Norton 490 CS 1 vs Harley-Davidson Model X8A (1939)

Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the Norton 490 CS 1stacks up against the Harley-Davidson Model X8A. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.

Spec comparison

SpecNorton 490 CS 1Harley-Davidson Model X8A
Model year19391912
Price
Engine490 cc492 cc
Weight118 kg
Fuel typepetrolpetrol
Front brakesExpanding brake (drum brake)
Rear brakesExpanding brake (drum brake)

Norton 490 CS 1 vs Harley-Davidson Model X8A — which should you buy?

Picking between the Norton 490 CS 1 and the Harley-Davidson Model X8A usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the Norton 490 CS 1 brings its published horsepower, while the Harley-Davidson Model X8A counters with its own power figure at 118 kg.

Our spec tables above highlight the winning number on each line. For the full rider-focused reviews including real-world fuel economy, service costs and available colors, click into either bike: