Daily driver!

debby · Sep 5, 2006

My Suzuki GS1000 developed engine problems recently. It's down for the rest of the season. That left me with only one commuter, Chugley, my Royal Enfield Bullet. So I thought, why not add the Norton to the commuter fleet?

I rode the Norton to work today for the first time. It started first kick, settled into a nice smooth 800 rpm idle at the first traffic light, and performed flawlessly. It makes a great commuter - light, torquey, and agile. Lots of fun.

I'm only planning to ride it on nice days though. I don't want it sitting out in the rain all afternoon. Chugley will continue to be the rain bike.

Debby

hewhoistoolazytologin · Sep 5, 2006

My question is...what does Chugley think about all this? Not only being deligated to having to brave rain and maybe snow..but watching as that snobby Norton leaves the garage to enjoy all the sunny days....

Be careful around her....nothing worse, or more dangerous than a lady that has been replaced by a newer, flashier model..... :wink:

debby · Sep 5, 2006

hewhoistoolazytologin said:
Be careful around her....nothing worse, or more dangerous than a lady that has been replaced by a newer, flashier model..... :wink:

Chugley's a boy, not a girl and he understands his place on the team! :wink:

He remains as the primary commuter, due to his excellent gas mileage (70 mpg) and proven performance in all weather conditions. And his alternator puts out enough power (barely) to run my electric vest. I just have the stock 120w alternator on the Norton. It's pretty much maxed out just running the lights. I am considering a major electrical/electronics upgrade in the future though...

Debby

79x100 · Sep 5, 2006

Debby,

Are all your bikes named and gender specific ? Just curious as to what the Commando would be. Would an Interstate be different from a Roadster ?

I can't imagine mine having human characteristics although I do cast doubts on it's parentage if it kicks back (If it kicks back twice then it's Mr Boyer's ancestory that is called into question

mike mcmanus · Sep 5, 2006

Depending where the moon lies in the Southern Hemisphere seemingly has an effect on my old girl, she seems to have different personalities, some days she's a sweet thing and other days she's a b#$ch

And then there's the Norton :wink:

Mike.

debby · Sep 5, 2006

79x100 said:
Debby,

Are all your bikes named and gender specific ? Just curious as to what the Commando would be. Would an Interstate be different from a Roadster ?

Yes, they pretty much all are. I've previously determined the Norton to have a male gender identity but have had some trouble choosing a name for him. Lately I've been thinking of naming him Monty (reminiscent of Field Marshall Montgomery, not Monty Python!)

The bike has always gotten me home, even before the rebuild when he was mortally wounded by the DPO. On his final ride before the big teardown he smoked a pair of modern beemers (literally I'm afraid!) in the foothills. And he performed flawlessly on a recent overnight trip into the mountains, in spite of near constant rain and elevations up to 11,990 feet (Loveland Pass). He's a trooper!

Debby

hewhoistoolazytologin · Sep 6, 2006

Debbie...

Excuse my male assumption that Chugley was female....hard to tell with certain species...rabbits....turtles....and some humans, come to think of it... :wink: So don't take offence...please! We males just see things that way.

Good to hear that he is so understanding...but still be careful, we males don't react very well either to being replaced with a stronger, newer, richer model either.....

As for names...if Chugley's garage partner is such a "trooper"...then that sounds like the perfect name for him.... :wink:

79x100 · Sep 6, 2006

debby said:
Lately I've been thinking of naming him Monty (reminiscent of Field Marshall Montgomery, not Monty Python!)

Debby

:shock: Are you sure, Debby ? Montgomery was a funny little bloke with a high-pitched voice. Haven't you got a two-stroke to name after him ?

Are you sure you're not naming it (him ?) after the "Full Monty" because you had to strip it all the way

?