Ludwig's 300 lb Commando thread

[Rohan]

Did some clever forward thinking person happen to screen save the photos?

You are aware that you can right click on images, and choose to save the actual images.
(excluding some photobuckets, grrrr)
I would have some - somewhere - but until I figure out my 'filing system' at the time,
they may remain elusive.

 

[DogT]

Yes, any pic that is posted here could be saved as the original post picture. I have maybe a few of the headsteady he made and may have even sent me personally, I can post them on photobucket if you all like, but they may be repeats from others. I thought I had one of the rear wheel adjuster he made, but can't find it. It was awesome. And yes I'm a fool. The first time I rebuilt my Norton, I took the cylinder and head off back in the late 70's and honed it with a $10 hone tool, put it all back together and it ran fine for years. I had no clue what I was doing. Shows you how indestructible these bikes are.

 

[lynxnsu]

He also used to be on the Britbike forum, I haven't been there for years so don't know if that would do any good, but he may well get a pm. I pm'd him in the past and gotten responses, although his attitude was if you own a Norton and don't have a complete machine shop and the knowledge to go along with it, you're a fool.

this is one of the the attitudes he didn,t like , although he did not like fools
we had a bit of a drinking session about a week ago and he is the genuine article, he even forgives me working on ducatis now
but the problem was imho that there is too much blablabla and not enough boumboum , people like comnoz and js etc are a real gain , but others are ...well something else
this is not to say those people should not be welcome , but perhaps on another forum.I sugested this a few years ago but got a lot of flak for this

what i mean is that there are technical inclined people and people who are in it for the scene,both can be a gain but not in the same threads
i will ask him about putting his pics back but he is quite staightforward and rarely goes back (forward back.....)

 

[mikegray660]

i'm glad to hear Ludwig is doing well - and understand his no non-sense approach to the forum as it has changed dramatically over the years, as all things do, and perhaps not for the best :shock:

He also used to be on the Britbike forum, I haven't been there for years so don't know if that would do any good, but he may well get a pm. I pm'd him in the past and gotten responses, although his attitude was if you own a Norton and don't have a complete machine shop and the knowledge to go along with it, you're a fool.

this is one of the the attitudes he didn,t like , although he did not like fools
we had a bit of a drinking session about a week ago and he is the genuine article, he even forgives me working on ducatis now
but the problem was imho that there is too much blablabla and not enough boumboum , people like comnoz and js etc are a real gain , but others are ...well something else
this is not to say those people should not be welcome , but perhaps on another forum.I sugested this a few years ago but got a lot of flak for this

what i mean is that there are technical inclined people and people who are in it for the scene,both can be a gain but not in the same threads
i will ask him about putting his pics back but he is quite staightforward and rarely goes back (forward back.....)

 

[Mark]

but the problem was imho that there is too much blablabla and not enough boumboum , people like comnoz and js etc are a real gain , but others are ...well something else
this is not to say those people should not be welcome , but perhaps on another forum.I sugested this a few years ago but got a lot of flak for this

what i mean is that there are technical inclined people and people who are in it for the scene,both can be a gain but not in the same threads

I also liked his posts and pics, but if this is truly his attitude, then .............. Screw Him!
If all of us common Norton fans are not up to his standards, then he should take his toys and leave.

Personally, I like seeing ride reports and people actually enjoying their motorcycles. All technical talk - all the time gets a bit boring IMHO.
Different strokes I guess, in the end we're all motorcycle enthusiast. Ride On Ludwig!

 

[Peter R]

people like comnoz and js etc are a real gain , but others are ...well something else

OK what would you suggest ? one forum for the people who know about Commando's and another forum for "idiots" ??
Please guys let's get real. None of us were born with in depth knowledge of Nortons, not even Comnoz (or Ludwig for that matter)
I owned my Commando for over 40 years, and these bikes have few secrets for me, but we all must be aware that there are several guys on this forum who are relatively new to these machines and and are eager to learn .
I personally resent the "I know everything and you are an idiot" attititude .
It would be better to share our knowledge than arrogantly looking down on those who are less mechanically inclined than others.
End of rant.

 

[guest76]

There's a balance somewhere, and to be honest this forum is certainly the best I have found to date for having that balance.

However, on the flip side I also get the point that the likes of Ludwig, the Jims, the Kens, Don, Jean, Nigel and several other experts that frequent these pages must have their patience constantly tested when idiots like me come along and ask stupid questions.

I'm just truly grateful that most of them tolerate me!


I do think that forums like this are all the better for people like Ludwig and Hobot though - great characters with good ideas and experiences are always welcome!

The trouble is, with strong characters comes the occasional clash. Unfortunately, that's life.

 

[BritTwit]

The trouble is, with strong characters comes the occasional clash. Unfortunately, that's life.

I think you hit the nail on the head.

