It's Alive, or how not to start a Norton.

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It's Alive, or how not to start a Norton.

Postby swooshdave » Wed Aug 18, 2010 11:47 pm



Had to start a ne thread because the other one got hijacked with stories of Nortons starting themselves... which is not how this tale goes. :mrgreen:

First I tried to go with the shoes and no side stand, then to boots, then to boots and centerstand... but I'll shy away from the stands once we get the timing on and the carbs tweaked tomorrow.

Anyways I hope you enjoy it. :mrgreen:
You probably want to go into town, and find a up to date Jap Bike store,
With a full spares department, a clean workshop, and kean young mechanics.
And ask them if theres a Grumpy Old Bloke out in the Hills, who knows how to fix Real Motorcycles.

Matt
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Re: It's Alive, or how not to start a Norton.

Postby Diablouph » Thu Aug 19, 2010 12:04 am

Why should it start it's self when it has you trained so well?
Herman the German

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Re: It's Alive, or how not to start a Norton.

Postby Gino Rondelli » Thu Aug 19, 2010 1:29 am

I need to go and have a lie down after watching that, I'm exhausted!! :lol: :lol:
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Re: It's Alive, or how not to start a Norton.

Postby Keith1069 » Thu Aug 19, 2010 1:51 am

Nice one Swoosh and nice shorts too! I was waiting for Benny Hill to turn up with a few bikini clad ladies, that's what the music and speeded up action reminded me of. Well done with the build, now get riding :)
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Re: It's Alive, or how not to start a Norton.

Postby britbike220 » Thu Aug 19, 2010 2:11 am

I am sooooo glad other people do the same silly things I have done. I am tired after watching that and I just woke up from a nice nights sleep. I'm gonna have to call off work to rest, loved the sound track to cover up the cussing.
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Re: It's Alive, or how not to start a Norton.

Postby MexicoMike » Thu Aug 19, 2010 3:00 am

Nice video. I really like the cute pastel blue riding gloves... :)
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Re: It's Alive, or how not to start a Norton.

Postby 79x100 » Thu Aug 19, 2010 6:11 am

Dave, I think that in the space of one session, you've kicked a Commando over more times than I have in thirty years of ownership ! At least the oil pressure would have been up before it eventually caught.

To be honest, if there isn't a splutter within three kicks then I start investigating.
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Re: It's Alive, or how not to start a Norton.

Postby britbike220 » Thu Aug 19, 2010 6:21 am

79x100 wrote:To be honest, if there isn't a splutter within three kicks then I start investigating.


Agreed about a sputter after a few kicks, but I think dave actually looked like he was enjoying the workout for a brief moment. :lol:
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Re: It's Alive, or how not to start a Norton.

Postby Brithit » Thu Aug 19, 2010 6:24 am

As on Benny Hill, at some point the seat is supposed to fall off, and then you will land on something sharp, moving to a close up of your face. More effective with a bicycle of course, but a Commando oil tank cap might get the point across.
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Re: It's Alive, or how not to start a Norton.

Postby rvich » Thu Aug 19, 2010 7:04 am

Does this belong in the "stupidest thing I have ever done" thread?

Good job Dave,
I think I learned as much from your threads as you did, or maybe more. Now get riding, September is a great month to ride out to the Oregon coast and there are a lot of twisty roads!

Russ
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Re: It's Alive, or how not to start a Norton.

Postby Coco » Thu Aug 19, 2010 7:11 am

Brithit wrote:As on Benny Hill, at some point the seat is supposed to fall off, and then you will land on something sharp, moving to a close up of your face. More effective with a bicycle of course, but a Commando oil tank cap might get the point across.


I did my first break in ride with no seat so I can assure you the oil tank cap did not pose any threat. :D
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Re: It's Alive, or how not to start a Norton.

Postby flashbackk » Thu Aug 19, 2010 7:18 am

Wow what determination. That is only equaled by the proverbial "monkey and the football".
What a strange breed we are heh..... I love it.
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Re: It's Alive, or how not to start a Norton.

Postby swooshdave » Thu Aug 19, 2010 8:24 am

flashbackk wrote:Wow what determination. That is only equaled by the proverbial "monkey and the football".
What a strange breed we are heh..... I love it.


It's one of those things that you just think one more kick and it will go...

And I thought I had everything set right so I assumed at any moment it would leap to life. And yes, I did get a good workout, but to be honest I need it. :mrgreen:
You probably want to go into town, and find a up to date Jap Bike store,
With a full spares department, a clean workshop, and kean young mechanics.
And ask them if theres a Grumpy Old Bloke out in the Hills, who knows how to fix Real Motorcycles.

Matt
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Re: It's Alive, or how not to start a Norton.

Postby swooshdave » Thu Aug 19, 2010 8:33 am

rvich wrote:Does this belong in the "stupidest thing I have ever done" thread?

Good job Dave,
I think I learned as much from your threads as you did, or maybe more. Now get riding, September is a great month to ride out to the Oregon coast and there are a lot of twisty roads!

Russ


Every thread I start is technically a "stupidest thing I've ever done" one. :mrgreen:

Getting it started was just one part, I have a lot more to do before it's ridable like new wheels and tires. So it will be a while before it's on the road.
You probably want to go into town, and find a up to date Jap Bike store,
With a full spares department, a clean workshop, and kean young mechanics.
And ask them if theres a Grumpy Old Bloke out in the Hills, who knows how to fix Real Motorcycles.

Matt
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Re: It's Alive, or how not to start a Norton.

Postby britbike220 » Thu Aug 19, 2010 9:07 am

Well it is good to know you have an exercise machine for awhile longer.
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