Norton News #162 Bracebridge St. Depot INOA Regalia and other fine Norton Collectibles Visit our website at www.bracebridge-street.com for item pictures & descriptions or send an SASE for our order form POPULAR ITEMS - wearables have embroidered “Unapproachable Norton” logo $14 - Cotton twill, low profile cap in black, blue, navy, khaki, green, red, or fuchia $34 - Short Sleeve denim shirt in stonewashed blue M, L, XL, XXL $38 - Long Sleeve denim shirt in stonewashed blue or natural M, L, XL $25 - “Henley” style T-shirt, navy M, L, XL, XXL $39 - Pak ‘n’ Go Hooded Windbreader, black or burgundy, M, L, XL $50 - Heavyweight Twin Rebuild, set of 2-DVDs, by NOC w/ Mick Hemmings $40 - Gearbox Servicing, DVD, by the NOC with Mick Hemmings $50 – Pushrod Singles Engine Rebuild, DVD by NOC with Mike Pemberton $40 - Norton News Issues 1 – 155, DVD by the INOA, companion to Tech Digest $ 7 - Earrings, Norton “N”, loop or post style LAPEL PINS - all pins $7 BIKES Commando, JPS, Manx, or “Yellow Submarine” racer profile LOGOS USNOA, CNOA, JPS, AMAL, “Norton” Script, Moon, Disc, Norton “N”, Patent Numbers PHRASES “750 Commando”, “850 Commando”, “Roadholder”, “Norton Oil Bath”, “Unapproachable Norton”, “Prince of Darkness”, “Genuine Factory Parts” T-SHIRTS, ETC. - screen printed, front only, bike profiles about 11” wide, S, M, L, XL, XXL all Bracebridge T-Shirts now available in children’s M and L $14 - Commando profile, black with gold ink or blue with navy ink $14 - Manx profile, gray with black ink $14 - Model 88 profile, green with black ink $14 - International model profile, khaki with green ink $29 - Hooded sweatshirt, Commando profile, black w/ gold ink or gray w/ navy AND MORE… $20 - Tech Digest, 3rd ed, practical tips from the pages of the Norton News $ 7 - Keyfob, leather with “Norton” logo $14 - Poster, X-Ray view of a Commando, 24”x36”, color tinted background, w/”Norton” girl $14 - Poster, X-Ray view of a Commando, 24”x36”, black & white, no girl $35 - “Norton Parking Only” heavy gauge embossed metal sign, offical looking size & graphics AND STILL MORE… pins, wearables, fun things…on the Web site CHECK IT OUT!! All prices in US funds & include shipping for orders over $10; add $2 for any wear- able in XXL and $2 S&H for orders under $10. Send check or money order to: USNOA, c/o Jim Evans, 304 May Ave, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137 phone inquiries 630-858-8192 Bracebridge Street Depot is a department of the INOA and is run on a volunteer basis for the benefit of the membership

Norton News #162 Price: $2.00 US (members only)

The Magazine of the International Norton Owners Association Top to bottom:A Norton International at the Barber Museum; incredible stacked display of bikes that surround the central elevator area at the museum; a Manxman on display. (Photos by B. Armitage.) Fall Issue 2010

Norton Hot Line: 517-851-7437 Columns INOA Staff RearViewMirror...... 3 President Membership President’s Report by Suzi Greenway Suzi Greenway (Canada) Long Way Around...... 5 Ballacraine, Cooper Judy Fortier Rd., Stockbridge, MI Box 58 Editorial by Barry Armitage 49285 517-851-7437 Lavigne, ON POH Alan’sWrench...... 7 [email protected] 1RO Editorial by Alan Goldwater CANADA Vice President Nortons Under the Maple Leaf. . . . . 9 Alan Goldwater Commando Gary Parker, CNOA Rep 1780 Chanticleer Ave. Tech Advisor Santa Cruz, CA 95062 Brian Slark PeyoteDreams...... 9 831-475-7505 12603 Bel Air Circle Art Bone [email protected] McCalla, AL 35111 USNOA Rep 205-527-1040 slark8350@comcast. Departments Gary Bolduc net 4520 E. 109th Av. TechTips...... 21 Thornton, CO 80233 Vintage Tech Notes...... 27 [email protected] Advisor Letters...... 31 Norton News & Club Librarian Chapters...... 33 Editor (Reprints only—no Barry Armitage NN back issues) UpcomingEvents...... 34 2732 Eastcleft Dr. Jeffrey Potter Classified Ads ...... 39 [email protected] Columbus, OH 43221 Bracebridge Street Depot Ad . Cover 614-352-0137 Accessory Info barmitage@wowway & Evaluations .com Features Alan Goldwater CNOA Rep See VP listing Norton Empire Rally Update ...... 4 Gary Parker Back Issues Chuck Contrino 2544 Blackwood St., Suzi Greenway CanadianRepElection...... 13 Victoria, BC V8T See Pres. listing 3W1, Canada 250-389 0435 Bracebridge St. ANortonMoment...... 19 [email protected] Depot David Edwards Treasurer (Tech Digest Sales) Al Silvia Jim Evans 127 Beacon St. 304 May Ave. Newport, RI 02840 Glen Ellyn, IL 60137 Commercial Ad Rates: Full Page Jacket Cover - 401-846-7881 630-858-8192 $150; Full Page - $100 per issue; Half Page -$60 [email protected] per issue; Quarter Page - $30 per issue; Eighth Secretary INOA Web Page Page - $15 per issue. The advertising deadline (Membership) for issue #163 is January 30, 2011. Administrator Tari Norum 276 Butterworth Lane Bill Dudley webmaster@inoa Cover: In the pits at the Barber Vintage Festival. Langhorne, PA 19047 Left to right: renowned GP race tuner Nobby Clark 215-741-0110 norton.com (who prepped bikes for Mike Hailwood and Jim [email protected] Redmond, to name a few); Maria Costello, current woman lap record holder at Isle of Man; Kenny Cummings, 2010 AHRMA BEARS champ; Alex McClean, Manx racer for Bob McKeever. (Photo by B. Armitage.)

Number 162 1 Norton News Fall Issue 2010

Number 162 2 Norton News Fall Issue 2010

his Fall has been if you would like to be a incredible in host or help someone TMichigan. Writ- from overseas. Bennie is ing this on November 9, working on a container I still plan to go for a few for the Netherlands more rides this coming group but if that is not week as the temp is due possible or individually back in the low 60s! shipping does not work, Blackie Norton and I had he may be looking to buy a great ride today a Norton here. through my area which Most of all it is the fact has some pretty decent that people are talking, roads. He still points working out logistics happily towards the door and enquiring about pos- knowing he has at least sibilities. Rally Chair- one more spree. Unlike man Chuck and his my buddy Jack who put Tri-State Norton Riders his RC51 in the living have been meeting and room last week, and sent getting committees fired me a photo of the bike up and will keep us up- watching TV, which I dated. This rally is a asked if it was the unique opportunity for weather channel. the ultimate Norton Blackie’s tires are Rally. worn out, and my gas Recently I reconfig- tank did bubble before ured my storage of the the sealant was put in to old Norton News into preserve the fiberglass numbered boxes where I tank, so I am looking at can hopefully find back an overhaul of the bike issues for members. Of before the big 2011 course, I had to look Rally in New York state. Suzi Greenway through them, and so Agroup of us are already INOA President many memories flooded talking about riding and friend Martin in Ger- back. So many faces and names that figured in many is planning to come again. Many of you the early and ongoing times of the met him in Colorado. I helped him purchase a USNOA/CNOA eventually now the INOA. Norton this summer, which is sitting in my So on that note, I invite you to come to this barn waiting for Martin to arrive in July. rally and see and be seen again. After all, the I have already had one person contact me first registered camper is our founder, Frank about coming from overseas to the Rally. Del Monte! n Bennie in the Netherlands is now the Dutch li- aison. Visit the INOA Web site events page at http://inoanorton.com/events/ and click on ei- ther “sign up” link under the 2011 Rally blurb Pete Gallo In Passing… “Long Distance Norton rider and all around great guy, Pete Gallo, lost his battle with cancer on Thanksgiving Day, November 25, 2010. Pete will always be remembered for trav- eling light, and lighting up the room or campfire with his stories and adventures. Our condolences go out to his wife Beth and family. Ride Forever, Pete.”

