1969
Norton Mercury 650 - Specifications & Review
Article Complete Info
| Articleid | 468757 |
|---|---|
| Category | Allround |
| Make | Norton |
| Model | Mercury 650 |
| Year | 1969 |
Chassis, Suspension, Brakes & Wheels
| Frontbrakes | Expanding brake (drum brake) |
|---|---|
| Frontsuspension | Telescopic |
| Rearbrakes | Expanding brake (drum brake) |
| Rearsuspension | Swingarm |
| Seat | Dual |
| Wheels | Spoked |
Engine & Transmission
| Borexstroke | 68.0 x 89.0 mm (2.7 x 3.5 inches) |
|---|---|
| Compression | 9.0:1 |
| Coolingsystem | Air |
| Displacement | 646.00 ccm (39.42 cubic inches) |
| Enginedetails | Twin, two-stroke |
| Fuelsystem | Carburettor |
| Ignition | Coil |
| Transmissiontypefinaldrive | Chain |
Other Specifications
| Starter | Kick |
|---|
About Norton
Country of Origin:
United Kingdom
Founder:
James Lansdowne Norton
Best Known For:
Isle of Man glory (Manx), Featherbed frame, Commando twins; modern V4/V-twin revivals
Company History
Few badges carry more romance than Norton: Manx singles howling over the Mountain, the Featherbed frame teaching the world about chassis stiffness, and the Commando’s rubber-mounted charisma defining a generation of British twins. Financial dramas and ownership changes punctuated the marque’s modern history, but the idea of Norton endured—elegant engines, taut handling, and a certain aristocratic restraint. Recent revivals pursued premium V4s and modernized Commandos with contemporary electronics and finishes, aiming to reconcile heritage with present-day reliability and compliance. Enthusiasts remain drawn to the riding experience: steering that reads the road, engines that speak through the bars, and ergonomics suited to fast B-roads. Historically, Norton is a pillar of motorcycling’s canon. Whether in classic trim under club racers or in modern carbon and billet, the name signals a commitment to the art of handling and the poetry of mechanical rhythm.