Norton 961 project bike

Joined
Sep 15, 2012
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112
If you dont want to wait the 2-4 years many people are spending on the wait lists, perhaps you should consider building your own. maybe you have a better idea, or what would be cool, is I got some feedback from a guy who wants to build a modern Norton P-11 scrambler or street tracker. be the most unique bike out there.
I relisted my Norton basket case on Feebay, and willing to discuss SERIOUS offers and any number of ways we could configure the deal. Want a new frame? or use a vintage one? many options, See me at the Norton rally for details and see one of these in person. But in meantime, any of you guys with good computer skills start drawing up a concept of what you would like to see,, P-11? Yellow Peril Proddie racer? or is the hi-rider to your taste?
There is a lot of good design and ideas out there, No reason to stick to the same formula everyone else has.

I have the tech materials to make it run and the support network of vendors and experts. Plus im excited about a local craftsman making stainless exhausts, I might be looking into making a run of aftermarket pipes for the 961s, hi pipes, waist levels, TT pipes, swept back cafe pipes? Im excited to try out some designs
not sure if theres demand for them yet, Ill be working on tuning data too for the ECUs which seems to be a market segment unfulfilled.
 
so who has the aftermarket pipes? and what style are they? do they have the hi pipes like a commando S or like the Maney race pipes?
What about a P11 style for a street scrambler? And what kind of price range are we talking? If the price is right, decent quality and the right style i dont see the need to re-invent the wheel so to speak, however if they dont meet the above I am looking at already having 3 sets made for my needs, so it would make sense to maybe do 10 to 20 sets and sell them along with the tuning maps.

My motor and package deal is still availible,, can be retooled to suit, Im also open to offers.
 
The issue is how much they are charging and how nice they are, I have a lead on 2 very promising local fabricators who from all appearances make some outstanding stainless exhausts, one of whom has already worked with Norton America and made a number of different exhausts for them. So bottom line is, we shall see. I need to generate cash before i can explore this further, no use wasting anyones time if i dont have the cash up front. Plus once we are up and running i need to work on tuning and dialing in the fuel systems. Everyone ive talked to has said the New Nortons dont like to idle and many starting issues so its pretty clear to me theres work to be done there.
Im learning this stuff on Buells and Ducatis as well, and same issues but not hard to sort out so no reason the Nortons should be having these issues.
Kenny Dreers dragster crew chief is I am told a MASTER tuner on MEGASQUIRT and thats what im planning on using on the New Nortons, I know a lot of people using MSq and tons of resources. Kenny is running a 400+ hp Suzuki drag bike in the 6 second club, if MSq is good enough for that, then its more than good enough for a plain old road going Norton 961, plus MSq is less than half the cost of the ECM/ECS that Norton UK is using (Orex), plus, i might be mistaken but it sure sounds like Nortons are running a basic narrow band system when you have a lot more flexibility and better mapping with the wideband o2.
I have lined out several others who are good with the dyno and setting up computerized tuning including the local race team head guy for a multi brand racing operation here locally.
I am willing to share this data, but right now i need to generate the cash to make it happen.
 
It is true some new Nortons have minor starting and idling issues but these do improve with mileage. I agree there would be a market for a re-map as most new owners have added pipes and some have removed the cats which causes/ contributes to the above issues. Norton does not seem eager to market their Sport pipes and remaps in the US. It does seem that they finally are doing this in Canada but the US and especially California are stricter with the regs on these. I think a small aftermarket supplier would be perfect!
 
Well, all i know is what i have heard from owners of the new machines and accounts on the Interwebs....
But ill be happy to post my results and share data. I just need cash to get the manufacturing process going.

I have several Buells. (if you were at the Norton rally you could have seen one of mine, the XB9SX urban enduro) and these have tuning issues as well, but not hard to address, the maps are widely shared, tons of tech help, several good forums, and a online "Tunerversity" as well as free tuning programs. Plug in your laptop and away you go, Or you can also tune or data log with a handheld smart phone.

Its shameful in my opinion that Norton isnt doing more to get out in front of this tuning issue and be more supportive. Its a whole new world
and you gotta embrace it. Im learning this stuff, I have 2 ducs and a bunch of Buells, Its not as scary as people think.
 
huskyfrk said:
soliciting funds are you ??

Well yes, now that you mention it. Read back to the first posting in this thread. Im looking to sell a brand new 961 motor and other stuff, enough to make a good start on a custom 961 bike as well as tech support to help get it running and source parts. The proceeds of which will go towards getting my other bikes finished and custom parts like exhausts made. My bikes are promotional tools for our museum, so its not just a self centered shameless plug, but to get these bikes up and running so they can make the rounds at events along with development parts and memorabilia. They illustrate the cool vehicles and displays we have at our museum and they rotate in and out of display.
So yes, Ive invested very large sums of my own personal money to do this, and need more.
 
Annoyance where are you located and what air museum are you referring to. I am also into bikes, cars, planes and guns. I live near near the New England Air Museum ( Bradley ) and we are trying to break ground on a new one In Mass.!
 
The facility is on Interstate 5 just North of Salem Oregon, or about an hour south of Portland. Exit #263.
Here is the overall facility;

http://www.antiquepowerland.com/

Its several hundred acres, we have currently 14 museums on site. several functional railroads, a trolley system, and each individual museum are independently run but the governing body is known as PAMA, So while independant, we do work together. For example our biggest event of the year is 2 weeks long and going on now, Known as the great western Steamup.

Our museum itself is the NW Vintage Car and Motorcycle Museum:

http://nwcarandcycle.com/ And we have events and seminars all year long but the displays run from June until October and we mix it up every year. This year is a big focus on race bikes
 
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