Norton N15cs

Alot of Money both ways and from what little I know they are an acquired taste, hybrids were pretty much the last AMC Norton big twins to take off, what do you mean technically with the phrase provenance,? Are we talking about Dealership/Owner history/Service record, is it for an investment or are you going to ride it?

Plumstead bikes, can be viewed differently by the purists too, not sure if this is totally justified, but resistance does exist in the market to a degree.

Just remember since the New Classic Bike movement came along and the advent of as I consider hyper-inflation of motorcycle values, more scammers, fraudsters and crooks have entered this arena  then ever before, is there anyone that can go with you to take a proper look at the Machine?

Caution is the by-word these days!

John

Unless you know the restorer or his reputation you have to assume that things may not be as good as they appear. A restored bike is not the same as a well used runner.I would offer £7k and be prepared to go to £8K after a long haggle!

The question is what model year is this N15CS, as the years have so many different variations to their specifications. For this amount of money the engine and frame number should match, and the gearbox number should be the one it came with from the factory. The N15CS, G15CS had so many variations, from front forks, mudguards, seats, primary chain-case, exhaust pipes, petrol tanks, also with either  transfers or badges, ignition systems, oil tanks, tool boxes, and many other subtle differences. Coil ignition came in about 1966, and the engine also had many upgrades. From 1963 to about 1968 the models changes and variations can be very hard to determine, if you are looking at this N15CS from the point of view, that it will be the first time you have seen one. The ride on them is an amazing experience, and there have been my road tests in the motorcycle press in the later part of the 1960's, as well as the later classic magazines. I have seen Matchless G15CS models built to look like a Matchless G15CSR, and they are so very convincing, but the engine number, and the squeezed in letter R gives the game away. It could even be a G15Mk2 made to look like an N15CS. The earlier models from October to November, 1963 had their crankcases stamped with the G15CS engine numbers, but were sold by the Berliner Corporation, as Norton Atlas Scramblers. In 1964 the crankcases were stamped with either G15CS (M) for a Matchless of G15CS (N) for a Norton.

Hi Paul. I bought a N15cs new in December 1969 from Gus Kuhn, might have been the last one sold! I loved it, and took it to Toledo in Spain, 4500 mile round trip, 1000 miles in a day coming back. According to an ex assembly fitter at Thruxton, it had a Commando engine in it. It vibrated very badly for the first 12k miles, went like the clappers, and I accidently saw 8000 revs on  the clock twice. I was amazed the engine did not explode. It had the late coil ignition distributor 6ca. The seat was too small, and I fitted a Commando S combat seat. I had twin panniers and carrier on it, and 120lb of luggage. Weaved like a good-un at over 80 mph, but did 60mpg. Anthony is right about non standard build. I am trying to build one from parts now, and buy bits when I can find them. Footrests are rare, just got a right hand one after two years of looking. They are not all the same, and some are hand made. I bought a complete engine in the States, and other bits are more plentiful there, but watch out for VAT and air freight. Flashman enterprises had a number of bikes he broke up, cheaper for carriage. I also had some barrels off him and crank for a tenner each. Dotler has cleaner parts but higher carriage charges. He packed an engine well in a crate. The gearbox is matchless, engine plates specials, not P11 fit. Chaincase is not same fit as Norton, some wheels are different offset. I have seen high prices, but check how much is N15cs, could be a bitsa unless you can trace it back. Should have a 18inch rear wheel, long forks, long shocks, etc. There is a lot of information on Access Norton, and pictures, best of luck if you find a good one, Paul