A Manx For the Road

A MANX FOR THE ROAD

BENGT BJORKLUND

HANS JOHANSSON from Sweden was not happy with the normal selection of touring machines available, so he set out to build something better. The results are a 500cc Manx Norton single-cylinder, overhead cam engine, in a Norton "Feather-bed" frame. This frame is virtually identical to that now produced by Norton with the 750cc overhead valve twin engine, called the Atlas, or Dominator in its 500cc configuration.

Johansson de-tuned the engine, making it more tractable for road use. A 1952 version, it started life by earning 13th place in the Isle of Man TT races that year, ridden by Dennis Lashmar. Top speed is over 110 mph, with effortless and economical cruising at 80 and 90 miles per hour, when the long stroke engine is turning only about 5.000 rpm. It seems a shame something like this unique machine could not be produced in quantity; few "modern" 500s can match its performance today.