What became of the 2015 Cycle World test bike

Greetings fellow Norton enthusiasts . This was the Cycle World , South Bay 2015 test bike. I bought it on consignment from Indian Motorcycle of Orange County in 2017. Just finished the Thruxton fairing install. The hardbags have been on it for a year or so.

Very nice !!

Hot damn!
That's really a sharp 961.
What's the name of that color?

I think Norton called it Steel Green . Good on you for buying it ! How you liking it so far ? Looks like you may have a Thruxton as well in the garage ?

BritTwit said:

Hot damn!
That's really a sharp 961.
What's the name of that color?

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As Tony

BritTwit said:

Hot damn!
That's really a sharp 961.
What's the name of that color?

Click to expand...

As TonyA said it is steel green. My painter did a good job matching the bags color to the bike. Thanks for your comment.

TonyA said:

I think Norton called it Steel Green . Good on you for buying it ! How you liking it so far ? Looks like you may have a Thruxton as well in the garage ?

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I just bought the Thruxton RS. Did not like the gray silver 2020 paint so replaced it with diablo red and changed out the black engine cases with brushed aluminum so it looks more like a 2017 R. I do love the Norton as I have since my first commando in 1972. The 961 is alot of fun to ride but as we all know they are challenging. I've had some problems with it. Next I need to look at the clutch. It is loud and raunchy and engages roughly. I've seen posts about the clutch issues and abnormal loosening and wear.

Very nice indeed! Cafe racer bars on a 961 Sport? with panniers! I guess you’re touring on that bad boy - how is the comfort?

Love the Thruxton fairing. You’re not the first to do this but it certainly looks the best. How did you resolve the mounting?

Stephen_Spencer said:

Very nice indeed! Cafe racer bars on a 961 Sport? with panniers! I guess you’re touring on that bad boy - how is the comfort?

Love the Thruxton fairing. You’re not the first to do this but it certainly looks the best. How did you resolve the mounting?

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I have a Thruxton RS also and had recently installed the fairing on it so I had an Idea how it was intended to work. The fairing comes with a large cage like aluminum mount with 2 arms that bolt to the front of the Thruxton steering head. Rather than altering the front of the Norton steering head, I picked up 2 circle type clamps and cut them to reach partially around the steering head one high and the other low. I used a piece of 3/4 square tube that fits vertically into the fairing cage mount and drilled it to mount to the cage. So the circle clips hold the vertical square tube in place onto the steering head and the square tube mounts the cage. Finally I painted the fabricated piece aluminum color to match the cage and drilled and tapped the mount and steering head (4 holes on the sides). Luckily the fairing reaches the fuel tank at the correct points and has the rubber caps that touch the tank. I'll attach the turn indicators to the bikes frame. The one picture above of the bike from the side looking forward shows the clamps coming around the steering head and the bolts. You can also see the vertical square tube bolted to the cage arms. I have 2 metal safety straps still in place for extra support which will be removed once I'm convinced the mount is secure.
I usually ride about 60 miles and I suspect my butt and back will get sore around the same time. I use the hardbags to carry a few tools and other useful items. No serious touring for me. Some very nice high speed winding roads here in the Tucson area.

Very good work there !

Yeh, great job! Looks really good. I had spent a lot of time looking at a aluminium replica from overseas however quality was’nt the best, mounting appeared more difficult and the safety implication of a aluminium fairing and high mounting points was a bit off-putting.



I may look again at the genuine Thruxton RS fairing - you have re-ignited my interest.

Stephen_Spencer said:

Yeh, great job! Looks really good. I had spent a lot of time looking at a aluminium replica from overseas however quality was’nt the best, mounting appeared more difficult and the safety implication of a aluminium fairing and high mounting points was a bit off-putting.

View attachment 83922

I may look again at the genuine Thruxton RS fairing - you have re-ignited my interest.

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What's wrong with the current fairing?
You can also checkout Airtech.
They make tons of vintage half fairings, all styles in fiberglass.

Stephen_Spencer said:

Yeh, great job! Looks really good. I had spent a lot of time looking at a aluminium replica from overseas however quality was’nt the best, mounting appeared more difficult and the safety implication of a aluminium fairing and high mounting points was a bit off-putting.

View attachment 83922

I may look again at the genuine Thruxton RS fairing - you have re-ignited my interest.

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Let me know if I can help with any other specifics or considerations. The cost is one factor. $1080 on Ebay which includes the fairing, mounting cage ,hardware, and clip on mounts along with a bunch of stuff you would only use for a Thruxton mounting. I was lucky to get one with Triumph cash applied to total, and another used like new on Ebay for less than half price. If you have inverted forks, which I don't, the clip ons are easier. I had to fabricate an adapter tube to fit the clip on mounts. Good luck if you decide to do it. I was amazed at how easily it all came together with minimal roadblocks.

Hey BT. Nothing wrong with the original fairing however, I ride the Cafe Racer 961 variant and really like that classic type cafe racer half fairing (further exmple below). A matter of opinion, but I think the Thruxton CR fairing looks about perfect on the 961, by way of lines, scale and overall look.



Many thanks for the offer Boss and yes, the cost is a significant factor. About A$1300 in Aus (US$930) for the OEM fairing and mounting kit. It comes in gloss and matt black which is usefull as I have the black/gold CR. It would still need painting of course.



