C.N.W. Cafe Racer

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Thanks for all the great feedback...I really appreciate it

There are some questions about the frame.

When I set out to build this series of bikes (there will be 13 of them, virtually identical) I did want to make sure it had the see through design that I had on the #038 bike that I built back in 2004. On that build I incorporated the oil tank inside the fuel tank but didn't care for how close the hot oil was to the fuel and it also made taking the tank off for service a bit of a chore when having to disconnect all the oil fittings

So I decided I needed to build a frame from scratch and that it was going to have to be an oil in frame design. I am not a frame builder so I started looking around for someone capable to make a high quality frame. This took quite some time but eventually I made contact with Jeff Cole. This is the guy that created C&J frames in the 60's. He is a legend in the industry and built tons of flat track frames intended for racing over the years. He is also the guy that built Ron Woods beautiful race frame.

I told him what I was after and he was definitely interested in the project. So we designed this frame together and it was great to know that he had built so many frames with an internal oil tank and knew exactly what needed to be done to get it working properly. All the return and breather lines are run inside the back bone and I certainly wasn't going to loose any sleep wondering if it would work or not.

I am really happy with the end result. All Chromoly, TIG welded, Just shy of 3 quart capacity, built in battery and electronics trays. The overall geometry is the same as an 850 Commando. In other words, steering neck, shock mounts, engine placement, footrest mounts etc is all the same as a stock frame. The total package weighs 26.3 lbs. A stock frame with a battery tray and oil tank weighs 33.8 lbs. So right at the core we managed to cut 7.5 lbs

I also had Jeff make the oval tube swing arm that's on the bike.

C.N.W. Cafe Racer


C.N.W. Cafe Racer


Matt / Colorado Norton Works

http://www.coloradonortonworks.com
 
mikie3117 said:
What? no fuel injection?
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I had a FI system install on a couple of bikes but decided to go back to the Flat slide carbs. They work great, look perfect back there and are a bit friendlier to work on down the road, especially when considering that some of these bikes will be overseas.

Matt / Colorado Norton Works

www.coloradonortonworks.com
 
bwolfie said:
Matt and his team are true artists.
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True but art is visual for the most part, you still need to have the skill and patience to bolt the visualisation together, that might be a story in itself.
Not to mention how torqued fasteners do not crack paint or powder (stepped or chamfer edge washers perhaps) and a myriad of other hard earned 'tricks.
 
I would like to enquire as to whether or not those engine cases are polished or chromed (I suspect highly polished). Which leads me to ask have many or any of you other members out there had experience with chromed Norton engine covers. I know that chrome on some aluminum castings just does not hold up well (pealing). Of course, without constant attention the most highly polished covers dull in short order. How about nickel plating?

GB
 
geo46er said:
I would like to enquire as to whether or not those engine cases are polished or chromed (I suspect highly polished). Which leads me to ask have many or any of you other members out there had experience with chromed Norton engine covers. I know that chrome on some aluminum castings just does not hold up well (pealing). Of course, without constant attention the most highly polished covers dull in short order. How about nickel plating?

GB[/quote

The main cases (plus head) have a media tumble finish. I use a vibratory tumbler with a 4mm ceramic ball. This gives them a very nice luster without removing any of the original casting marks. It closes the pours of the aluminum to give a nice shine and easily cleaned surface.

All the outer covers like primary, timing and gearbox are all polished. There is very little chrome on this bike.The aluminum will oxidize over time but that will take away from the look.

Personally I have never chromed an outer cover and the ones that I have seen come through the shop do not look good. I don't really like that somewhat cold finish myself. Polished aluminum and stainless have more life in them and look great over time, even when they get a bit dull.

Matt / Colorado Norton Works

www.coloradonortonworks.com
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Powder coat, that was a bug-bear for me, i did a bit of fork overall for a guy,he had the sliders powder coated ..i hate the stuff! i had to scrape away the powder before seals would fit, and ream/scrape out wheel spindle holes,tap out treaded holes...all this "breaks" the edges. in time water creeps under this edge...its fine for truck mirror arms...but that it....classic bikes...rubbish! dont chime in unless your powder is less than 10 years old...its a slow degrade! after all it's only plastic melted on.
and try and remove it later...burn or blast? I like real stove {baked enamel]

Time Warp said:
bwolfie said:
Matt and his team are true artists.
Click to expand...

True but art is visual for the most part, you still need to have the skill and patience to bolt the visualisation together, that might be a story in itself.
Not to mention how torqued fasteners do not crack paint or powder (stepped or chamfer edge washers perhaps) and a myriad of other hard earned 'tricks.
Click to expand...
 
CNW said:
Here you go Richard. I know its not in your drive way back home.yet,...but shortly before it was shipped from Colorado
yes its In my garage nowand but on sunday im going out posing !!!!!!!!!!

Matt / Colorado Norton Works
Click to expand...

yes its In my garage nowand but on sunday im going out posing !!!!!!!!!!
 
Thank You Matthew for posting the STUNNING pictures
of my ( BUT YOU BUILT IT ) Caf'e Racer .
I have HAD now the full set, a VR 880, NO. 6 LTD EDT 961, AND A CNW CAFE RACER
First one in a museum , second one sold complete with oil leaks and engine louder than exaust.
intend to keep the café .
Richard
 
I was lucky enough to see that in the flesh when touring the US last year and we called in to see Matt at CNW, the detail is nothing short of exquisite but also built to be ridden. I don't know if i would trust myself with such a beautiful bike, too hamfisted!
 