Number 162 3 Norton News Fall Issue 2010 2011 International INOA / NOC Rally Update t’s great to hear the buzz building around Pre-registration is key us being able to negoti- the 2011 Rally. We’ve got so many things ate these extras. Ito schedule in the few days we are together We are working on establishing good ad- for the Rally that I’ve decided to make this a vance “public relations” with the various po- FIVE day Rally. July 18th – July 23rd (Mon- lice departments that will be watching the day through Friday), with departure Saturday motorcyclists playing in their backyard. morning. We have a few extra things planned Please help by playing by the rules: that should add to the fun. In addition to the New York State requires: usual field events, concours, night in town, • Helmets for both rider and passengers group rides, ,large and small, self guided • Headlight and tail lights on during the day rides, tech sessions, and socializing. • One mirror (on left) • We are working with a charter of bus com- • Eye protection pany to arrange for a “Day Trip” to New • Mufflers/silencers York City for those who would like to take • Handle bar/grips can not be higher than the in some of the sights the city has to offer. operators shoulders • The “Olde Rhinebeck Aerodrome” may be • Turn signals/indicators are NOT required willing to put on a special mid-week Air for bikes manufactured before 1985 Show for us. The Aerodrome has a collec- • You are required to carry insurance tion of old motorcycles also. Cost and • You are required to have your license, reg- scheduling for both the bus trip and Air istration (photocopy of registration is ac- show are TBD, as of today, but will be rea- ceptable), and insurance ID card with you sonable. while riding. The rally fee will remain at $75.00 per per- • Riding two bikes abreast is allowed. son. Since we are renting the campground for • Lane splitting is illegal. another night the camping fees will increase accordingly. Tent camping will be $50.00. See you in the Catskill Mountains. Cabin rental, and RV sites fees will be deter- mined soon. As soon as I get these figures we Chuck Contrino will make pre-registration form available Rally Chairman 2011 through the INOA website and Norton News. [email protected] n Rally Hosting Program you that will forward email to your real Our Webmaster Bill Dudley has finished email address. setting up an on-line site for the INOA 2011 Guests searching for a host will only be Rally Hosting Program. Here’s his introduc- shown your first name, a secure email link, tion to how the program works: and the distance and accommodations ques- The Rally Hosting program is designed to tions, plus what state you live in. They can allow INOA members living “near” the 2011 then email you and start a conversation about Rally in New York to host a guest coming to possibly staying with you around the time of the rally from “far away”. The system tries to the rally. Once you reply to them via email, maintain anonymity and privacy as much as your anonymity will be compromised, but possible, so that only the guest you have com- only to that one potential guest. municated with will know your full name, ad- Once you have arranged to host some- dress, and email address. body, you can email me and I’ll change your Hosts: When you volunteer to host, you en- status to “booked” so that you won’t appear ter your address, phone, email address, and in host searches any longer. If your situation answer a few questions about the accommo- changes so you can’t host, you also ask me to dations you are offering, plus the approximate remove you from the list. distance to the rally (as gleaned from Look for a link to the hosting program on maps.google.com or equivalent). The system our Web site www.inoanorton.com. n will create an anonymous email address for

Number 162 4 Norton News Fall Issue 2010

Updated PSM and was overwhelmed We have plans for an by the range and quality updated version of the Long Way Around of the bikes on display. the INOA’s PSM A related change in (Parts/Service/Member- the works moves the an- ship) directory to be nual Turn Six event mailed prior to the 2011 from Daytona’s Bike International Rally. Week to the Vintage Members need to be sure Motorcycle Festival, they have the correct zip since vintage racing will code and phone number no longer be featured at listed (if you wish to Daytona. Turn Six, for share your phone num- those who have not at- ber). You may with to tended, has been a meet- email Membership Sec- ing spot at for INOA retary Tari Norum at members and their [email protected] friends for years. Mag- to update your informa- gie Elmore and Barney tion. The PSM is a Goodson are the hosts, “must-have” for mem- with some help from at- bers making cross-coun- tending members and try trips. We have stories friends. Turn Six is a at each rally of individu- great place to park your als who have been bike, sit down in the helped in one way or an- shade, and enjoy a cool Barry Armitage drink. While Turn Six is other by a fellow mem- Norton News Editor ber when they have being moved to Bir- problems on the road. I mingham, Nortona will get two or three issues returned each mailing still be held during Bike Week. You can see as “undeliverable—no forwarding address” an ad for Nortona in this issue. n and it is disheartening that we have lost track of another member. Barber Vintage Festival/ Turn Six Changes I finally made it down to the Vintage Motorcycle Festival in Birmingham, Al- abama, back in October, and it was worth the trip. This is an impressive event, and seems poised to compete with Vintage Motorcycle Days here in Ohio as a top-notch destination for vintage enthu- siasts. The festival is held annually in October and includes vintage competi- tion in virtually all AHRMAcategories, a large swap meet and concours. Adjacent to the Barber Motorsports facility is the Barber Museum. This must rank among the best anywhere in the world. The res- Turn Six: Gene & Trina Cameron (TX), Maggie Elmore torations there are overseen by our own & Barn Goodson (FL), Keith Bennett (GA), Sharon & Brian Slark (INOA Tech Advisor). The John Hannah (NC), Gary Damm (GA), Gary Seebon (OH), Brian Fink (CAN). Maggie credits Gary Damm Barber track and museum have been fea- with turning Turn Six from a “picnic” into a “destination tured in all the major magazines and on event.” (Photo by M. Elmore.) TV. I spent several hours in the museum

Number 162 5 Norton News Fall Issue 2010

Number 162 6 Norton News Fall Issue 2010

he final part of the my Commandos, with Engine section of Alan’s Wrench very good results up to Tthe Tech Digest around 4500 rpm. They has a lot of useful infor- seem to hold up well and mation about the lubri- none of mine have cation system. But quite needed replacement yet. a bit of it is out of date, I have heard a few re- and some is just plain ports of gradual deterio- wrong in my experience. ration, and even one of For example, the discus- lost oil return although sion of oil pressure starts that seems very unlikely by claiming that normal to be caused by a hot pressure is 45 psi at breather valve. VW part 3-4000 rpm and 20 psi at #191-611-933 can also idle. I’ve owned and be used, at about double maintained five Com- the cost. For sustained mandos, and have typi- high-rpm running, there cally seen just 8-12 psi at are even better valves idle. A later paragraph available, including a suggests that an oil pres- Yamaha XS650 reed sure gauge is a good valve, part #15-0677. idea, and also mentions There’s also a very nice the hazards presented by Alan Goldwater part made for CNW by the plumbing required: Accessory Info & Evaluations Jim Comstock. It uses a “you might want to carry dual reed valve and bolts along whatever is necessary … to disconnect in place of the sump pickup body on the bot- and plug the gauge plumbing” . I did have tom of '72 motors. Other years will need the one fail years ago, and the front of the bike cases machined to fit. was drenched in hot oil before I noticed. So I Next there’s a detailed instruction in the now use a nice bright red oil warning light and book on how to install an anti-wet sump valve a generic NAPAoil pressure switch. It comes inside the timing cover. This requires the on at around 10 psi and usually flickers a bit at skills of a machinist, and has seemed too idle with the bike and oil fully warmed up. tricky for me to try at home, though several There’s no risk of leaks and I’m much more shops have offered it as a service in the past, likely to notice it if there is an oil pressure including AMR in Tucson. There are several problem. external valves available, designed specifi- Next, the section about the 750 breather is- cally for owner installation in the supply oil n’t clear enough. I think the breather oiling line. I like the one from Miles Classic Brake, problem the book refers to involves the tap sold through CNW, BBC and several other from the crankcase breather that feeds into parts suppliers. It has a clear area in the body the air cleaner. These parts usually get so you can see if the oil is still there. I’ve used clogged anyway and don’t work with the one for a couple of years and it works fine. K&N air filter many people use. So I recom- mend removing the T-piece and running the breather hose directly to the oil tank. Speaking of the crankcase breather, the oil tightness of '72 and later engines can be greatly improved by installing an effective one-way valve in the large breather hose. This creates a partial vacuum in the crankcase, at least at lower rpm. I’ve used the Motormite 80190 plastic valve ($6) for many years on all

