22 year old and my first norton 650 ss :) from england

A classic ES-2? Wouldn't that look pretty in the stable with the other tarts?
 
ah yeah could be a good shout still affordable as well a 88ss could be an interesting prospect.

Finished the gearbox work today an had her running she still starts like clockwork so that's good!

Test ride again tomorrow hopefully
 
In the UK a genuine 88SS is a rare bike and sought after. There are in the main 2 types , an early one say around 1961 which would have had a Dove grey /green colour scheme and a splayed carb manifold with a 59onwards head,a Pretty bike . Then the later Downdraught head bike which closely resembles your 650. They also got a better crank . When properly set up they are a lively revvy pleasure and a good bit smoother than the 99/650. Plenty of fakes around. I would consider a 1930's ES2 so you could go on vintage /girder fork runs etc.
 
Last edited:
Thanks for the info Bob lots to think about that's for sure could be fun to have a pre war bike as it would be a good learning curve.

Should be out on the 650ss tomorrow should have been today but giving my dad a hand with the Garden.

Gotta replace a connector on the horn in the morning before I go out.

Actually considering fitting a new loom as it looks like its seen better days.
 
Just got back from another 100 miles to so to Monyash. Running miles better again sounds super now all the whines have gone just got a really nice deep roar to her.

So must have been the chains :) was worth checking them out.

22 year old and my first norton 650 ss :) from england
IMG_20190914_133759_630 by norton.rider, on Flickr
22 year old and my first norton 650 ss :) from england
20190914_140349-02 by norton.rider, on Flickr


How about that for a line up!
My 1967 Norton 650 SS
My dads Gsxr 750 that he's owned since new
Ccm
An a modern day Norton Domiracer


22 year old and my first norton 650 ss :) from england
20190914_140337-03 by norton.rider, on Flickr
 
Last edited:
Hi Tom, you are right, that is a great photo. I really like your 650ss. You have been lucky with the weather recently as well. So have we here but I have a driving ban at the momement, sigh. All the best,

Martin
 
Ahh Damn Martin fingers crossed it's not to long for you!

Yep had some decent weather got drenched on her the other day gonna be able to show you all some footage from today's ride out :)
 
Really exciting news actually got to speak to the previous owner of my 650ss today and his mrs had lost contact for a while but managed to get back in touch and send them the clips an pictures :) awesome as well to hear he is still riding!
How brilliant is that.

Looking back on my journey so far with the 650ss bought her from the original owner. (Some pics on page 8 from memory)
Work carried out since getting her:

Spark erroded snapped stud in the tank (thanks pete lovell)

Painted the tank myself and badges.

Sourced the new badges bars grips correct levers and a full exhaust system from Norvil.

Fitted premier concentrics direct from amal (jetting came incorrect which led to issues)

Went to 376 amals brand new direct from amal float needle and float needle seat were defective chucked fuel over the entire bike.
Luckily had an old carb swapped it off that problem solved.

After a few weeks new one arrived from amal. (Next time I'll bet some from Norvil)

Clutch was causing a few issues amazing advice from les an Gaz at Norvil after looking at mine. New clutch plates an a outer plate + springs an nuts = fixed Norton clutch :)

Had issue with fouling plugs intermittently.
Found when going to torque the cylinder head that the rocker spindles had been spinning.
Got new rocker spindles and some other bits from Norvil and 1 peice end caps from rgm.

Interference fit had failed was still fitted with original early hp type rocker spindles!
Problem solved an plugs are nice now!
Reset valve clearances before starting.

Had a clattery noise traced that to a slack primary chain.

Whining noise.
Found that to tight mag chain and timing chain. Slackened them to correct spec an put new oil pump and timing cover seals on.
Verified timing before and after.
Replaced gearbox springs shift is now buttery smooth.

Now running really great.
Need to get the replacement rear mudguard drilled and chromed.
Been documenting all the videos an works on YouTube under Norton.rider an on Instagram under the same name
Just wanna thank everyone for the advice an especially Les an Gaz at Norvil an Pete an Chris at Pete Lovell Developments wouldn't have got to this point without the excellent advice they have given me.
 
Well not a load to update on the 650ss shes been running like clockwork been out in all weathers an every day on her shopping an all sorts haha got the original rear rack I put on for grabbing food on :)

This happened last week to for those that didn't see Eddie's post on my Commando thread very humbling as when they contacted me I thought it'd be just a picture an a few lines of text.
Was great as I was able to show the original owner of my SS the article.


22 year old and my first norton 650 ss :) from england
20191023_181557-02 by norton.rider, on Flickr


Had another long run out tomorrow in the crazy weather we are having haha currently exporting the video from the ride out been running about on the aircooled rd250c as well.

The Avon's are excellent in the wet very inspiring although I'm curious about fitting the Metlzer Me77s I've got on the 250c on the Norton when I wear these out.

Next plan for the 650ss is to get the repro rear mudguard done :)
These are from yesterday on the way back once it had dried out a bit.
22 year old and my first norton 650 ss :) from england
6 by norton.rider, on Flickr
22 year old and my first norton 650 ss :) from england
5 by norton.rider, on Flickr

22 year old and my first norton 650 ss :) from england
2 by norton.rider, on Flickr
 
:) Woop! Finally got the video from Sunday uploaded gonna try work on a bit more of an action packed version but for now here's the full 14 mins one if you wanna skip to the fun riding it's on the way back on the Cat and Fiddle.

Hopefully gonna get a mic setup soon so I'm not shouting like an idiot haha most of the chatter is just between dad an I on the intercoms I'd love to get some of that recorded somehow as well.

 
Nice ride, but you guys insist upon driving on the wrong side of the road.
 
Haha I know right! I think exactly the same looking at all the american videos!

Done a proper edit that's uploading at the moment lil 1 minute clip of fun :)
 
norton bob said:
In the UK a genuine 88SS is a rare bike and sought after. There are in the main 2 types , an early one say around 1961 which would have had a Dove grey /green colour scheme and a splayed carb manifold with a 59onwards head,a Pretty bike . Then the later Downdraught head bike which closely resembles your 650. They also got a better crank . When properly set up they are a lively revvy pleasure and a good bit smoother than the 99/650. Plenty of fakes around. I would consider a 1930's ES2 so you could go on vintage /girder fork runs etc.
Click to expand...
there is a 500 Domi / Hemmings engine on ebay today, 30/11/19!
 
Wowser didn't expect that must have used one of the pics from ages ago on ride 5000 miles.

I'll have to get a digital back issue :) that's crazy coincidence wise actually just give the fireblade a full service to use over winter along with the 650ss while I put the Commando engine back together. Only used the fireblade a few times this year Haha as I've been having so much fun on the Norton an two strokes.

Thanks for letting me know Eljahara.
 
Edited found the notes I had made :) so the question isn't applicable any more

Should be back out on her this week actually had a spin out on the blade on Friday in all the floods.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top