1927 Norton 490 CS 1

1927 Norton 490 CS 1 sits among the factory's sporting singles, built for riders who wanted genuine performance credentials rather than a sedate road mount. This was a machine meant to be worked hard: a CamShaft-engined 490cc single tuned for sustained speed rather than casual commuting, capable of holding its own on open roads and in competition trim. Owning one means dealing with total-loss lubrication, hand-adjusted valve gear, and a riding position that rewards commitment over comfort — this is a bike you manage actively, not one that coddles you. The reward is genuine period performance, with a top speed that embarrassed plenty of contemporaries.

The 1927 model carried over without significant mechanical changes from the prior year — buyers comparing it to a 1926 example should focus on mileage, service history, and condition rather than spec differences.

Today's buyer is typically a vintage British bike collector or a Norton specialist already familiar with pre-war single maintenance, often stepping up from a smaller or less sporting veteran machine. Collector interest in the 1927 Norton 490 CS 1 runs high, and good examples are bought as much for historical significance as for actual riding.