- Joined
- Jan 1, 2014
- Messages
- 31
Hi there,
I would like to take a moment to introduce myself. I have just purchased a 1970 Norton Commando S (from Torontonian actually) and couldn't be more excited.
Here's my background: I was born and raised in the south of France. I have been riding motorcycles since I was 13 years old, I was fortunate to have understanding parents (didn't hurt that my dad tracked cars) and began 2-stroke racing. I owned several bikes and eventually went from 2 to 4 stroke racing.
I met an incredible Canadian woman, married her in 2000 and moved to Toronto a year later. My first job in North America was in the motorcycle industry, working at a dealership and teaching the motorcycle safety course for a licensed riding school. During that time, I raced amateur for a couple of years (SV 650 Cup) before kids, career and life took over (I eventually took a corporate career path). After 7 years with no riding, my wife surprised me with a Ducati 1098 on our 10th anniversary (I know, she is a keeper). I enjoyed the Ducati a lot but without much time for the track and the fact that riding big, fast sport bikes in Ontario isn't that fun (not many great roads and vigilant police force) I sold it after a couple of years.
Having always liked naked bikes and cafe racers, I decided to try a modern classic and bought a 900 Thruxton. It was a fine bike, but overweight and underpowered IMO. It wasn't quite the right bike for me and I sold it last year. Shortly thereafter, an old motorcycle injury (accident dating back to 1997) resurfaced and landed me in the hospital. (I wrote a lengthy blog post with loads of details here here). I spent a few weeks in/out, had to have 3 surgeries and was scheduled for a below the knee amputation in July. The situation improved and as it stands right now the leg is staying though no doctor can tell me how long for. I have made preparations and arrangements with a prosthetist should the day come for it to go.
Since then, I have been thinking and looking for my next bike. When I came across Torontonian sell ad, I felt that the Norton might be the one (it's the right color and all lol). Upon meeting him, I realized that he had taken great care of the bike and we struck a deal. The bike is now in my garage and we are waiting for spring.
I have been reading and learning lots since joining this forum. Soon I will talk about one of my concern with riding this bike and some of the ideas and projects I have for it.
I would like to take a moment to introduce myself. I have just purchased a 1970 Norton Commando S (from Torontonian actually) and couldn't be more excited.
Here's my background: I was born and raised in the south of France. I have been riding motorcycles since I was 13 years old, I was fortunate to have understanding parents (didn't hurt that my dad tracked cars) and began 2-stroke racing. I owned several bikes and eventually went from 2 to 4 stroke racing.
I met an incredible Canadian woman, married her in 2000 and moved to Toronto a year later. My first job in North America was in the motorcycle industry, working at a dealership and teaching the motorcycle safety course for a licensed riding school. During that time, I raced amateur for a couple of years (SV 650 Cup) before kids, career and life took over (I eventually took a corporate career path). After 7 years with no riding, my wife surprised me with a Ducati 1098 on our 10th anniversary (I know, she is a keeper). I enjoyed the Ducati a lot but without much time for the track and the fact that riding big, fast sport bikes in Ontario isn't that fun (not many great roads and vigilant police force) I sold it after a couple of years.
Having always liked naked bikes and cafe racers, I decided to try a modern classic and bought a 900 Thruxton. It was a fine bike, but overweight and underpowered IMO. It wasn't quite the right bike for me and I sold it last year. Shortly thereafter, an old motorcycle injury (accident dating back to 1997) resurfaced and landed me in the hospital. (I wrote a lengthy blog post with loads of details here here). I spent a few weeks in/out, had to have 3 surgeries and was scheduled for a below the knee amputation in July. The situation improved and as it stands right now the leg is staying though no doctor can tell me how long for. I have made preparations and arrangements with a prosthetist should the day come for it to go.
Since then, I have been thinking and looking for my next bike. When I came across Torontonian sell ad, I felt that the Norton might be the one (it's the right color and all lol). Upon meeting him, I realized that he had taken great care of the bike and we struck a deal. The bike is now in my garage and we are waiting for spring.
I have been reading and learning lots since joining this forum. Soon I will talk about one of my concern with riding this bike and some of the ideas and projects I have for it.