© 2010, Alan Goldwater

Number 162 7 Norton News Fall Issue 2010

There are others types that have been reported working and I don’t have an external valve on not to work, and the consequences are serious, that bike. When I recently did a top end re- so make sure whatever you use is a good one. build on it, I measured just 0.0015 inch cylin- The MkIII motor has an anti-wet sump der wear after 50k miles. So I put in new rings plunger valve in the timing cover and it works on the original pistons, and new valves and – sometimes. After a while it seems to get seals. I saw no wear at all on the original cam, stuck in the open position from gum deposits. not even the usual polish marks from the lift- Then the motor wet sumps just like the pre-'75 ers. How is this possible? Well, I promised I Commandos. Mine is freshly cleaned and wouldn’t get into which oil is best, so I’ll just say this motor has run on Redline for the last 40k miles. Draw your own conclusions. n

Number 162 8 Norton News Fall Issue 2010

ell, it’s definitely this strange idea that they autumn now, the Nortons Under are as good as Nortons. Ah Wleaves are off the well, we will indulge his trees and I’ve been thinking a fantasy… Interesting engi- lot of Remembrance Day the Maple neering though, wish I had coming up. I’ve been bury- a Norton whereby one ing myself in websites to do Leaf might be able to remove the with places like camshafts without splitting Passchendaele, Vimy, Arras, the crankcases...hmmmm. Courcelette, Beaumont They do come with Hamel and other small vil- Roadholders, those last lages on the First World War MkII Interceptors, so it’s western front with bloody slightly related to the topic and tragic pasts. It makes for at hand… grim reading indeed, but this Other ongoing projects is the time of year when I try in this neck of the woods to, maybe just for a moment, include my friend Mike’s put myself in the shoes of wrecked '73 Commando, those brave lads who did the Gary Parker turned into one morning by very best they could under an idiot doing a U-turn in CNOA Rep the most trying circum- the middle of the high stances. Rest easy brave boys in that quiet street....This is a good and funny story though earth… in some ways, the guy who cut Mike off con- What has this to do with motorcycles? fessed to my friend that he was actually a drug Well, not much to be honest but I thought I’d pedlar doing errands and would he mind very share that with you all. We do have though, much if the cops weren’t called, as after all he here in Victoria, a genuine WW1 military thought the “Biker” wouldn’t want cops in- motorcycle, a 1916 Indian with Lewis Gun volved either...would he?? that caused some carriage, complete with Lewis gun itself! hilarity when Mike shard the tale. Needless to What an astonishing find indeed, one of these say, the cops were called… The bike, after days I’ll try to get some pics for you all to look taking some serious damage, is on the mend at. and it’s going to be a stunner to be sure. So I haven’t been doing too much with regard many parts required though and things aren’t to my own projects of late, but I have been as- getting any cheaper… sisting some friends with their own toils… Mike also has a '39 Panther 600 sloper One friend has masochistically decided that which we hope to have firing by spring, we he wants to acquire most of the locally re- are struggling with parts over here but the maining Royal Enfield twins here in Victoria, project is slowly moving forward. (Anyone so I’ve been over his place assisting this with prewar Panther bits they can spare is quest. We brought in a 1961 Super Meteor the urged to get in touch!!!!) I am also working other day to add to his three Interceptors (all on a mid fifties AJS bitza right now, '54 en- MkIIs) and one Bullet… Poor thing, he has gine, '51 frame, '55+ forks, numbered on the cases as a model 16M 350 but the barrel and piston are 500! well , it would appear that the bike was put together to sell, one of THOSE… It’s going to make a fine special but getting things to match is out of the ques- tion at the moment. Yes, the garage is full up and it’s going to hopefully be a productive winter in there. My apologies for all the non Norton chatter, but if all the bikes were Nortons we’d be in heaven wouldn’t we? I have been riding a fair bit because al- though it’s been cold, the weather has been

Number 162 9 Norton News Fall Issue 2010 clear and dry on many days. The bike has de- I don’t have lot more to thrill you all with at veloped an annoying chirping whistly sound the moment, but I am hoping that your work- that comes and goes, my first thoughts were shops and garages are humming this winter related to head gasket leakage but since I have with projects and plans to bring something to installed a primary belt on my Atlas my mind life for the coming spring. There’s plenty of is moving towards that area. A quick check time to get that old single running, or refresh under the covers revealed nothing unusual, that old fastback or Dommie for the road. And but Royal Enfield Frank also runs a belt and who knows, depending where you are in this claims it can get pretty chirpy while under- vast land, there might be some dry days with a way. There may be something in this as the clear sky and sunshine, where all one has to rubber bung over the clutch in the chaincase do is wrap up as warmly as possible and head cover went for a walkabout a few weeks ago out for a winter blast! Or have I been spoiled and it is possible that sounds that were previ- too long out here in lotusland with its mild cli- ously muffled are becoming apparent with the mate for too long. New Years Day ride lack of rubber… Certainly the bike has bags anyone? of compression and plenty of power, so I am Cheers to all, and if I don’t type much be- thinking the head gasket is fine, careful exam- fore Christmas, have the merriest possible! n ination with a flashlight between the fins shows no evidence of gases escaping the com- bustion chamber. I will be ordering a new bung and we’ll see if the sound diminishes. There wasn’t a hint of it on the way back from Lumby. I have just received a kind email from Da- vid Pritchard of the Manitoba Norton Owners Club who sent me a gorgeous picture of a fine bevy of Commandos from the cold prairie, and promises to follow it up with pics of his singles. It’s so nice to hear from folks who are doing such fine work with these old girls else- where in Canada. He’s looking for various bits for a featherbed 650 project, so if you know of someone with bits, or you have some surplus to requirements, please let me know or contact him through the links page on the INOA site.

