Norton Manx 350cc Replica Racing Motorcycle ,, Frame no. RER-1 Engine no. 305
As far as its cycle parts were concerned, the last Featherbed-framed Manx of 1962 was recognisably the same machine as that which debuted in production form in 1951. There were, of course, differences but these were minor when compared with the changes made to the engine. The latter's major revision occurred in 1954 when both 350 and 500 models adopted near 'square' bore/stroke dimensions. The result was significantly increased power but from then on the gains would be smaller, and much subsequent development was aimed at improving reliability. Today the popularity of the Manx in classic racing remains undiminished, with original examples racing alongside replicas of differing specification produced by specialist manufacturers worldwide.
The superb Manx replica offered here is mostly to factory specification while incorporating some significant upgrades, not the least of which is an ultra-short-stroke engine. Combining a 55mm stroke (down from the stock 76.7mm) with a 90mm bore, this unit has revved as high as 11,200rpm (at Chimay in Belgium) with up to 10,500 revs observed as a reasonable limit. Raced both by the owner and sponsored riders, the Manx has enjoyed considerable success at IHRO meetings in Continental Europe against the series' typically strong opposition, finishing 2nd or 3rd on numerous occasions. Noteworthy features include a single-piece crankshaft with Cosworth shell bearings; P E slipper piston; Arrow titanium con-rod; Exceldyne titanium inlet and exhaust valves; Interspan twin-spark electronic ignition; Fontana front brake; Manx rear brake, a Quaife six-speed cartridge-type gearbox and a Peel Mountain Mile fairing. We are advised that the machine was last run mid-August at Geddine, Belgium and is ready to race. Some 60lb (27kg) lighter than standard, this extremely well specified 350 Manx is a potential race winner in the right hands.
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As far as its cycle parts were concerned, the last Featherbed-framed Manx of 1962 was recognisably the same machine as that which debuted in production form in 1951. There were, of course, differences but these were minor when compared with the changes made to the engine. The latter's major revision occurred in 1954 when both 350 and 500 models adopted near 'square' bore/stroke dimensions. The result was significantly increased power but from then on the gains would be smaller, and much subsequent development was aimed at improving reliability. Today the popularity of the Manx in classic racing remains undiminished, with original examples racing alongside replicas of differing specification produced by specialist manufacturers worldwide.
The superb Manx replica offered here is mostly to factory specification while incorporating some significant upgrades, not the least of which is an ultra-short-stroke engine. Combining a 55mm stroke (down from the stock 76.7mm) with a 90mm bore, this unit has revved as high as 11,200rpm (at Chimay in Belgium) with up to 10,500 revs observed as a reasonable limit. Raced both by the owner and sponsored riders, the Manx has enjoyed considerable success at IHRO meetings in Continental Europe against the series' typically strong opposition, finishing 2nd or 3rd on numerous occasions. Noteworthy features include a single-piece crankshaft with Cosworth shell bearings; P E slipper piston; Arrow titanium con-rod; Exceldyne titanium inlet and exhaust valves; Interspan twin-spark electronic ignition; Fontana front brake; Manx rear brake, a Quaife six-speed cartridge-type gearbox and a Peel Mountain Mile fairing. We are advised that the machine was last run mid-August at Geddine, Belgium and is ready to race. Some 60lb (27kg) lighter than standard, this extremely well specified 350 Manx is a potential race winner in the right hands.
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