- Joined
- Dec 5, 2009
- Messages
- 303
I've had this Norton since the early 90s, but know the bike from the 80s and the second owner who bought it with 1500 original miles for $1000. I acquired it from a friend for $2600, but it was put together with leftover parts by a previous owner.
Needless to say it's been quite a journey and it continues! I was lucky a couple years ago to hook up with an unemployed quality assurance engineer that learned leaned his trade fixing Nortons :? The crank had broken in half :shock: We agreed on a price, he tore it down and I bought replacement parts. The frame was powder coated and the tank and side covers were professionally painted by a friend for $250
All the nuts and bolts were cad plated or new. I figure over the years I've spent $15K on the bike. The bike ran perfectly and was my only bike, but keeping up with the current crop of sport bikes on the open road is not a good idea :idea:
So after blowing a head gasket and pulling the head numerous times trying to stop the head from leaking (RTV under front two nuts), I succeed at stopping that drama. But then there's the Amal carbs :| I love the look and when they're tuned correctly, work great. I was getting a pop out of the right exhaust and figured there's an air leak, but no (of course I pulled the carb too). Timing was off a tad and who know why only one cylinder was popping :?: I got the timing right, but engine was racing no matter where idle was set. Put it away and in the morning pulled the tank and found air cross over had come off. Idles nice runs great, but of course clutch is slipping and suspension needs work :roll:
But when the roads smooth and the bike runs perfect I forget all the trama
And I now have an Aprilia Futura for day to day rides and the Norton for local fun
Needless to say it's been quite a journey and it continues! I was lucky a couple years ago to hook up with an unemployed quality assurance engineer that learned leaned his trade fixing Nortons :? The crank had broken in half :shock: We agreed on a price, he tore it down and I bought replacement parts. The frame was powder coated and the tank and side covers were professionally painted by a friend for $250
All the nuts and bolts were cad plated or new. I figure over the years I've spent $15K on the bike. The bike ran perfectly and was my only bike, but keeping up with the current crop of sport bikes on the open road is not a good idea :idea: So after blowing a head gasket and pulling the head numerous times trying to stop the head from leaking (RTV under front two nuts), I succeed at stopping that drama. But then there's the Amal carbs :| I love the look and when they're tuned correctly, work great. I was getting a pop out of the right exhaust and figured there's an air leak, but no (of course I pulled the carb too). Timing was off a tad and who know why only one cylinder was popping :?: I got the timing right, but engine was racing no matter where idle was set. Put it away and in the morning pulled the tank and found air cross over had come off. Idles nice runs great, but of course clutch is slipping and suspension needs work :roll:
But when the roads smooth and the bike runs perfect I forget all the trama
And I now have an Aprilia Futura for day to day rides and the Norton for local fun
