The National Motor Museum Trust

Of the approximately 400,000 motorcycles supplied by British manufacturers for service use during World War II, about a quarter were Nortons, and mostly the 16H model. Its side-valve engine and four-speed gearbox were antiquated in design but this simplicity gave it the merit for military purposes of ruggedness and ease of servicing and repair. Essentially, it was the 16H civilian model of 1939 with a khaki finish. Virtually no changes were made throughout the war period.