Matts bikes might be equisite, but it doesn't end there and you don't have to be lucky / rich enough to buy a complete bike from Matt to enjoy / benefit from his approach.

I started out buying a few bits from Matt, not a lot, just a few bits. But he was great to deal with, so helpful and had real 'no problem' attitude, even though I was spending very little.

The bits arrived and everything met or generally exceeded my expectations. I was so impressed that I bought a few more bits.

This cycle has now been repeated several times and I've ended up spending quite a lot with Matt and have quite a lot of his bits populating my Commando!

But it's not down to sales and marketing etc, its purely down to receiving good, helpful, friendly service. And most importantly, receiving excellent quality parts every time.

So, bikes like this may showcase what CNW can do, but we can all benefit from their service levels and experience if we wish.
 
John Robert Bould wrote:

Powder coat, that was a bug-bear for me, i did a bit of fork overall for a guy,he had the sliders powder coated ..i hate the stuff! i had to scrape away the powder before seals would fit, and ream/scrape out wheel spindle holes,tap out treaded holes...all this "breaks" the edges. in time water creeps under this edge...its fine for truck mirror arms...but that it....classic bikes...rubbish! dont chime in unless your powder is less than 10 years old...its a slow degrade! after all it's only plastic melted on.
and try and remove it later...burn or blast? I like real stove {baked enamel


I am sorry John but this is a lot of misinformed rubbish. Firstly proper stove enamelling is, in Britain & Europe at any rate, no longer commercially available. The paint used has had all the "Good Stuff" taken out due to environmental concerns.
Secondly, if powder coating is done properly, & using high quality powders, it gives excellent results. My early (1991) Hinckley Trident has done 102,000 miles in the 23 years I have owned it & the frame coating is still amazing. All my other bikes have been powder coated over the years by Andy at Triple S in Bingley & are superb. If on the other hand I had used a company that coats railings, mirror arms from lorries, park benches & anything else that comes their way , the result would be what you describe.
 
Hi Not misinformed, from real time use :!: i bet your frame looks bad,,,,dull behond words. show us...cant touch it up..can you? Your frame is rotting away under that bin liner wrap.



Matchless said:
John Robert Bould wrote:

Powder coat, that was a bug-bear for me, i did a bit of fork overall for a guy,he had the sliders powder coated ..i hate the stuff! i had to scrape away the powder before seals would fit, and ream/scrape out wheel spindle holes,tap out treaded holes...all this "breaks" the edges. in time water creeps under this edge...its fine for truck mirror arms...but that it....classic bikes...rubbish! dont chime in unless your powder is less than 10 years old...its a slow degrade! after all it's only plastic melted on.
and try and remove it later...burn or blast? I like real stove {baked enamel


I am sorry John but this is a lot of misinformed rubbish. Firstly proper stove enamelling is, in Britain & Europe at any rate, no longer commercially available. The paint used has had all the "Good Stuff" taken out due to environmental concerns.
Secondly, if powder coating is done properly, & using high quality powders, it gives excellent results. My early (1991) Hinckley Trident has done 102,000 miles in the 23 years I have owned it & the frame coating is still amazing. All my other bikes have been powder coated over the years by Andy at Triple S in Bingley & are superb. If on the other hand I had used a company that coats railings, mirror arms from lorries, park benches & anything else that comes their way , the result would be what you describe.
Click to expand...
 
John,
You are talking utter tosh. The only coating frames rot away under, is the old Nylon coating which used to be applied to bike frames, dish racks, deck chairs etc. Thirty years ago I went to look at a 900 Ducati which due to big end failure was going cheap. I had a good look around it & walked away, as apart from a crank rebuild it also need a new frame. All because some clot had had it Nylon coated.
When powder coating is applied to a properly prepared surface it adheres just like a quality paint job. Look on the bright side though, you could get a job working for the Ministry of Misinformation!!
 
My main experiance with powder was when i restored a BMW R100 a few years ago, the frame was blasted and my local pc give it a finnish, on collection the frame had thin to none coating in places..the job was a pigs ear ,,his excuse was the frame had thicker casting that didnt get hot enough. he tried again to blow in the missed areas..it looked rubbish...so its not tosh...and i dont want a job for the ministry..i think thats more your forty!


Matchless said:
John,
You are talking utter tosh. The only coating frames rot away under, is the old Nylon coating which used to be applied to bike frames, dish racks, deck chairs etc. Thirty years ago I went to look at a 900 Ducati which due to big end failure was going cheap. I had a good look around it & walked away, as apart from a crank rebuild it also need a new frame. All because some clot had had it Nylon coated.
When powder coating is applied to a properly prepared surface it adheres just like a quality paint job. Look on the bright side though, you could get a job working for the Ministry of Misinformation!!
Click to expand...
 
CNW said:
C.N.W. Cafe Racer
Click to expand...

I am particularly fond of the omition of the frame webbing over the carbs and the addition of gussets on top. This opens up all kinds of carb options.
If I decide to paint my frame next winter, I may look into doing this modification. I'm sort of half way there already.
 
My mentality is still in the fifties when we didn't have the web to see what the weather is going to be like. What will you do if you are out riding that bike and it begins to rain ? Have you got a butler at home to polish it up again ? - Or a friendly wife ?
 
acotrel said:
My mentality is still in the fifties when we didn't have the web to see what the weather is going to be like. What will you do if you are out riding that bike and it begins to rain ? Have you got a butler at home to polish it up again ? - Or a friendly wife ?
Click to expand...

Or a Mary next door?

Phil
 
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