The 1947 Norton International from United Kingdom was powered by a 490cc OHV single producing 29hp at 6000rpm. Weighing 155.0kg (342 lbs) and with a seat height of 780mm, it was aimed at racing riders.
The 1944 Indian 841, hailing from United States, by contrast offered 745cc of SV V-twin transverse power, delivering 25hp at 4800rpm. Tipping the scales at 225.0kg (496 lbs) with a top speed of 115km/h (71 mph), it offered a distinct riding experience. 1940s motorcycles, especially military-era models, hold strong collector interest with values reflecting their historical significance.
Specifications Comparison
| 1947 Norton International | 1944 Indian 841 | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 490 cc | 745 cc |
| Power | 29 hp | 25 hp |
| Torque | 35.0 Nm | 42.0 Nm |
| Cylinders | 1 | 2 |
| Top Speed | 145 km/h | 115 km/h |
| Quarter Mile | — | — |
| Dry Weight | 155.0 kg | 225.0 kg |
| Wet Weight | 168.0 kg | 242.0 kg |
| Seat Height | 780 mm | 720 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1370 mm | 1460 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 14.0 L | 13.0 L |
| Gears | 4 -speed | 4 -speed |
The Verdict
These two machines serve fundamentally different purposes. The 1947 Norton International is built for outright circuit racing performance, while the 1944 Indian 841 targets all-round versatility and everyday riding. On paper, the 1947 Norton International's 29hp trumps the 1944 Indian 841's 25hp, but raw numbers don't tell the whole story in such different segments. Choose the 1947 Norton International if you value outright circuit racing performance; pick the 1944 Indian 841 for all-round versatility and everyday riding. Parts availability is difficult for the 1947 Norton International and very difficult for the 1944 Indian 841 — an important factor for any restoration project.
About the 1947 Norton International
The 1947 1947 Norton International packs a 490cc OHV single engine with 29hp into a racing machine package from Norton.
Full 1947 Norton International Profile →About the 1944 Indian 841
The 1944 1944 Indian 841 is a 745cc twin-cylinder standard motorcycle that became one of Indian's most memorable motorcycles of the 1940s.
Full 1944 Indian 841 Profile →