OLD BIKE AUSTRALASIA: 35with each modification it became more difficult to
remove or refit the engine unit to the chassis.
By 1965, the range of ’little twins’ had been
trimmed to just one model of each capacity (previ-
ously offered in standard and de lux versions of each).
The two-tone decor on the 250 and 350 also vanished
in favour of single colours, but by mid-1965 the 350
disappeared completely. Then in 1966 came the news
that the Electra was also to be scrapped, leaving just
the Jubilee, as it had been eight years previously.
By the stage the British motorcycle industry, and
Associated Motor Cycles in particularly, was in a
state of serious ill health, and in July 1966, with
AMC in its death throes, production of the Jubilee
ceased as well.
All of which makes the Electra an extremely rare
piece of kit, with a production span of just 32
months. That’s why, when the existence of Dean
Hogarth’s Electra in Adelaide became known, I just
had to hot foot it over there and see it for myself. I
even got to ride it, albeit briefly, but this was
enough to ascertain that Norton’s legendary road
holding did not translate directly to the Electra. This
is a fairly compact little bike, and it feels more like a
beefed up 250 (surprise) than a direct descendent
of the featherbed line. To be fair, the Electra was
never going to challenge the CB77 (or the later
CB350) for several reasons, including the price. It’s
heavy, and at low speeds it feels it. It does have
quite a distinctive exhaust note, although this is
somewhat drowned out by the gnashing and
rattling emitting from the engine itself – all the
‘little twins’ were notorious for valve gear noise,
but it’s nothing to worry about. Owners’ reports in
the ‘sixties complained of oil leaks, rapid camshaft
follower wear, electrical problems and lengthy waits
for replacement parts from dealers, but these days,
with careful attention during rebuilds, most of the
inherent problems can be cured.
Dean’s Electra was purchased in 1976 while he
was on one of his frequent trips to USA. “It was in
a shocking state,” he recalls. “It had weeds growing
out of the seat and the tank badges were badly
corroded. I used the original badges as patterns and
cast new ones in pewter. I completely rebuilt the
engine including grinding the crank, with 40 thou
oversize pistons from USA.”
The Hella handlebar turn indicators have gone
missing from Dean’s bike, although these should be
procurable as they were identical to those used on
some BMWs and NSUs.
Now, with Dean’s decision to dispose of the
remaining bikes in his collection, the Electra is for
sale. So if you fancy something different – a machine
that will really stand out from the Commandos and
Dominators at any Norton gathering – this could be
the bike for you. Dean can be contacted on
(08) 8531 1005.NORTON ELECTRA
RIGHTDean remade the tank badges
using the originals as patterns.
BELOW RIGHTLucas starter motor sits above the gearbox.
BOTTOM RIGHT Just so you know what gear you’re in!