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Edition:
Norton International Model 30 - [1955]
This edition of the Norton International Model 30 is the 4 speed | Manual version and was first brought out in 1955. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1956 Norton Dominator 99 SS and the 1956 Norton Dominator 88.This particular Norton International has a 490cc Air cooled, Two stroke, Wankel Petrol powerplant with 1 cylinders and Carburettor.
An alternative Wankel engine, Standard style motorbike includes the Yamaha XSR 700 Twin - [2020]
The 1955 International shares its Wankel engine and Standard style configuration with the likes of the 2020 Yamaha XSR 700 Twin and the 2018 Yamaha XSR 700 Twin. Alternatively, if you're looking for other bikes which share the International's Standard style with a similar size of engine then how about the 1989 Suzuki GS 500 E | 1989cc.2024 Kawasaki Z7 Hybrid | 2024cc.
Weighing in at 0 kgs (0 lbs) this makes the Norton International Model 30 in the same weight category as the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ or the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT, give or take 50kg.
The 1955 Norton International shares the same bhp with the Honda MSX 125 Grom - [2025]
In terms of power the 490cc 2 valve Wankel 1 cylinder engine produces 29.5 bhp (21 kW) @ 5500 rpm similar to the 2025 Honda MSX 125 Grom [9.6 bhp (7 kW) @ 7250 rpm] or the 2025 Yamaha WR 250 F [36.1 bhp (26 kW) @ 12000 rpm].
The SOHC Two stroke unit throws out torque of 25.8 lb-ft (35.0 Nm) @ 6000 rpm placing it alongside motorbikes of similar performance figures such as the 2025 Suzuki SV 650 ABS [47.2 lb-ft (63.9 Nm) @ 8100 rpm] and the 2025 Yamaha T�n�r� 700 Rally [50.2 lb-ft (68.0 Nm) @ 6500 rpm].
If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Norton International you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.
The 1979 Suzuki GT 200 Two Stroke has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the 1955 Norton International Model 30.
The 1955 Norton International Model 30 has a Power to weight ratio of 150.5 bhp per ton and 131.7 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1955 International competing with the 1979 Suzuki GT 200 Two Stroke [175.5 bhp\ton] and the 1976 Suzuki TS 250 Single Cylinder [175.5 bhp\ton].
If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby, then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance is Torque. Factor weight into the equation and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Norton International generating around 131.7 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other motorbikes have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 1998 Honda CL 400 RS [156.7 lb-ft per ton] and the 1985 Yamaha XS 500 Twin [156.4 lb-ft per ton].
With a 0-60mph time of 24.6 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 25.1 secs, this makes the Norton International Model 30 similar in acceleration to the 1997 Honda CBX 250 Twister (24.6 secs) and the 1996 Honda DR 200 SE (24.6 secs). This Norton International Model 30 also competes in terms of 0-60 mph and 0-100km/h with the 2018 Honda CB 250 R Neo Sports Cafe (0.0 secs) and the 2020 Norton Superlight SS (0.4 secs).
Quarter Mile time is a close race between the 1955 Norton International Model 30 and the 2017 Suzuki Boulevard - Intruder C 90 T
When talking about the performance of the 1955 Norton International Model 30 on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 0 secs @ 0 mph. Bikes with a similar performance down the quarter mile can be found in the 2017 Suzuki Boulevard - Intruder C 90 T (0 secs) and the 2002 Honda XL 230 Single Cylinder (0 secs).
The 1955 version of the Norton International Model 30 has a maximum speed of 97mph.
Top Speed of the 1955 International equals the 2023 Yamaha YZF-R25 DOHC
If maxing out your bike on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster at the top end than the 1955 Norton International Model 30 then how about a 2023 Yamaha YZF-R25 DOHC (108 mph) and the 2021 Yamaha YZF-R25 DOHC (108 mph).
Kawasaki VN 1500 Vulcan Nomad FI
Engine Capacity: 1470 cc
Top Speed: 0 mph
Quarter Mile: 15.5 secs @ 0 mph
