Frankenbike

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Aug 21, 2016
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So I got my bare frame Monday night. It’s a 1973 850. I also picked up a few parts over the next day. More parts are coming tomorrow and next week, but I am missing so much.

You guys call it a Bitsa, I’ve always called them Frankenbikes. It’s a matching numbers frame, engine case and transmission case with clean title.

I am beginning my fist Norton and I’m pumped. Maybe even a little OCD.

I’m going to get cleaning and getting everything ready while my search continues for parts, but this is part of the fun.

Here is some pics of Monday’s bare frame and then tonight.

Frankenbike


Frankenbike


Frankenbike


Frankenbike
 
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Another labor of love has begun. May the gods smile upon your labors and reward you handsomely.
 
I notice your frame has the rear loop-strengthening gussets inboard of the upper shock mounts. LAB thought mine ('73 also) was a bit of an anomaly.
 
Looking forward to watching this one . I have some bits from my 1972 750 Roadster - LMK what you need.
 
I notice your frame has the rear loop-strengthening gussets inboard of the upper shock mounts. LAB thought mine ('73 also) was a bit of an anomaly.

Not sure what you mean, what specifically are loop strengthening gussets and are they an advantage?
 
I notice your frame has the rear loop-strengthening gussets inboard of the upper shock mounts. LAB thought mine ('73 also) was a bit of an anomaly.

At the time I was under the impression that the extended gussets were introduced on the "Mk2" frames hence the reason for the change of 850 frame part number from 064140 (Mk1) to 065404 (Mk2/2A) according to the parts lists.
However, it appears that extended gussets were in fact fitted to many (or the majority of?) 850 Mk1 frames.
 
Looking forward to watching this one . I have some bits from my 1972 750 Roadster - LMK what you need.
Hi Richard,

Hahaha, I need just about everything!

What you see is what I have, however, I have new fenders, swing arm , side stand, shocks and fork ears coming.

I need wheels and axles, disc brake, chain guard and on and on and on...
 
There's gussets crawling all over my '74 as well. I pretty much assumed they were commonplace on all.
Can't wait to see that thunder chicken ready to roll.... Just not enough Nortons on the road these days. One gets the feeling of being stared at all too often by folks which have never heard them run.
 
Hi Richard,

Hahaha, I need just about everything!

What you see is what I have, however, I have new fenders, swing arm , side stand, shocks and fork ears coming.

I need wheels and axles, disc brake, chain guard and on and on and on...
PM sent re : Available parts
 
I have a single Z-plate to compliment your stray. I'd like to donate it to the project, but it will have to wait till mid-January as we are off to Germany to visit our son for Christmas.
 
I also have a complete sprung box-type top steady with spring & saddle, but I'd like a reasonable price for it.
 
I have an extra rotor and a caliper if interested. I think they should fit in a medium sized flat rate box. Not looking to get rich off of them, let me know. Cj
 
I have an extra rotor and a caliper if interested. I think they should fit in a medium sized flat rate box. Not looking to get rich off of them, let me know. Cj
Hi, it’s been a long time since I logged on. What are you thinking on the rotor and caliper?
 
Been spending time tuning up my frame with Rustoleum gloss enamel with an artists brush. Ended up touching up more than not but it looks pretty good.

Painted the oil tank, and some small parts. Also picked up a cradle finally. Been also gathering parts.

Merry Christmas everyone.

Frankenbike


Frankenbike
 
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