What should you look out for if buying a Navigator?

We asked Andy Sochanik, the Norton Owners Club lightweight twin expert.

What to look out for?

“This one is simple – take a knowledgeable friend with you!”

What are the strong points on a Navigator? “The Navigator (350cc), unlike the Jubilee (250cc), is more than able to keep up with modern traffic. The brakes (especially the front) are good. The Navigator is relatively small and has a good turning circle, so is very nimble in traffic – and can hold its own in the traffic light grand prix. It’s easy to start – the required pressure on the kickstarter is not great. The seating/riding position is fairly upright, so you have good control and visibility. Seat height is about 29 inches, so holding the bike up at lights is easy with both feet flat on the ground.

Spares are still available, with the NOC (Norton Owners Club) Spares scheme also making short supply parts. Dealers such as RGM (Cumbria), Norvil (West Mids) and Russell Motors (London) are increasingly holding stock of spares as well.

What are the weak points?

Spares can be hard to find but availability is improving.

Wet sumping is an issue on all Nortons, the Navigator included. This is the condition where oil from the oil tank ends up in the sump when the bike is stood for a long while. Feked.com and others now make full-flow taps to help with this condition, but it must be fitted in such a way that your ignition remains off – until the tap is turned on!

What should buyers look out for?

On all engines numbered before 106838, there is a potential gremlin in the gearbox. The layshaft bearing (a phosphor bronze bush) can pick-up if the oil level is allowed to drop and spin in the engine cases. The warning sign of any trouble is the kick-start lever being forced back when you pull away in first gear. Sadly, by the time it gets to this stage, the damage is pretty advanced. An early inspection is advised.

Engines numbered 106838 onwards (or the Electra) do not suffer from this issue as the gearbox was revised.

The main bearings used are similar to the bigger Dominator engines but they are not the same. The Navigator bearings (Jubilee and Electra too) have a deeper chamfer on the inner edge.

Adding a full-flow oil filter helps engine longevity. Kits are available. The NOC makes a stronger centre stand that aids parking, and new stock will shortly be available.

Changing the electrics to 12v and fitting electronic ignition is a sensible modification.