Number 162 10 Norton News Fall Issue 2010

Seven Thousand I don’t know who Miles on a CNW said that but it proba- Norton Peyote* Dreams bly explains why “The trick is what I’ve led such an ad- one emphasizes. We venturous life. I hate either make ourselves planning. That’s not miserable, or we really true. I hate to make ourselves get locked into a happy. The amount of bunch of reserva- work is the same.” – tions and meet-ups Carlos Castaneda that people are ex- Dave Brock and I pecting me to do, drove from Atlanta then not being able to out to Delores, Colo- do them. I like to let rado, and picked up the trip flow and go my Colorado Norton with the flow. Works #27 Norton in My friend Peter 2002. Since then I Woods wanted to had only ridden it Art Bone ride with me part of about 2000 miles, the way to the bor- partly because for der. I told him to be much of that time I “Poor Mexico, so far from God, over at my house at was busy moving to 9:30 AM. Of course, Mexico as I described so close to the United States.” – we finally threw a in my last article and, leg over the bikes after I got here, I dis- Porifiro Diaz about two hours late. covered the bike was Here’s the picture. almost unrideable on the cobblestone streets I’m riding a Corvette down here. Then as I was in the planning Yellow Norton Fastback with a '75 e-start en- stages for the Lumby, British Columbia rally, gine. I’ve got new, black, Cortech luggage, Doug MaCadam came over from Baja for a tank bag, and roll pack. I’m wearing my Hein visit and we got to talking about the bike. Gericke Street Pilot leathers with a Norton Doug was a principal in CNW when the bike patch on the back and a black Nolan flip-front was built and he explained that the bike had helmet with Isle of Man decals on the side. one inch shorter shocks on the back. That I’d be lying to you if I said I didn’t look combined with the Progressive Springs on the good. front made the bike too low for conditions Peter was riding my DL 1000 V Strom and down here. The good news was that both we made good time up to San Luis Potosi things were easily fixed. where we stopped for a late lunch. Alight rain While I was doing all this I decided to started falling so, after we finished eating; we change the rear wheel back to a 19- inch rim put on the raingear and started out again. and change both tires to Dunlop K 81s. The I don’t name motorcycles and I don’t refer difference was amazing. Suddenly the bike to them as “he” or “she.” They’re not pets or was very usable and visions of riding it to humans. I find this affectation precious and Lumby began to float through my head. annoying but I almost named the Norton the “Most adventure can be avoided by good first few times I rode it. It seemed every time I planning.” got over five miles from the garage it would start raining. Georgia was in one of the lon- *Disclaimer: I have never taken the drug gest droughts in history and it would start peyote nor do I advocate its use. I’m making a raining. I almost named it “The Rain Maker.” literary reference to Carlos Castaneda who It was looking like it still had its magic. wrote, “Nothing in this world is a gift. The rain abated after about 15 minutes but, Whatever must be learned must be learned the a hundred miles later as we approached hard way.” — Art Bone Matahula, dark clouds were building up

Number 162 11 Norton News Fall Issue 2010

This is Mike Pumphrey's bike. Mike lives in Mex- Mike’s Fastback e-start. (Photo by A. Bone.) ico City but he and his wife Loretta bought a house right up the street from me last year. When his real estate agent sent me an email that he had fore the day was out but they were muy sold a house to a guy with a Norton I thought, agradable while they lasted. "What are the chances of that?" Turns out it was true. (Photo by A. Bone.) “The adventure starts when the bike stops.” – Ted Simon ahead of us. I could see the big sign for Las Peter and I parted company at a Pemex just Palmas hotel and knew there was nothing past below Saltillo and I headed up into the there until we got to Saltillo, 200 miles far- dreaded border region of Mexico where, if ther. I also knew Los Palmas has clean, com- you listen to the US news media, there are fortable rooms with shelters to park the bikes gristly murders and beheadings every day. under, a nice restaurant, and really, really There had been a hurricane the week be- good margaritas. It was time to stop for the fore that left some of the roads to the east night. washed out but I thought I was far enough The sun was bright and the temperature west to avoid all that. Turns out I was wrong. was cool the next morning when we started As I crested a hill I saw a small river flowing out. I called a stop at the first Pemex gas sta- over the road ahead. At least a quarter mile of tion and asked Peter if he wanted to ride the water was between me and where I wanted to Norton a bit. I had seen pictures of him on a go. I watched a few cars and trucks cross and Dominator back in New Zealand in his youn- it didn’t look very deep so I decided to chance ger days so I figured he would have no prob- it. lem “switching feet” to the Norton’s right Turns out I was wrong again. I got about foot, one up - three down shift pattern. Sure half way across and suddenly my boots filled enough, he had no problem at all and soon I up with water and the engine stopped. I was basking in the sounds that wafted from pushed the Norton the rest of the way across the pea-shooter exhausts as the Norton hit its and tried to restart it. No joy. About the third sweet spot a little under 70 MPH. try the battery started going down. I tried a The early morning sun was behind us as we few kicks and only wore myself out. Then I motored across the high desert valley; Yucca decided to take the point cover off and dry out forests as far as we could see marched up the sides of mountain ranges miles away on each side. The sky was so blue it faded to purple near the horizon. Three or four weeks ahead with nothing to do but ride a cool old motor- cycle, visit with friends old and new, and search for great roads with beautiful scenery. Does it get any better? I had a great sense of well-being, peace, and contentment as I felt myself settling into the ride. Those feelings would be dashed be-

Number 162 12 Norton News Fall Issue 2010 the Boyer, only to discover that I hadn’t screwing around for two or three hours, they brought the proper allen wrench. found me a hotel room near an AutoZone and I sat down on the shady side of the Norton we gave up for the night. to contemplate my situation. There were no When I offered them money they wouldn’t trees, no houses, no nothing for as far as I take anything. I had wasted at least three could see except an occasional cactus; just the hours of their time and they wouldn’t take a road and the river running across it. It wasn’t cent. I couldn’t believe it. quite the middle of nowhere but, if you stood The next morning I bought and installed a on tip-toes, you could see the middle in the new battery and the bike cranked but didn’t near distance. run very well, so I went back to AutoZone and As I sat there wondering what my next bought a set of Allen wrenches and pulled the move was, a car stopped and backed up. Two point cover. I didn’t detect any moisture but young men got out and the driver said, in ex- the bike instantly started running perfect cellent English, “What’s your problem?” again. I explained the drowning out and the almost I had the easiest border crossing I ever had flat battery. that afternoon. Because of the floods and the He said, “Well, what do you want to do?” bridges out there was almost no traffic in ei- I said, “Hell, I don’t know. What would you ther direction. The officer asked me where I suggest?” was from and where I was going and waved He said, “Do you want to go to the next me through. I slept the sleep of the innocent in town?” Del Rio, Texas that night. I said, “Sure, but we need a truck. We can’t haul the bike in your car.” He said, “I’ll get us a truck.” With that he turned around and flagged down the next truck that came by. It was a four-door Ford F 150 and the four guys inside picked up the bike, put it in the bed, and away we went. When we got to the little town of Sabinas we tried pushing the bike and it started and ran a bit but quit and we couldn’t get it to start again. Finally after all six of them

Number 162 13 Norton News Fall Issue 2010

Number 162 14 Norton News Fall Issue 2010

I love the desolation of west Texas and I had some problems with the tags and in- southern New Mexico. Every time I go surance on the Norton so I called Rob Snow through there I think of the movie “Lonesome in Missoula Montana, whom I didn’t know Dove” and what it must have been like 200 until I picked his name out of the PSM a few years ago. At one point I stopped in a little set- weeks before I left for the rally, and he gra- tlement to take a break and smelled gas. When ciously allowed me to have some docu- I looked down, gas was gushing out of a bro- ments sent to his house. We stopped by and ken fuel line. I did a roadside repair and looked at all his projects and had a great stopped at the next AutoZone and replumbed Mexican meal. This is further confirmation the fuel system in their parking lot. of my theory that Norton people are not just I was about 100 miles from Albuquerque the best motorcycle people in the world but when I noticed the red alternator light. It was also the best people in the world. dim at first but got brighter the farther I went. I We crossed into Canada with no prob- turned off the headlight and soldiered on to a lems and made the big push to get to the hotel north of town, where I spent the night rally in the early afternoon. We called Tom anxiously wondering what the next day would and Peter Hill, coming up by a slightly dif- bring. I stopped at the AutoZone and bought a ferent route. We thought if we hurried we small battery charger. Buying AutoZone could catch them and ride in together. stock was beginning to look like a sound fi- It was not to be. We were about two miles nancial move. The rest of the day I would stop out of a small village when the Norton be- for gas and find a place to plug in the charger gan running rough. I pulled over and it and charge the battery. I limped into Cortez, stalled. No headlight, no horn, no starter. Colo. and collapsed into bed. The battery was absolutely flat. After two The next morning at Colorado Norton hours of screwing around we got a battery Works, Matt and Gary installed a Sparx from the auto parts store in the little village three-phase alternator and a new triplex chain and I rode the rest of the way to Lumby in a and there was joy in the world again. David very reflective mood. Brock showed up from Atlanta; the next I had reservations in the Lumby Hotel morning we set out for Lumby. which Suzi and everyone else said didn’t The next few days are sort of a blur now. exist. Everyone thought it was like the Bates We left Cortez and took a beautiful road Motel from Psycho, or the Roach Motel through red rock canyons to Grand Junction, (”They check in but they never check out.”) then cut across the north-east corner of Utah Dave and I christened it the Better Than Jail and rode through Flaming Gorge National Motel and actually it wasn’t bad. Well, un- Park, passed through Jackson Hole and rode less you want hot water and air condition- the length of Yellowstone Park, rode over ing. It had a bar and a good breakfast restau- Beartooth Pass in company with hundreds of rant downstairs and that goes a long way to- Harleys attending a rally in Red Lodge. It was wards mitigating its other shortcomings. great fun passing long lines of them. Also, it cost $35 a night. “Sumptuous” does- n’t quite describe it but I think “Quiet Elegance” comes close. The next day I checked the charging sys- tem with my VOM meter and everything checked out. Then I went down to the auto parts store (sadly, not an AutoZone) and bought a volt meter and rigged it up above the oil pressure gauge where I could see it. I took the bike out for a ride and after a few minutes it began charging at over 18 volts. That explained what had happened to the battery the day before. It got fried. Luckily, I had saved the Zener diode from the previous stock setup so I reinstalled that

