NORTON
Double 750 Record-Breaker -1974
The flying cigar
In a desperate effort
to improve its sales, Norton - already in serious financial difficulties - let
itself get carried away in 1974 by a project devised by Dennis Manning. The
American, who in 1970 had built a "flying cigar" for Harley-Davidson with
which Cal Rayborn had set a record of 265.5 mph, promised Norton that he would establish
a new world two-wheeler speed record in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Tandem Power Unit
Knowing how
powerful the Harleys were, Manning was convinced that he could get more power
output by coupling two tuned Norton Commando 750 engines in tandem.
Aerodynamic Expertise
Having convinced the
factory, he recruited the aid of dragster ace Tom Christenson, whose "Hogslayer"
(also powered by two Commando engines) was then the dominant force on American drag
strips. While "TC" built the running gear (which operated on a secret
alcohol-based mixture), Manning constructed a new cigar-shaped shell in which
the rider sat ahead of the engines, keeping frontal area to a minimum. Unable to
master his bike, he turned to veteran dragster Don Murray - who also had
trouble controlling the machine at speeds of 300 mph. Don Murray tried again
after a highspeed accident, reaching 271 mph in one direction. Engine problems
prevented him from making the return run that would have secured the record.
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine: two 750cc Norton
Commando aircooled twin-cylinder four-strokes in tandem
Power Rating: 200-225
hp@ 7000 rpm
Valves: overhead
Fuel System: fuel injection,
using alcoholbased fuel
Transmission: chain
primary and final drives
Frame: tubular
trellis girder
Brakes: disc (rear
only) and twin parachutes
Wheels: 18 inch alloy
with Goodyear tires (front & rear)
Maximum Speed: 280 mph
Still bearing the scars of Don Murray’s high-speed
accident, the Norton streamliner is shown being readied
for its final attempt on the world twowheeler speed record.
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