In the pantheon of classic British motorcycles, the Norton Jubilee 250 occupies a curious and often underappreciated niche. Launched in 1958 to commemorate Norton’s Diamond Jubilee—60 years of motorcycle manufacturing—the Jubilee was a bold departure from the brand’s traditional big-bore, performance-oriented machines. Instead, it was a lightweight, learner-friendly motorcycle designed to meet new UK legislation that restricted novice riders to bikes under 250cc. What emerged was a charming, compact twin that blended innovation with accessibility, and despite its quirks, earned a loyal following.
Let’s take a ride through the history, design, and legacy of the Norton Jubilee 250.
🛠️ A New Direction for Norton
The Jubilee was Norton’s first—and only—250cc twin-cylinder motorcycle. At the time, the British motorcycle industry was scrambling to respond to the “Learner Law” introduced in 1960, which limited new riders to motorcycles under 250cc. Norton, known for its Dominators and Manx racers, had never ventured into this territory before. But under the guidance of engineer Bert Hopwood, the company developed a unit-construction engine that was compact, efficient, and surprisingly advanced for its time.
The Jubilee’s 249cc parallel twin featured a short-stroke design (60mm bore and 44mm stroke), making it “oversquare”—a rarity among British bikes of the era. This configuration allowed the engine to rev freely, with peak power arriving near 8,000 rpm. It produced around 16 horsepower, which was modest but adequate for its intended market.
🧰 Engineering and Design
The Jubilee’s engine was a clean-sheet design, though it borrowed some components from the Dominator line, including oversized main bearings. The crankshaft was a unique flat, wide flywheel design, and the pushrod-actuated valves were simple but effective. Early models suffered from oil leaks and reliability issues, but Hopwood’s refinements—including switching the crankshaft material from cast iron to nodular iron—improved durability and performance.
The bike featured a unit-construction gearbox, another first for Norton, which simplified maintenance and reduced weight. However, the rest of the running gear—forks, wheels, and brakes—were borrowed from other brands within the AMC group, particularly Francis-Barnett. This mix-and-match approach helped keep costs down but also led to criticism about build quality.
Stylistically, the Jubilee was offered in both Standard and Deluxe trims. The Deluxe version featured enclosed bodywork that gave it a scooter-like appearance, but it was heavy and made maintenance difficult. By 1961, the Deluxe trim was dropped in favor of the simpler, lighter Standard model.
🏍️ On the Road
Despite its small displacement, the Jubilee was a lively performer. Period road tests recorded top speeds approaching 76 mph, with a comfortable cruising speed of 55–60 mph. The gearbox was praised for its smooth shifting, and the clutch was described as “finger-light.” The bike’s handling was stable and predictable, making it ideal for new riders and city commuting.
The exhaust note was subdued, and the bike was mechanically quiet—traits that appealed to riders looking for a refined experience. However, the horn was notably weak, and some owners swapped it out for louder aftermarket units.
🧩 Restoration and Collectibility
Today, the Norton Jubilee 250 is a sought-after classic among enthusiasts who appreciate its historical significance and unique engineering. With only around 5,000 units produced between 1958 and 1966, it’s relatively rare, especially in complete and running condition.
Restoring a Jubilee can be a rewarding challenge. Many bikes were sold in kit form or ended up in pieces over the years, so sourcing original parts—especially body panels and trim—can be difficult. Fortunately, the Norton Owners’ Club and other vintage motorcycle communities offer support, documentation, and parts sourcing to help keep these bikes on the road.
One notable restoration story involves a 1959 Jubilee found in bits in a garage, purchased for just £200. With help from club experts and a lot of patience, the bike was brought back to life, showcasing the enduring appeal of this lightweight twin.
🏁 Legacy and Impact
The Norton Jubilee 250 may not have the racing pedigree of its larger siblings, but it played a crucial role in expanding Norton’s reach to a broader audience. It was a bike for the everyday rider—affordable, approachable, and stylish. It also marked a turning point in British motorcycle design, embracing unit construction and compact engineering.
While it never achieved mass-market success, the Jubilee remains a symbol of Norton’s adaptability and innovation. It’s a reminder that even legendary brands must evolve, and sometimes, the most interesting stories come from the road less traveled.
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