Number 162 15 Norton News Fall Issue 2010 and saved myself another roadside repair and points case so no water can get in there. If, as another battery. the manual says, the hole is there to let oil I’ll spare you my account of the rally since from the cam seal leak out, what about replac- I spent more time planning on the 3500 mile ing the seal? I’m positive that almost all my trip home than going on group rides. problems stemmed from that soaking and I Dave and I decided to take Mike won’t ever do that again, if it means I have to Porcarelli’s kind offer of a bed for the night go 300 miles out of the way. because I wanted to do the Road to the Sun in The second thing is that you can’t cover as Glacier National Park, which was snowed-in much ground on an old bike as a new one. I do the last time I was through that part of the a lot of long trips on a big 1000 CC dual sport country. About 30 miles from Mike’s house and regularly do 500 or 600 mile days. I can’t the bike started running rough. By this time I do that on a Norton. About 250 is a good day. know the sound of a Boyer pick-up plate go- It’s not that the bike can’t do it. I can’t do it. ing bad. I pulled the point cover off and it The good part of that is take your time, visit started running fine again. Mike offered to places you’ve read about, stop by and see sell me his spare and we installed it next friends old and new and just enjoy the trip. morning and the ignition was perfect the rest That’s what touring on an old bike should be. of the trip. Another thing I found is that I really like Many times on this trip I had people walk the way the bike looks and handles with 19 all the way across a gas-station parking lot to inch K81s front and rear. It feels much comment on my bike. Once in New Mexico a “crisper” on turn-in and I just think it looks man and his wife stopped and backed up a right. quarter mile to look at it. But in the whole trip, The final thought I have about the suitabil- only once did another biker even mention it. ity of the bike for such a long trip is this: Outside of Provo Utah, Dave and I were hud- Think of all the things that could have gone dled under a gas-station overhang, waiting for wrong and didn’t. Nothing fell off the bike, the rain to stop when a guy rode up on a BMW the exhaust clamps stayed tight, the mufflers 1200 GS with his 12 year old daughter on are still on it, it never smoked, it cranked ev- back. He came over and was really impressed ery time (when the battery had juice,) ethanol that anyone would be out touring on a 40 year didn’t eat through the Fiberglas tank, and it old bike. While we were there he asked his cruised at 70 and got 50 miles per gallon. But daughter if she was up for riding all the way the main thing to me was that I was smiling home from there which was about 1000 miles every morning when it was time to mount up. and she said “Sure.” She was a trouper. It was a blast to ride, especially on the twisty I wonder if the reason no one notices it is parts. that it still looks sort of modern, with the Fast- All this was just a “test ride” to make sure back tailpiece, plus I had throw over bags and the bike would make it through La Carrera a tank bag so you couldn’t really see the tank Panamericana. This is a 60-year-old race (or and tailpiece so much. Maybe it just looks rally) for old cars from the ‘50s and ‘60s. like a small modern motorcycle to most They’ve recently added a “non-racing” class people. for motorcycles. Don’t believe that part about Dave and I parted company in Green River “non-racing.” You can ride as fast as you like UT, he headed east back to Atlanta and I on closed roads with cops blocking the side drove down to CNW were they installed a roads and waving you on. new regulator and my problems seem solved. The race is seven days long and starts near The rest of the trip was just riding (nothing the Guatemalan border and finishes in wrong with that!). Zacatecas, about 400 miles northwest of San Since I’ve been back I’ve been pondering Miguel. The day stages are usually about 250 “What does it all mean,” or “What would I miles of really beautiful roads through some have done differently?” Well, first and most of the most spectacular scenery Mexico has to importantly, I wouldn’t have crossed that offer. river flowing across the road. Nortons don’t I’ll tell you about that next time. n like water, especially water up over the logo in the ignition side cover. I’m going to seal the

Number 162 16 Norton News Fall Issue 2010 Canadian Rep Election All Canadian members of the INOA are urged to review the following submittals and re- spond to Judy Fortier by email ([email protected]) or regular mail (POB Lavigne, ON Canada, or before January 15 regarding his or her preference for the new CNOA Rep. All re- sponses must include the member’s name and membership number. The CNOA Rep is re- sponsible for communication among the Canadian chapters of the INOAand serves as the liai- son between those chapter (and individual members) and the INOA. Nick Jordan Colin Kelly My name is Nick Jordan, and I have been My name is Colin Kelly. l was born in riding for 38 years (starting in England) and Wolverhampton, UK in 1955, l have been a consider myself to be an addicted motorcy- Canadian citizen since 1994. These days l re- clist. My interest is in all aspects of the sport of side in Courtenay, Vancouver island, British motorcycling, and of late, specifically in older Columbia, with my partner, Penny Leslie. machines. As a driver and motorcycle rider l could be the right guy to carry on from road test examiner I am fortunate to be able to Gary Parker as the Canadian Rep. Gary will ‘enjoy’ motorcycling whilst at work; well, in also be my reference for the position. Penny the summer, anyway! I used to be a riding in- is very keen to help me; she is very computer structor and ran my own rider training school, literate. In Pursuit Motorcycle Rider Training. We had a great time at Nortorious Rally I consider myself an expert on which was Penny’s introduction to the motorcycling in general, as a result of my life Norton rally scene. What a great ride and experience as a rider. I have been passionate great people as always. My first INOA rally about Norton motorcycles since I started rid- was at Lake Tahoe in 1991. ing, but circumstances precluded me from I owned my first Commando new in 1974 owning one until 2005. I now own a 1971 when l was 19, which is when l also first Commando Roadster which has been under- joined the NOC. Nortons have played a large going an ‘upgrade’ over the past few years. part in my life ever since. I’m sure l can Fettling is one of my favorite pastimes, so in amuse you all with my exploits at rallies and an attempt to improve its usability. I have to- many years on the road, as well as the current tally re-wired it, including installing turn sig- Canadian scene. l saw a lot of the Comman- nals, replaced many bodged and battered fas- dos we ride, lined up at the Norton Villiers teners with stainless, upgraded to the later ver- factory at Marston road, Wolverhampton and nier adjustment Isolastics, installed an after- knew many people that worked there. I have market head steady and a pair of Bruce learned the mechanics of Norton twins over Chessell’s excellent easy-fill stainless fork the years and what l know is based on per- caps, and a Pazon electronic ignition. It is my sonal experience. l should also tell you hope to ride to the national rally in New York that I’m not a know-it-all, or a collector. next summer. l am just a genuine, down-to-earth Norton As far as being involved in hobby, club, or motorcyclist and have a distaste for club poli- work related activities: I was President of a lo- tics and people who seem obsessed on chang- cal running club and actively involved in the ing everything. l like the INOA just as it is, organization of the club and its activities, in- great bikes and real people. My aim would be cluding contributing regular columns in the to keep it that way, because l believe that’s the club newsletter. I was Chair of the British Co- type of people we are. If anything l say lumbia Paraoptometric Association with all of strikes a chord with you, please consider me the responsibilities attached to the position. for the position of Canadian Rep The annual ‘Motogiro BC’ classic bike ride/rally is my ‘baby’. This is a Yours sincerely, non-brand-specific event for all older ma- chines, with points being awarded Colin Kellyn incrementally for age (the older the machine,

