Today in motorcycle history, September 16, 1935

 
 

  With higher ground clearance for use on poor quality roads, the Norton Model 16H (490cc side-valve) was first offered for military evaluation in 1932, together with a Model 18 (490cc) and a  Model 19 (588cc ohv).  The Norton designers began working with the War Office on a range of developments and modifications. The first evaluation Norton Model 16H was completed on September 16, 1935. Military orders were placed for the 16H (designated WD16H for War Department use) and by December of 1935 total military production was 308. Impressive number for only 3 months work.  By December of 1936 it would be over 2200. The military orders for the 16H from 1936 throughout the course of the Second World War, set a ten-year record for the longest time the War Office procured a single make of motorcycle. The entire staff of the Norton factory in Bracebridge Street, Birmingham, were needed to meet demand - even the racing team found themselves on the WD16H production line.  And often at the local for a pint of Tetley's.

  A popular dispatch machine, the WD16H was also used for training, reconnaissance, convoy control and escort duties.

  Pre war, the RAF ordered many hundreds machines with a non driven 'box' or Model G (person carrying) side-car.  Military motorcycles left the Norton factory in Army Service green, Khaki green, Khaki brown or Olive green, depending on color specified at time of production.  Prewar RAF machines (up to September 1939) were delivered in RAF Blue. Wartime RAF bikes were identically colored as the "Army" bikes. A number of machines were painted sand 'desert camouflage' by local workshops in the Middle East and used in Palestine and the North Africa Campaign.

 

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  Also on September 16, 1991 Jay Leno crashes one of the 2,715 bikes he owns.  Leno was riding his motorcycle along Mulholland Highway above Calabasas when the accident occurred about 11:30 a.m. Saturday, fire officials said.

  According to wire service reports, Leno was making a U-turn to help another motorcyclist when he was hit by a third cycle, driven by Jeffrey Flaherty, 48, of Hermosa Beach.

  Leno said Sunday that he swerved to try to avoid Flaherty's motorcycle. He cut and bruised his left leg, and was treated at Westlake Medical Center and released.

  Jay Leno was not riding a Norton Model 16H.