OK, I admit it, I might have overdone my collection of Norton Dolls Head gearboxes.
Norton Dolls Head gearboxes are lovely things. They have a few weak spots though. So, having a few to choose from always helps but this is too much. Some of these have got to go.
They are always handy to have around as they suit so many Norton models. I have spoken with people who plan to use them in projects for other pre-war motorcycles. Most people seem to use semi-fluid grease as a lubricant. Some have used oil but I am advised that they invariably leak when oil is used. So, my Norton Dolls head gearboxes will be treated to semi-fluid grease if / when I get to use them.
I was doing some research on the history of the Dolls Head gearbox. It turns out that they can be traced back to Sturmey Archer gearboxes, which were owned by Raleigh. It seems that the Norton gearbox was essentially a Sturmey Archer dressed up. I suppose if it was good enough for Broughs, then it was good enough for Nortons.
Norton were Raleigh’s biggest customer. When Raleigh decided to cease motorcycle production in around 1933 (maybe 1932), they offered Norton the rights to the Sturmey Archer design. Norton took the design to Burman, who then produced all Norton Dolls Head gearboxes right up until AMC took over.
Who knew that Raleigh, Sturmey Archer and Burman had a hand in the Norton Dolls Head gearbox?
Anyway, less of the history and back to my excess of gearboxes. If you feel the need for one, just get in touch.