I’m going to do a little more research and will be in touch if I decide to go ahead. I love to fettle!! Thanks mate.

Steve

I was cursing the designer of that fairing today. His)her design is great. The part is incredibly well made and quite complex. If it wasn't so damn pretty I wouldn't have spent the day struggling to mount it on a modified 850 Commando!
It's mostly on there now but it put up a fight.
I made this piece for the headstock mount. It allowed for a welded attachment without removing the steering head bearings. The top lug was in the right spot but the lower lug had to be altered to correct the angle.

I'll tackle the rear mounts tomorrow.
The fairing feels secure with just the cage mount, however the rear mounts are also used on the Thruxton, so it's best to add them as well.

Glen

worntorn said:

I was cursing the designer of that fairing today. His)her design is great. The part is incredibly well made and quite complex. If it wasn't so damn pretty I wouldn't have spent the day struggling to mount it on a modified 850 Commando!
It's mostly on there now but it put up a fight.
I made this piece for the headstock mount. It allowed for a welded attachment without removing the steering head bearings. The top lug was in the right spot but the lower lug had to be altered to correct the angle.

I'll tackle the rear mounts tomorrow.
The fairing feels secure with just the cage mount, however the rear mounts are also used on the Thruxton, so it's best to add them as well.

Glen

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Welding is definitely the best option, especially when you have the bike in a stage of disassembly to expose and work on an area not easily accessible with a fully assembled machine. As you know the rear mount (fuel tank mount) is actually a turn signal mount with a slot for the fairing pins to slip through and a surface for the rubber contact pieces to contact without directly touching the tank. More of a steadier than a mount. I am satisfied with the rubber pieces contacting the tank on my 961 and it provides a snug properly located fitment. I don't know of a way to use that signal mount piece on the 961 fiberglass tank. The Thruxton has mounting holes in the tank bottom. I just mounted my stock signals to the frame downtubes above the oil cooler with extensions laterally to make them visible.. Had the bike out for a high speed run and the fairing was steady as a rock at 90mph. The bolt on method is more than adequate and no problem drilling and tapping the steering head without removing the front end parts from the bike. If I remove the fairing I can easily plug the holes with little evidence. My technique was more of a snap on and bolt method. I look forward to seeing your finished product. Should be a beauty. I have 2 old Commandos that I'll get around to one of these days. John

worntorn said:

I was cursing the designer of that fairing today. His)her design is great. The part is incredibly well made and quite complex. If it wasn't so damn pretty I wouldn't have spent the day struggling to mount it on a modified 850 Commando!
It's mostly on there now but it put up a fight.
I made this piece for the headstock mount. It allowed for a welded attachment without removing the steering head bearings. The top lug was in the right spot but the lower lug had to be altered to correct the angle.

I'll tackle the rear mounts tomorrow.
The fairing feels secure with just the cage mount, however the rear mounts are also used on the Thruxton, so it's best to add them as well.

Glen

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Is that you on that Vincent? I just sold mine last year.

Yes it is. The bike in the cover photo is being tested with the engine from my 47 Rapide. The Rapide engine was used to build and test the rolling chassis then quickly put back in the Rapide before the Vincent Police came for me. The cover bike has a GSXR monoshock , GSXR forks & twin disc brakes and the frame is made from Stainless Steel tubing, so it would be a jailing offence if fitted with an original Vincent engine.

Glen

Boss302 said:

Welding is definitely the best option, especially when you have the bike in a stage of disassembly to expose and work on an area not easily accessible with a fully assembled machine. As you know the rear mount (fuel tank mount) is actually a turn signal mount with a slot for the fairing pins to slip through and a surface for the rubber contact pieces to contact without directly touching the tank. More of a steadier than a mount. I am satisfied with the rubber pieces contacting the tank on my 961 and it provides a snug properly located fitment. I don't know of a way to use that signal mount piece on the 961 fiberglass tank. The Thruxton has mounting holes in the tank bottom. I just mounted my stock signals to the frame downtubes above the oil cooler with extensions laterally to make them visible.. Had the bike out for a high speed run and the fairing was steady as a rock at 90mph. The bolt on method is more than adequate and no problem drilling and tapping the steering head without removing the front end parts from the bike. If I remove the fairing I can easily plug the holes with little evidence. My technique was more of a snap on and bolt method. I look forward to seeing your finished product. Should be a beauty. I have 2 old Commandos that I'll get around to one of these days. John

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I was tempted to do the same, forgo the rear mount, however my front tank mounts are close to the fairing rear mount and can be modified to accept the rear fairing mounts.

The Thruxton fairing looks great on your bike.

worntorn said:

Yes it is. The bike in the cover photo is being tested with the engine from my 47 Rapide. The Rapide engine was used to build and test the rolling chassis then quickly put back in the Rapide before the Vincent Police came for me. The cover bike has a GSXR monoshock , GSXR forks & twin disc brakes and the frame is made from Stainless Steel tubing, so it would be a jailing offence if fitted with an original Vincent engine.

Glen

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So we have Vincent egli's, Vindians, Norvins, whathaveyou`s. What do you call a GSXR Vincent?

Boss302 said:

So we have Vincent egli's, Vindians, Norvins, whathaveyou`s. What do you call a GSXR Vincent?

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A Vixxen ?