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I think the Norton is kinda cool
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That's Nice!
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They were at Laguna seca the year before last. The bikes were pretty cool, although the full ohlins model was around $19K. I guess the guy who resurected the Norton had been in the restoration market and essentially copied the original engine parts etc. I'm not sure I would spend that kind of money on a reproduction, I think I would rather try to find an old comando and restore it. I do like the style, and hope they do well. Always welcome new manufacturers, but I also remember the Indian debacle.
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I would definitely pick that over a V-rod, V-max, ZRX, or 919
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I grew up riding on the back of Nortons. And when old enough bought one for myself. My brother,mother both have one each like myself. My father has 4. Mine is the last year Mk. 3. I am the second owner. They are easy to work on once you know their faults. I will always keep mine. It is now my "cruiser". Some day soon I'll do a groud up restoration on her. It's showing the 30+ years of age. When I ride my two bikes back to back it makes for some moments of clarity when you start to use two fingers on the brakes and then remember that it requires quite a bit more to get slowed down with the Lockheed disc on the Norton. Having it makes me appreciate just how far technology has come. It also primed me for working on the Duc. Except for the electronics they are not too bad to work on. Plus the fasteners on the Duc are all the same type. Unlike the Norton with American Standard, British Standard and Whitworth. Maybe one day my Duc will develop a leak and mark it's spot in the garage like the Norton.
There are a couple people that will professionally rebuild a Norton and do all the reliability mods. Electronic ignition, mikuni single carb, simplified wiring to name a few. As well as performance upgrades that can transform these old bikes to modern day specs and turn-key fun. If you already had the bike you could have an original gone over and still not have 19K in it. But that bike does look sharp.
There are a couple people that will professionally rebuild a Norton and do all the reliability mods. Electronic ignition, mikuni single carb, simplified wiring to name a few. As well as performance upgrades that can transform these old bikes to modern day specs and turn-key fun. If you already had the bike you could have an original gone over and still not have 19K in it. But that bike does look sharp.
I've always thought the Commando was one of the finest looking bikes ever penned. Still do. That's the problem. He can't stray too far from the original look to cash in on the cachet, but now he's got what's essentially a 60's-era frame and swingarm on a bike with almost double the HP and modern (grippy) tires. Not a good combo. But he did a nice job with the motor and valvetrain. As far as the original item is concerned, these guys are said to do some very nice restorations...
http://www.coloradonortonworks.com/
http://www.coloradonortonworks.com/
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He is one of the main ones I was thinking of CNW does beautiful work. I don't like the pastel colors he uses. The ones he had at the last INOA rally I attended were all nicely painted just in color combos that weren't me. I can't remember his name but the main guy was a pleasure to talk to and very passionate about his work. Lots of attention to detail.
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