At the Risk of Opening a Can of Worms

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Norcoastal

Norcoastal

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I’m in the early stages of my build.

I haven’t decided what style I’m going to do.

Roadster or Interstate.

Here’s where the controversy begins.

I like the look of a Gus Kuhn racer. I know the purists will cringe and cringe more when they hear that not only is mine a ‘73, after they stopped making PR’s, but it’s also an 850.

Regardless, I’m getting close to needing to make a decision as to what style I’m going to build and I have a lead on a GK tank.

You have to admit, it’s cool!

Thoughts?

At the Risk of Opening a Can of Worms
 
Year and displacement aren't displayed, so they don't matter. But if you wanted to go that route wouldn't you need fairing, seat etc?
 
maylar said:
Year and displacement aren't displayed, so they don't matter. But if you wanted to go that route wouldn't you need fairing, seat etc?
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Yes, and I’m ok with that. They become available from time to time. I have a lead on an original GK tank and I’m ready to pull the trigger, but this is a big decision.
 
What sort of riding do you plan ?. The production racer style is much more restrictive.

I have Roadster and Interstate setups and swap depending on use. A Roadster tank doesn't get you very far
 
No question at all .... build what will make you happy to ride it period .... enjoy , after all it is your bike !
 
johnm said:
What sort of riding do you plan ?. The production racer style is much more restrictive.

I have Roadster and Interstate setups and swap depending on use. A Roadster tank doesn't get you very far
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I have a new Ducati for long rides. This is my fun ride
 
Craig said:
No question at all .... build what will make you happy to ride it period .... enjoy , after all it is your bike !
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I know, I’m interested in opinions. Since I’m new to Norton’s, I’d hate to build a bike that is frowned upon by the Norton community
 
Very little is frowned upon, (other than the Hi Rider :p)

Our opinions shouldn't matter - as Craig said, it's your bike. Each of us have our own preferences. I only have one bike, so ride-ability is paramount. And I'm an old fart - that proddy style makes my back hurt just looking at it.

It's your bike.
 
maylar said:
Very little is frowned upon, (other than the Hi Rider :p)
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Ouch!

I think we need to bind the OP to whatever we as a collective decide is best for him to build. After all, we'll all have to see it in the build pictures and out on the street someday. Can we setup a voting poll and let majority rule?
 
First there’s the style question then there’s the execution...

Regarding style, it’s your bike, so do whatever you want! With a Commando, nothing permanent is done to frame etc, it’s just bolt on stuff, so nothing is harmed. If you like the PR / GK set up then it’s all cool.

Then there’s the execution, how old is the original GK tank? And what is it made out of? Sadly a lot of period aftermarket stuff was of dubious quality. Old age, dubious quality and ethanol in modern fuel could be make for lots of trouble with a glass fibre tank. Old alloy tanks can be very prone to fatigue / vibration related failures. Fairings and seat also prone to gel coat cracking etc with age and fatigue. That stuff simply wasn’t designed to last.

These boys do some good looking kit, although I’ve no first hand experience. The black PR style Commando just looks ‘right’: http://www.caferacingparts.com/
 
This is the only style of Norton typically frowned upon, but again, somebody is proud of this, rode it and enjoyed it. To each his own.
I don't disagree with anyone's style of motorcycle... at least they are riding!
At the Risk of Opening a Can of Worms
 

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Fast Eddie said:
First there’s the style question then there’s the execution...
Regarding style, it’s your bike, so do whatever you want! With a Commando, nothing permanent is done to frame etc, it’s just bolt on stuff, so nothing is harmed. If you like the PR / GK set up then it’s all cool.
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Absolutely. In an hour or so you can have a totally different looking bike just by swapping around a few parts. Besides, who cares if other people approve of your bike. It has to please you in the end.
 
gnolan said:
This is the only style of Norton typically frowned upon, but again, somebody is proud of this, rode it and enjoyed it. To each his own.
I don't disagree with anyone's style of motorcycle... at least they are riding!
At the Risk of Opening a Can of Worms
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Quick, where's my eye-bleach!
 
You can have a PR with ape hangers if you wish. With rear sets. The beauty of the Commando is that all the styles use the basics and can be readily changed over
 
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