Number 162 17 Norton News Fall Issue 2010 the more points) and engine size (the smaller me to do so whilst being actively involved the engine capacity, the more points). This with my favourite motorcycle brand. I am al- year marked the fourth Motogiro BC, which ways interested in meeting and communicat- was actually held in Calgary, Alberta. Long ing with new people and having Norton mo- story! torcycles thrown into the mix makes it all the I have excellent interpersonal skills and am more exciting. comfortable with the use of communications media: computer, fax, telephone. Respectfully submitted. Why am I interested in the CNOA Repre- sentative position? The above brief overview Nick Jordan n of my motorcycling background shows, I hope, that this is more than a passing fad for me. I enjoy giving back to the motorcycle rid- ing community, and this position would help

Number 162 18 Norton News Fall Issue 2010

A NORTON MOMENT

here was definitely some strange ju-ju three-quarters of the way in, though, the mo- going on as Peggy and I packed up to tor stalled. Tleave the Legend of the Motorcycle From behind me came a, “Need some help, concours a couple of weekends ago. After the buddy?” Pretty familiar for a valet, I thought, Sunday-morning ride to Alice’s Restaurant but the added assistance was appreciated and (nice aprés-concours touch by the organiz- the Norton slotted into its wheel chock with- ers), I’d pulled my high-pipe Dreer Com- out further incident. I pivoted around to thank mando into the front courtyard of the the nice young man with a few dollar tip, but Ritz-Carlton Hotel. “Cool Norton,” said one it turned out to be actor and motorcycle nut of the valets, “Park it right there, sir, next to Perry King, also checking-out after attending the Mercedes.” But of course… the concours. We’d never met, but we had a As purchased: The Commando 850 after I connection—and it sitting right there in the bought it and before it went off to Kenny van. Dreer’s Vintage Rebuilds to be transformed And as beefcake prop: Perry King, circa into a VR880 Sport Scrambler. 1994, strikes a pose on the Commando in a The plan was to complete check-out, have photo lifted from a fan website, which lifted it the valets pull around the big white CW van, from a magazine spread. and while the bellman loaded up our bags, I’d “Hi, Perry, I’m David Edwards from Cycle roll the Norton into the back of the Chevy World,” I said, offering my hand. “Sure. Very right there in the courtyard, in front of the nice to meet you,” he replied. “Hey, you Sunday brunchers arriving in their bought my old Norton some years back, luxo-cages. Might as well have some fun for right?” I confirmed that in 1996 I had indeed my $40 a night (!) parking fee. purchased a 40,000-mile 1974 Commando Loading ramp strapped in place, I fired up Interstate that once belonged to him. the Norton (one of Dreer’s upgrades is fit- King continued, “Yeah, I bought it from a ment of a Harley electric-start motor) and guy who couldn’t kickstart it, and when I guided it into the back of the van. About couldn’t kickstart it I sold it to (mutual friend) Joe Columbero, who couldn’t kickstart it…” I picked up the thread, “…who sold it to me, From the Cycle World Staff Blog, 5/22/2006

Number 162 19 Norton News Fall Issue 2010

Perry King (above), former owner of Dave’s Com- mando; (upper right) the MkIII as Dave received it, and in its current state (right) as a Dreer VR 880. (Photos courtesy of D. Edwards.) who added an electric starter, and there it is,” I said pointing to the bike. “That’s my old bike?! No! It’s beautiful!” I’m not sure what kind of weird planetary alignment occurred that placed the Norton’s former owner in the same hotel at the exact Mercedes, but rather a mud-encrusted Jeep moment that I needed help loading it, but I’m with a well-used Suzuki DR on the bumper not going to argue with kismet. After some rack. small talk, Perry climbed into his car and hit —David Edwards n the road. I’m happy to report it was not a

wards explains, “with an Interstate gas Norton SS880 Sport Scrambler tank and Fastback seat section, but adding If you’ve ridden just about every motorcy- the zoomy up-pipes from the S model.” cle ever built, you’re going to be pretty selec- All went well for a few years until a tive when it comes to your own ride. In the blown base gasket (the 880 pumps out case of former Cycle World editor David Ed- about 50% more power than a stocker) wards, that motorcycle is a custom Norton forced a return to Dreer’s shop. There it got built by Kenny Dreer. all the mod-cons that have become avail- Edwards recently got his Norton back after able since the original build: an electric some fettling. “After ten years of use, it starter, Marzocchi forks, a box-section needed some detail tidying up,” he says. “It’s swingarm and Auto Meter instruments. a unique bike in that it was one of the first Dreer’s profile has been on the rise VR880s that Dreer worked on, and also one of again with the introduction of the ‘new’ the last.” Work started in 1999 after Cycle Commando in the U.K., which Edwards World did a story on Dreer, who was turning describes as “basically a productionized out ultra-clean hot-rodded Commandos from version of Dreer’s 961. Who knows how his Portland, Oregon, workshop. (According far that project will go? Me, I wonder what to Edwards, said workshop was “actually half might have happened if Kenny had stuck of a drafty barn shared with goats and an old to perfecting the VR880 instead of design- mare.”) Rather than commission one of ing a whole new Norton.” Dreer’s preferred café jobs, Edwards com- missioned what he calls an SS880 Sport (from bikeexif.com) n Scrambler. “This followed what some Nortonians call an ‘Interback’ formula,” Ed-

Number 162 20 Norton News Fall Issue 2010

Sump Wrenches First I would look A water heater at your (the en- wrench for electric gine’s) head. make heater elements Tech sure the intake flow works well as a from carburetor and sump wrench. It has manifold flange and the same 1-1/2" size, manifold flange to 6 point configura- Tips head is even and tion. They typically without any rough have a small bar or uneven transi- about 4" long that goes through the socket for tions. I used machinist’s dye and a dental turning. Light weight and small enough for probe to scratch in the areas to be removed traveling. with a Dremel tool, file or rasp. Don’t try to John Taylor polish the intake, it is a waste of time and you can go backwards doing that. Norton Keys Generally speaking I got the best results It took me a while of messing around on the from a 2 into 1 system. If memory serves me MySecurityPro.com website to find the blank well, the best off the shelf (performance) numbers for Norton keys. Norton ignition key street set up came from MAC. The best race blank is 62FS. The fork lock key blank is application was shop built with the assistance R62DM. These are not “Made in England” of an USAF engineer. If you want a stock sys- but the work. tem, I’d suggest a “S” type (high and exiting Joe Schuman on the left side) set up. I tried an over sized “SS” system and lost top end. Not what you Rust Prevention want on a race bike.. Picklex-20 is good for preventing rust. You may also pick up some HP gain by Painters use this stuff to coat sanded bare having your new system’s interior treated metal auto body parts that might lay around a with a high quality ceramic coating like the while before being primered. It really works. one “Jet Hot” provides. Afriend’s Bonneville Check out Picklex20.com or call (256) had his new stainless steel pipes treated this 650-0088. They’re based in Huntsville, Ala- way and is very happy with the outcome. bama. They will not treat used pipes as I’ve been told. Keep in mind that flow is everything. Origin of the “Commando” The exhaust valves are smaller by design. As Namesake the exhaust pipes are to the intake valves and The first Commando was a post-WWII Fa- manifolds. mous James powered by a Villiers two-stroke. Also a word from Lord Kelvin will apply to Brother to the James Captain. I think it was 98 your endeavor:"Large increases in cost with cc of brute engine capacity and the latter was a questionable increases in performance can be 125…. but I could have that backwards. Both tolerated only for race horses and fancy were capable of carrying an office worker to women." and from the station or to work — or a daring Breed housewife to the shops — but were not known for high performance, even within their class. The science of exhaust systems is quite Charles Lipton complex; remember that the exhaust is a TUNED component of your engine, Just like Commando Exhaust tuned headers on performance cars. To get more out of the stock Commando is Small diameter pipes help scavenge the not just an exhaust issue. My experience with combustion chamber and in some cases pro- over-sized ID exhaust systems (on a race duce MORE power as it helps draw in new bike) was mixed at best. Not knowing the fuel and air.. overall condition of your engine, your riding Bigger pipes are for higher RPM apps and habits, style, etc. it is difficult to suggest when you need to flow volume, such as a where to start. Race bike that spends its time at 7,000 rpm.