It’s inevitable that there will be some heated discussion on the forum.
I’ve read many of Ludwig’s postings where one or more individuals attempt to tell him why he’s wrong, or how he could have done something better.
I can image how infuriating this can be for someone as talented as he is.

I often wondered why he never tried to market any of his Norton innovations.
I bet Matt at CNW would be interested in some.
I personally really like his 4 stud exhaust clamp mod.

 

[lynxnsu]

people like comnoz and js etc are a real gain , but others are ...well something else

OK what would you suggest ? one forum for the people who know about Commando's and another forum for "idiots" ??
I personally resent the "I know everything and you are an idiot" attititude .
It would be better to share our knowledge than arrogantly looking down on those who are less mechanically inclined than others.
End of rant.

this has nothing to do with knowing it all (or making believe you do...) and not wanting to share
Ludwig has shared more than most of us , and did not look down on those who are less mechanicly inclined (nice way of saying things)
he simply resented the blablabla ,about nothing , the people who wanted to post about their new underpants with a norton logo on it ,
it is not so enjoyable to have to filter through all the posts to avoid the crap


but hey , i am not him but wanted yo say WHY he left (and why i rarely come here for that matter )

last , yes perhaps 2 forums ,one for those who know a bit about nortons and those WHO WANT TO KNOW A BIT MORE , and a second for other stuff like the latest norton socks and underpants and were to buy them

as said , i did suggest this before but .........

 

[worntorn]

Put me down for four pairs of the Norton underpants, size Spongebob Squarepants.

Glen

 

[SteveA]

[.....
but the problem was imho that there is too much blablabla and not enough boumboum , people like comnoz and js etc are a real gain , but others are ...well something else

I come here mainly for the technical discussion, which may mean I have to be selective choosing which posts to read...and guess what...sometimes I get it wrong...and sometimes I respond to things I shouldn't....but...that is forums I guess and it seems to me that as far as forums go this is the best thing around for Nortons and there is a hive of technical information for those seeking it, regardless of how much of it the individual might be able to consume or digest in one sitting...

I live with it that way, because on balnce I think its worth it....I don't blame anyone who leaves if they feel they are being abused in some way...this is all about what is for most of us a hobby.....I do get annoyed when I feel someone is being abused...I try to avoid it, or getting suckered in...

 

[marinatlas]

Hi, I was not a specialist , but I became more and more educated by plenty of guys on this forum and Ludwig had answered kindly to few of my idiot questions , as have done others .......!
I am happy to know more now I am 61 than when I started at 19......thanks to all those contributers.

 

[Rohan]

Yeah, spongebob finally gets a mention !

On the subject of 2 forums, one only for the 'experts'.
if anyone has a simple formula for separating the wheat from the chaff, lets hear it. !!
Could make squillions patenting it....

 

[Onder]

First, I tip my hat to Ludwig. But the idea that anyone is born with Norton or any other knowledge is nonsense. You
learn by listening and doing.
Cannot agree that the list is full of blah blah as biking is not just a bunch of mechanics and machinists any more than
just a bunch of logo wearing posers. It is all sorts of levels of interest and ability.
Ludwig did a lot of clever stuff but it was mostly oriented toward his lightweight interest not all of which suited the
average biker. And to be honest, his attitude wasnt always something that went down well with me. Id prefer
Jim Comstock who seems willing to share and considering his talents and investment never seems to ride the high horse.
Just my opinions...

 

[o0norton0o]

There's no graceful dismount from a high horse...

 

[cjandme]

Put me down for four pairs of the Norton underpants, size Spongebob Squarepants.

Glen

That cracks me....My youngest son (6yrs old), loves Spongebob and I had just finished seeing yet another episode when I opened this thread . Glad to hear the Ludwig is Okay though, Thanks lynxnsu.

 

[Fast Eddie]

Wow, you're alive!

Perhaps now you've remembered the web site address, you'll frequent a bit more often?

I hope so!

Most of whatever you did on your bike was incredibly well thought out, designed and executed.

I notice you have a steering damper. I also think to myself that you would not fit one of these without good thought or reason (it is weight after all)!

Would you mind showing some close up pics of your installed damper please? And any tips or advice you have on this and which damper to use?

I am wanting to fit a damper too, so your insight would be appreciated old chap.

 

[kerinorton]

Hi Ludwig. Welcome back.
Would you mind doing what Jim Comstock did a little while ago. I found his bike amazing and with the video and commentary, he explained all the obvious mods he did to his bike.

I think most of us on this forum would get a great deal from that. I personally made a head steady [ in my backwoods mechanic/machine shop ] based on yours . So simple and works better than the original rubbers I still had.

All the best. Dereck

 

[DogT]

What I like about this forum is there's not too many pi$$ing contests. Yes, ludwig's bike is a thing to behold.

 

[Madnorton]

If I had a back garden like that I would not bother posting either, I might totally forget i even had a computer - what scenery!!