gatsby
VIP MEMBER
- Joined
- Feb 20, 2012
- Messages
- 236
I apologize in advance for a long thread, but I wanted to give a little background on this project, and why it is special to me.
About 8 years ago, I got my first Norton that was restored for me by a family friend. In early ownership, I encountered a mechanical problem (turned out to be a bent valve after a piston kiss). I was very green, and my tool box consisted of an “all in one home tool kit”, with many missing pieces. I had no idea what to do. I saw a classified ad for someone looking for Norton parts. I called the number in the ad, and asked if he knew of any Norton mechanics. This gentleman right away offered to come right over to my house to help troubleshoot my problem. This is how I met Geoff. Little did I know, this chance encounter would spark a very tight friendship. Geoff figured out my problem right away, and after a bit of work and a few more visits, my Combat was back in running order. Geoff took a shine to me, took me under his wing, and acted as my Norton mechanical mentor. Finding another Norton nut that was as enthusiastic about these bikes as I was was wonderful. From that day on, we would compare notes, team up in orders, buy and restore bikes, and enjoy each others company.
Earlier this year, Geoff was diagnosed with aggressive cancer, and he lost his battle this past summer. Prior to his passing, Geoff had started to build a 1974 850, in his vision of "The Ultimate Norton". He completely rebuilt the engine and gear box, and I helped him put the engine into the frame. The below picture is as far as he got, and this is how the bike sits today in my basement. Prior to his passing, when I think he knew deep down that his time was getting short, he told me that he wanted me to have all his Norton projects and parts. It is an amazing gift.
I am going to build this 850 the way Geoff wanted it built, and it will be a tribute to my good friend. This will be challenging as I will be doing this for the first time without my wingman.
Cheers,
Gatsby
Photo Credit: Manfred Buchheit
As the project sits today. The remaining parts are mixed into a much larger basket case. Many new parts were already purchased, and I have been accumulating what is missing.
About 8 years ago, I got my first Norton that was restored for me by a family friend. In early ownership, I encountered a mechanical problem (turned out to be a bent valve after a piston kiss). I was very green, and my tool box consisted of an “all in one home tool kit”, with many missing pieces. I had no idea what to do. I saw a classified ad for someone looking for Norton parts. I called the number in the ad, and asked if he knew of any Norton mechanics. This gentleman right away offered to come right over to my house to help troubleshoot my problem. This is how I met Geoff. Little did I know, this chance encounter would spark a very tight friendship. Geoff figured out my problem right away, and after a bit of work and a few more visits, my Combat was back in running order. Geoff took a shine to me, took me under his wing, and acted as my Norton mechanical mentor. Finding another Norton nut that was as enthusiastic about these bikes as I was was wonderful. From that day on, we would compare notes, team up in orders, buy and restore bikes, and enjoy each others company.
Earlier this year, Geoff was diagnosed with aggressive cancer, and he lost his battle this past summer. Prior to his passing, Geoff had started to build a 1974 850, in his vision of "The Ultimate Norton". He completely rebuilt the engine and gear box, and I helped him put the engine into the frame. The below picture is as far as he got, and this is how the bike sits today in my basement. Prior to his passing, when I think he knew deep down that his time was getting short, he told me that he wanted me to have all his Norton projects and parts. It is an amazing gift.
I am going to build this 850 the way Geoff wanted it built, and it will be a tribute to my good friend. This will be challenging as I will be doing this for the first time without my wingman.
Cheers,
Gatsby
Photo Credit: Manfred Buchheit
As the project sits today. The remaining parts are mixed into a much larger basket case. Many new parts were already purchased, and I have been accumulating what is missing.
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