Number 162 21 Norton News Fall Issue 2010

Smaller diameter produces more torque in Norton had a variety of pipe styles, consult the lower rpm ranges (Where most bikes on your factory parts book, Roadster, Hi-Rider, the street need it) There is considerable dis- Interstate, Police, S type, etc. the Roadster cussion and theories about port velocity and pipes are the easiest to source. flow where you step down the pipe diameter The problem is two-fold, quality, price and after the head and then open it back up in a availability, and then, final fitment. megaphone, there’s a lot of discussion about Norvil, RGM, Armours and others offer length of the pipe for optimum tuning, and af- pretty decent quality, In my experience the ter all,, what kind of cam you have in there. BEST quality pipes I ever fitted were the Vi- Typically,, most Nortons came with very king pipes from that fellow in New Zealand? restrictive mufflers., that was politics not per- Old Britts supplied them at the time, and both formance, US federal noise restrictions and times the owners didn’t care about the price, emissions in the future. (but they are not cheap) but they were swept Then we could discuss the cross over tube back style, and the quality was excellent, some are fitted with...they are not that attrac- chrome, pipe material, and fitment was well tive on bikes but they DO work, they help above average. scavenge as well, and produce more torque Price and very limited production volume down low I fitted some to my hot rod Chevy are the 2 cons with Viking EMGO is now many years ago after some articles in Car making “Economy” priced pipes, and they craft, and they were right, I could physically are very affordable, I wouldn’t count on long FEEL the difference, dyno tests prove that term chrome quality, but the prices are very fact, Motorcycles don’t see as big of a gain, attractive. but it IS there. Ironically, most accounts show Price quality availability, Pick ANY 2 but that the crossovers were employed to dampen you are unlikely to get all 3, and by the way, exhaust notes for noise control as the principle we overcharge every 3rd customer to pass the reasons the factories used them (BSA, Norton savings onto you! Fitting is a topic in itself, Triumph) but they do boost low end a bit. I’ll say the rule of British bike rebuilding is that you should EXPECT the parts won’t fit

Number 162 22 Norton News Fall Issue 2010 right, need rework, take longer to source than movable baffles, which is cool, you can pack expected and cost more than you would like to them with stainless steel for damping or re- admit, But Nortons present their own issues,. move them altogether for a roaring jaunt. The Norton Heads are very inconsistent. Doug McGuire the castings varied widely, I’ve sampled 7 heads here at my shop and everyone was dif- A review of Scientific Design of Exhaust & ferent, I’ve worked factory production in Intake Systems by Smith & Morrison (ISBN Aerospace castings, all parts have to hit cer- 0-8376-0309-9) will be illuminating. tain targets for standards, I’d say Nortons Briefly described, a pipe will affect a given were some pretty loose standards as there’s so engine in several ways: Tuned length is ap- many variables its crazy. But you will find plied to the theory that the open end of a pipe that pipes can be a REAL challenge to fit and will ‘reflect’a positive pressure wave back to make look good, they rarely hang the same as the exhaust valve that, with use of a cam hav- viewed from the rear (typically one higher ing a large timing overlap will stuff a bit of than the other) they hit stuff on the frame, fresh mixture back into the cylinder before pegs, swingarms etc, and almost ALL of them the exhaust valve closes, thereby improving seem to foul the kicker, Kick start banging is performance. Open, reverse cone mega- very common and people really struggle fit- phones seem to enhance this backward stuff- ting them where they don’t hit, I used to have a ing. Back pressure is a factor that works both heavy work bench at our old shop and in the 6 for and against the engine depending on inch thick counter tops I made dowel holes, RPM. A larger pipe produces greater back and would setup posts and pipes to “Tweak” pressure than a smaller. A longer pipe offers pipes to fit, it’s a slow tedious process to greater back pressure than a shorter. A possi- tweak them without marring the finish or bly workable theory is that when the exhaust crimp or kink a tube, long cheater bars and lots valve opens, an initial slug of hot gas is sent of grunting and groaning. into the pipe, and the inertia generated by this Also check out original early factory pipes, slug will assist in cylinder evacuation fanatical rivet counters covet these. If you including the incoming charge. look, the part that fits into the exhaust port is It’s generally considered that the use of a welded onto the pipe where it then necks muffler will negate all of the above to greater down to a smaller OD/ID. If you look care- or smaller degree, but a muffler that you can fully, they look crooked and sloppy—repop look through is better than one that you can- pipes don’t have that, But restoration types not (A baffled muffler will KILL a Com- will search for original pipes and rechrome mando). A large diameter pipe will be noisier them to preserve this visual defect....lastly, on a given engine than will be a smaller pipe. mufflers redux, the reverse cones the factory OEM Commandos can usually be run on the used on most 750s is the most common and street sans muffler. Surprisingly quiet with there are several man- ufacturers of them, but they also used the large ungainly black caps mostly on later 850s, some people like them but to me IMHO they are the worst muffler ever plus (massively re- strictive), There are very cheaply priced replica Dunstall muf- flers, I use them a lot, they come in shorts and longs, they also typically feature re-

Number 162 23 Norton News Fall Issue 2010

OEM pipes. The Dunstall type muffs were sized tube used by me was not too undersized. sold with a perforated screen spotwelded For me, it’s always been an “eyeball” fit. across the airflow at about 6" in from the front Tubes matched by size from the same manu- end, a very good thing to remove. facturer as the casing can be relied upon, but Dunstall’s answer was to bring both 1-5/8" tubes made by various manufacturers vary (?) pipes together about 10-12 inches below widely size for size. the flange nuts into a 1 ¾" pipe run centrally under the power unit, then splitting that one Spindle Removal into two 1 ¾" pipes feeding two mufflers in Once the spindle has been accessed it may the OEM Roadster location. Alocal back road be difficult to remove. The shop manual sug- burner consistently much quicker than I uses gest that the front motor mount pass through this exhaust. stud could be used as an aid in removing the A mechanical factor worth mentioning is spindle because it would fit into the spindle’s that Commandos give the threads in the head a treaded opening. Removing the engine mount very bad time due to the extreme leverage ap- center stud seemed a bit more than I wanted to plied by the long pipes and heavy muffs. The do, so I looked around the shop and found that 850s used a crossover pipe in order to improve the clutch hub tool center bolt also fit into the the stability of the head to pipe juncture as swing arm spindle. I also found that this bolt well as to partially split the noise between the would pass through the square opening in a ½ two mufflers, but that design created cracking inch drive socket. I matched up a ½ inch drive of the welds, and perhaps lower performance. socket with the outside of the swingarm. This My own theory is that the use of smaller diam- is where the shoulder of the bronze bushing eter pipes allowed more flex, thereby reduc- can be seen. In my case a 1-1/8" socket ing the strain on the threads in the head. worked. I added spacers one at a time. A flat A thing to be aware of is that some after- washer first and then the nuts that accompany market pipes will have the lower bend too far the clutch tool were added, . A drop of oil forward, leading to touch down in the slower against the spacers and the socket insured that turns. Don’t Ask Me How I Know..... there would be no unnecessary drag. It is im- Frank Forster portant to start with one spacer. This will en- sure that the bolt seats well into the spindle Tire Confusion and not strip out. I turned the bolt with a box A tube that’s too large can give you prob- wrench and found that the spindle began to lems. When installed, it will have overlapping come out. Spacers were added, you must re- creases which will abrade the tube due to cas- move the bolt from the spindle to add spacers, ing flex. When abraded enough, a hole will until the spindle was free enough to be re- develop. I’ve never had a “ too small” tube fail moved by hand. Also, it is important that the due to stretch, but I’ve seen to it that an under- socket used rest upon the swing arm frame and not the face of the bronze bushing. Sintered bronze bush- ings remain one of our best friends, how- ever, they are, as I’m certain you know, easily cracked or crushed. Again, Thank You for all your help and efforts.

