I pulled my Norton out of mothballs this year after sitting for 14 years. My second marriage had ended, and I had reconnected with some buddies from high school who all ride. It took very little to get it road worthy again, the restoration work that I did nearly 20 years ago had preserved it very well. This is the only love affair that I need. I have owned this bike for a long time and I still look forward to riding it. I have got it to the point were unexpected breakdowns are very infrequent and routine maintenance/upgrades are part of the enjoyment.
Like many of you, my bike is completely outclassed (hp/speed wise) by the bikes that I ride with. Many are over double the displacement and are 1/10 the age of mine.
I swapped bikes one night with my buddy that rides a Ducati Monster 1200R. It was his suggestion. While I was excited to take this 160 hp beast for a run, my thoughts immediately turn to my friend now having to ride my right foot shift ancient machine... "Are you sure?" I queried. "Oh yes" he said. And away we went.
I quickly realized that the throttle on the Ducati was akin to the wheel on the torturous rack of medieval times: the further you turned it the more it stretched out your arms - lol! But very predictable and controllable.
When we stopped, I don't know who was more excited. He was well impressed with the smooth torque of the old girl - and raved that the sound was intoxicating!! I guess my nearly 50 year old steed still has something to offer to those who did not grow up with them
Since the end of June, I have managed to log over 5000 miles and have loved every second of it.