Colorado Norton Works rebuild?

It would depend on my situation. I like tinkering and building bikes myself, but if I was time poor or did not have the skills and was in the market for a newish bike I would seriously consider the CNW rebuild. They will build your bike exactly the way you want it and you know it will be good. Go for it - you only live once.

SquareHead, there are other options if you consider buying a new (classic) Commando: Norvil UK, nearly standard Commando or Holland Norton Works, standard/customized Commando with technical (CNW) improvements.

I guess I fall into the category described, time-poor and unable to build the bike myself. My company decided they want to pay me (for now) to live in an apartment in a city far from my home, in a country with virtually no Nortons, and which allows no import of bikes that aren't new. I would certainly love to be the guy who does everything to my own bike(s), and in previous chapters I was. But at this stage, for me, it is impossible. Working with Matt on a reborn Commando is as close as I can get.

Have to say he has been remarkable to work with. He puts a great deal of personal attention into making sure it is YOUR bike, set up exactly as you want it, but with the benefit of his skills, imagination, team and experience. Others might be tempted to play the prima donna at his success level, I didn't detect a drop of it in him.

I want a bike to ride, not just to look at. I'm getting both (in fall of next year), because Matt's bikes are damn sure lookers. Will I wish I could have been a bigger part of building it? Hell yes. I will always admire the effort that goes into building any ride more than the ride itself. Will I work on it myself when I get back to where I can? Hell yes. It is a motorcycle, not the Mona Lisa, and I won't have something I can't fiddle with.

So what? So there is no single "right answer" to your question. If it is right for you, order the bike and get involved in making it your own and celebrate every step. If you choose another path, commit, grab some throttle and get with it. You are fortunate to be faced with two right answers -- if all else fails, flip a coin.

Cheers -- mr

Wow, I really appreciate all of the feedback, no matter what your opinion. I have decided that I am going to go with the CNW rebuild. I took all of the opinions posted here into account. I already have bikes that I tinker with, mainly two older BMW's. The point was made several times about whether I want to ride or ride/fiddle. I want to ride this bike. And I also liked the "you only live once" comments.

Anyhow, now that the decision has been made, any comments, suggestions, opinions, etc., on the build itself? Right now, I am thinking about going with as close to stock look as I can. I like the look of cafe, but comfort-wise, I like the ergonomics of the bike as it came from the factory.

Sure would appreciate more opinions. Thanks much!

Get the Fullauto head! Talk to Matt about belt drive options for the primary. See if you can talk him into giving you the fuel injection! So far it is only available on the Cafe bike. Might as well ask about JS lightweight pistons and rods. Lets see...hmmm, sure you don't want to spring for the Cafe bike?

http://www.coloradonortonworks.com/abou ... istory.asp

SquareHead said:

I liked the "you only live once" comments.
Anyhow, now that the decision has been made, any comments, suggestions, opinions, etc., on the build itself? Right now, I am thinking about going with as close to stock look as I can. I like the look of cafe, but comfort-wise, I like the ergonomics of the bike as it came from the factory.
Sure would appreciate more opinions. Thanks much!

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+1 on having the JS motorsports engine components incorporated into the build---they just make sense---solid engineering / upgrades if you ask me, which i guess, you did......again, you're a lucky bastard SquareHead, enjoy your build---you only live once or as my big brother says "hey take it one day at a time it's what you 've got"---he's a cancer survivor, cheers Cj

This has been a great thread. It shows the genuine love we all have for these great machines in all their forms, and whatever level we choose, or are able, to be involved in their refurbishing.

One upgrade that has been great for my bike was a new high output alternator coupled with a modern regulator from CNW. Now the bike has all the electricity it needs and the system is simpler without the zener and rectifier. I have a Corbin seat and although I think it looks good it is not comfortable, doesn't allow you you to sit in the right spot, and you can't take a passenger. I'm sure there are better seats out there.

cjandme said:

SquareHead said:

If you could afford a CNW Norton rebuild, would you do it? I am fortunate enough to be able to afford it and am pretty sure I am going to do it, but I wanted to get feedback from the collective... I would appreciate your reasons for/against. Thanks!

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Yes I would Squarehead....you lucky bastard.....I mean everyone has seen their bikes on their build page and the quality shows in every shot and because their reputation is outstanding. That being said you can still wrench on it yourself after you get it back. As for the against ...........not really coming up with anything doing it.

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No. I could afford afford a cnw bike if I really wanted it but I enjoy the wrenching too much. Doug madsons approach is the way to go if you like the cnw look. That is, buy their upgraded componentry and do the work yourself.

Hi

The only problem I have is that of footpeg placement. Too many years with clipons & rearsets!! I dont like M bars, hi bars & the standard footrests.
M bars or straights with rearsets & a decent seat.

Chris

Just buy the CNW parts like I did and put it together yourself. Best of both worlds.

Sky






Uncalibrated

I didn't ask before, but should have...Did CNW build the crate for the motor? Holy Schnikees! Nuff said?

rvich said:

I didn't ask before, but should have...Did CNW build the crate for the motor? Holy Schnikees! Nuff said?

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Yep, It's even powder coated.

Great Jewelery Travel Case, are they for rent for an interval?

Very nice Skyguy! I went the same route as you, and even busted for their sweet rear sets. Just got my engine in the mail!!!!

How do you guys like the engines? Did you go with the basic engine rebuild as outlined on the website?

hobot said:

Great Jewelery Travel Case, are they for rent for an interval?

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Sure- when you buy a motor rebuild. Jim

Beautiful Skyguyz!! I'm part way there myself and lovin it. I really like your silver frame. Thinking of doing mine in a dark bronze to match the gold lettering.

radiofun said:

Beautiful Skyguyz!! I'm part way there myself and lovin it. I really like your silver frame. Thinking of doing mine in a dark bronze to match the gold lettering.

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That would be an excellent choice I think.

Just enjoy it and go at your own pace.

Sky

I know I like the feeling I get when someone walks up to me and says, Nice Bike Knowing I did the work myself.
If I had the cash, Id buy a CNW Norton and a new 961 Norton.
Id want the CNW Norton to look stock.

Phil

Norton-Villier said:

I'd want the CNW Norton to look stock.

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Gotta love a sleeper!