NOS British fuel line that I found at a swap meet in Canada. Period photos suggest Norton was using steel braided fuel hoses for a few years around 1950. Perhaps it was military surplus at the time.

But it starts easier that the other bigger bore Norton twins of TH-cam!