MYSTERY NORTON

J

Jason Curtiss

Joined

Jun 14, 2003

Messages

747

• Jan 22, 2007

• #1

Does anyone recognize the Norton on the SLIPSTREAM page in the February issue of Cycle World?

Jason

 

J

Jason Curtiss

Joined

Jun 14, 2003

Messages

747

• Jan 26, 2007

• #2

I'm amazed!

I fully expected someone to say: "That's a 750 Commando, I recognize the..." But no such luck.

Jason

 

Ron L

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Feb 27, 2004

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3,257

• Jan 27, 2007

• #3

O.K.
It's the 1973 monocoque John Player Special with Dave Aldana on board. I believe this is the one that resides with Tim and Tom Frutiger at Wheels Unlimited in Minnesota.

 

J

Jason Curtiss

Joined

Jun 14, 2003

Messages

747

• Jan 28, 2007

• #4

Thanks Ron.

What looks like an engine case peaking through the lower front of the fairing has an unusual shape, which led me to think it wasn't a Commando.

Thanks for solving this mystery for me.

Jason

 

Ron L

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• Jan 29, 2007

• #5

I believe that is part of the frame/fueltank/airduct. Here's a shot of Peter Williams bike being restored at Norman White's after the British National Museum fire.

More info at this site http://www.nortonracing.co.nz/restoration.html#

 

J

Jason Curtiss

Joined

Jun 14, 2003

Messages

747

• Jan 29, 2007

• #6

Interesting, thanks for the picture and link, Ron.

 

ILLF8ED

Joined

Dec 30, 2003

Messages

3,689

• Feb 2, 2007

• #7

Hi Ron,

Did you mean Dave Croxford rather than David Aldana? Croxford was on the '73 JPN team.

 

Ron L

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• Feb 5, 2007

• #8

illf8ed,

You could be right. I believe Croxford raced with the number 15, but maybe not. I know Aldana raced Nortons in the 'states and probably incorrectly thought this was him with his familiar number 13. Of course he isn't wearing his skeleton leathers that raised the ire of the AMA!