It's Gone

Big_Jim59

Big_Jim59

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Sep 13, 2010
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I put it on the trailer and it's gone to a new home. It is the end of an era for me. I have owned at least 4 Norton motorcycles that I can remember and there may be more. For the first time since my teens I am not looking for a bike or a bike project. I had a medical issue that put me in the hospital a couple of times in quick succession and like it or not it has effected my balance. I can still ride but I don't feel as comfortable and because of that I am not riding much. Riding has become something I need to do to keep the Norton in good nick and the oil circulated. I need to let the bike(s) go to people who will use and enjoy them. I am sure that John is going to be a new visitor to this site. I have tried to answer any and all questions he might have but you all know how that goes.
 
Don't blind corners worry you guys ? I don't even like straight roads with hedges and farm gates.
 
acotrel said:
Don't blind corners worry you guys ? I don't even like straight roads with hedges and farm gates.
Click to expand...
Who do you think you are, James Dean?
Compared to here, where we are ever watchful of hoppy things coming at you, I share your concern about the possibility of a tractor coming out of one of those gates!
...or, another bike banking into the same corner - from the opposite direction.
In many places it's a wide footpath, not a dual carriage road.
 
Last edited:
robs ss said:
Who do you think you are, James Dean?
Compared to here, where we are ever watchful of hoppy things coming at you, I share your concern about the possibility of a tractor coming out of one of those gates!
...or, another bike banking into the same corner - from the opposite direction.
In many places it's a wide footpath, not a dual carriage road.
Click to expand...
It's worth remembering a lot of our roads evolved from prehistoric deer tracks.
Where I live, the most modern road was installed by the Romans.
We do tend to ride with our eyes open though.
 
acotrel said:
Don't blind corners worry you guys ? I don't even like straight roads with hedges and farm gates.
Click to expand...
Things look different through a GoPro lens.

You get used to a few blind corners after riding the same section of road several times. When I thought I was going fast 30+ years ago I was still cautious at blind corners though. Some guys are balls out all the time. Some guys die on the street or end up partially paralyzed.

You've heard of Laguna Seca Raceway right. The CorkScrew is a blind entrance, and it's way safer there than on the street however.
 
Just how fast do you guys think I was going?! 😅

To maintain the off-topic-ness I found another vid :)
 
B+Bogus said:
Just how fast do you guys think I was going?! 😅

To maintain the off-topic-ness I found another vid :)
Click to expand...

I have to ride 50 miles through some hellacious traffic to get to a quiet 2 lane rode. Puts a damper on my desire to get out there these days. Nice ride for you. 👍
60-70mph in some sections would be my guess on max speed. Hard to tell though with a GoPro video.

Big_Jim59 said:
I put it on the trailer and it's gone to a new home. It is the end of an era for me. I have owned at least 4 Norton motorcycles that I can remember and there may be more. For the first time since my teens I am not looking for a bike or a bike project. I had a medical issue that put me in the hospital a couple of times in quick succession and like it or not it has effected my balance. I can still ride but I don't feel as comfortable and because of that I am not riding much. Riding has become something I need to do to keep the Norton in good nick and the oil circulated. I need to let the bike(s) go to people who will use and enjoy them. I am sure that John is going to be a new visitor to this site. I have tried to answer any and all questions he might have but you all know how that goes.
Click to expand...
So you're done with riding or just done with Nortons?

Either way, I feel what you are talking about. I'm healthy, but still have lost a lot of mojo for the ride.
 
lmindmoto said:
Hey all. I'm John, the new, VERY proud owner of Big_Jim59's Norton. I'm hoping the delivery is Tuesday as I'm "chomping at the bit" to ride her. I'm very grateful to have found this website and have already begun wearing out the Search button.
Hope you're all well.
Click to expand...
Off topic on my part.

Where in Seattle?

I'm in Wedgwood and about to suit up for a very short ride while the weather is still good.

If you need help with any of the Norton engine related stuff you can PM me. My time is free, and I have the hand tools for everything engine and general maintenance wise but making parts. Member seattlegs works on Brit bikes for money somewhere in West Seattle.
 
lmindmoto said:
Hey all. I'm John, the new, VERY proud owner of Big_Jim59's Norton. I'm hoping the delivery is Tuesday as I'm "chomping at the bit" to ride her. I'm very grateful to have found this website and have already begun wearing out the Search button.
Hope you're all well.
Click to expand...
Hey John! So good to see you here.

I want everyone to know that I bombarded him with all the information I could remember. I also sent all the data that Debby sent me on how the bike was built and who had a hand in it. I am afraid I have been rather a pest. John also gets the clutch puller and the exhaust nut wrench!
 
Schwany said:
So you're done with riding or just done with Nortons?
Click to expand...
It's probably my last Norton but I carry the memories with me always. (I also have some great T150 and T160 memories in my head as well!)

I can still ride but I haven't ridden seriously since my medical scare. I did ride the Norton up and down the street to make a video to sent to John. I have an Honda ST1300 left in the garage and it might seem like a heavy bike for this time in my life but it kind of takes care of itself when on the move. It's pretty rough cosmetically so a fall is no big deal. My cop buddy showed me how to mount and dismount from the right side of the bike which actually helps with my balance issues and he showed me full lock turns which helps as well. I am not done yet but my big trip days may be over.

Like you I have a low traffic, low speed, twisty bit of road I use as my regular riding spot.
 

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