Strange Tanks

Look closely and you will see it might the additional oil tank for the oil feeds at the front of the barrel which can also be seen. Could be a Berliner modification.

In fact, there are several things different on these bikes, even on those in the photo and what you would expect to see on a Domi. 

I wonder if these are, as Ashley suggests, Berliner mods done to try and fix breathing issues that 650's especially seem to suffer from if high revs are used? Or could be additional oil tanks. The black one could even be an Atlas with the breather location though.

Best picture I've ever seen of the 'unique' silencers that the Manxman had.

Regards, George 

The picture shows some of the first export Norton Manxman 650 bikes. So the date is probably late 1961. These had a whole bundle of features not found on the later Mk 2 Manxman bikes or any of the UK 650 models. The tank, seat, exhausts, silencers, breather and colour finish all being different. I don't think that is a breather at the front end......possibly a tool bag. Anna would know but she has just come out of hospital after being very poorly and is still not in the best of health. Plus I don't think the hierarchy have reinstated the privilege of allowing her to post on this Forum.

These are an early form of trying to clean up the emmission from the Manxman engine. A friend of mine in America sent me this picture many years ago, and he explained to me what they were used for.  

And a reminder of Anne-Margret who was an enthusiastic motorcyclist.