Number 162 24 Norton News Fall Issue 2010

Jim May which sticks like you know what, is quite chip resistant, is easily touched up (either by spray Visors or a touchup brush) and is rust inhibiting. Has You can use Lemon Pledge Wipes, a porta- a good gloss finish too. ble version of Lemon Pledge, to clean your vi- Jay in NZ sor on the road. The pre-moistened towelettes fit in a pocket. They come 18 to a bag, but you Painting a Commando Frame can put just a few in a resealable bag. I have used PPG 2-part with clear coat. Richard Florence (from the “Norton PPG has their primer for their two-part paint Colorado” newsletter) product as well. The product was easy to spray and looks good Powdercoating Frames John Powdercoat is in essence, “plastic” parti- cles released from an electrostatic gun that Oil pump Rebuild “float” to the grounded article being coated, I always use a gasket from the pump to the and “stick” long enough to be transferred to engine case. It slows down wetsumping a lit- the baking oven where temperatures are tle. A little Locktight on the nuts would be raised enough to melt and fuse the particles good, too. You don’t need to stake them. into a continuous “plastic” film. Unless cer- If the pump is that stiff you took off too tain very high temp products are used, there is much but that is not a problem. Just get some little actual adhesion or bonding to the under- extra fine lapping compound and put a bit on lying metal. Any chip will admit moisture the gears and work it around until it frees up. I which will sweat its way well under the have used Comet and done it in the sink with powdercoat and cause rusting. For this reason, some water to wet the Comet and wash it it is very important to precoat with a rust in- away as you turn it. hibiting primer or base coat. I would be Jim Comstock strongly investigating using a zinc enriched primer of some sort that is compatible with the Ammeter Wiring powder coat and the high temperatures For a bike without an ammeter, there will involved. be two wires to the negative post on the bat- Having said all of that, I think my next tery (or a junction in the negative battery frame job might be done with POR product, wire). One would be the negative charging

Number 162 25 Norton News Fall Issue 2010 wire (black) from the Tympanium and the Tubes other would be the feed to the ignition switch. The “brand name” tubes may offer a bit The negative wire from the Tympanium and more security due to more precise manufac- the feed wire to the switch need to stay con- turing controls, but I really can’t offer any ev- nected together. From the junction of these idence of this. two wires a wire will need to go to one post of When I had a retail shop in the '70s, we al- the ammeter. The other post of the ammeter ways recommended new tubes with every tire will go directly to the negative post of the bat- change for liability reasons, preferring the tery preferably through a fuse. then popular Michelin “Airstop” brand, and I Jim Comstock kept the old tubes, which are now what I use personally. Red Rubber Grease Substitute I often use tubes that I recognize as being I have found that P-80 Lubricant Emulsion made in the '60s or '70s. I overinflate them be- (Size: 10 ml Small Plastic Tube) is good for fore installation to show up flaws such as rot preserving/installing rubber parts. A little bit caused by sun exposure or creases from long goes a long way, and I keep it around all the term uninflated storage. I consistently find time. They have the standard thin stuff or the old tubes stored under the house to be just fine thicker stuff that hangs around a little longer. if not rotted, and now store them slightly in- You can actually push Isolastics in by hand flated. If stored inflated for a time, I’m as- with either one. They’re original use was for sured of their integrity. tires. I have used it on dirt bike tires and found Frank Forster n you could put them on without a tire iron on some rims. They also have some stuff that leaves an adhesive when it dries, just right for handgrips and peg rubbers. Got to http://www.ipcol.com for more information, or call 609-386-8770 for find where it can be ordered or purchased locally. Jim Comstock

I used to use a lot of “Kent” brand products that work ex- tremely well. A product called Air Gap Sealer, a black, , alco- hol soluble, goop in a tube works wonders for primary cover O ring oil leaks, etc. Doesn’t harden, stays soft and sticky, light smear on gasket surfaces would stop most all oil seepage, easily removable, but messy. Ford Motor has a good line of odd lubricants, sealers, adhe- sives, etc. Priced decently. Es- pecially like “Ford Dielectric Grease” for Lucas bullet style connectors. Tube lasts forever. Doug Kowalske

Number 162 26 Norton News Fall Issue 2010

New from be looking at entering the Bracebridge Street class once the capacity re- Depot turns to 1000cc. Bracebridge Street De- Shortly after the Brno pot now has a stock of round of MotoGP, news DVDs containing the emerged that Stuart Gar- scanned pages of the ner, the man behind the res- Norton News from issue urrected Norton brand, had #1 through #155. This obtained two grid slots for DVD replaces the older the 2012 MotoGP champi- CD-ROM that contained scanned copies of onship. the Norton News issues #1 - #44. The company’s plans, it was believed, re- This product is offered as a companion to volved around taking the 1000cc four-cylin- the Tech Digest, which refers readers on some der engine which will form the basis of a topics to specific articles in the Norton News. high-performance sports bike to be intro- It also contains a wealth of information about duced in either 2011 or 2012, and race it as club activities in years past as well as informa- part of a plan to promote Norton as a perfor- tive articles not tied to the Tech Digest. mance brand. The engines were to be built by The new DVD is designed to play on most Menard Competition Technologies, but ru- modern computers but will not play on most mors emanating from the UK’s F1 corridor - home entertainment DVD players; check the an area of the central UK stretching from capabilities of your equipment before order- Aylesbury in the southwest to Leicester in the ing. “Norton News #1 - 155" is available for Midlands - suggest that Norton was having $40, which includes all shipping, etc. doubts about the rate at which engines could Bracebridge Street Depot also has a supply be produced at, and that Norton was of 2011 Norton calendars as produced by the exploring other options. NOC in England. These are the same size as in Those options, it appears, have led to the previous years (about 17" x 11"); wall mount Spanish engineering firm Inmotec, the com- style with 12 classic Nortons. Price is $23 pany behind the Inmotec MotoGP project. each which includes shipping, etc. Inmotec has been building a V4 MotoGPbike Print an order form at the Bracebridge web for the past three years, but the project has site www.bracebridge-street.com or link to it been plagued by a chronic lack of funds. through the main INOA site Norton, on the other hand, has sufficient www.inoanorton.com. Send your order to: funds to invest in a project, but lacks the engi- Bracebridge Street Depot c/o Jim Evans 304 neering expertise required to build a May Ave Glen Ellyn IL 60137 Cash, check or high-performance 1000cc four-cylinder money order only - payable to “USNOA”. No engine. credit cards or other electronic payment avail- A link-up between the two would provide able. These DVD’s are advertised on the Inmotec with the funds it requires to keep website and this offer is for shipment to North functioning, and Norton with the expertise to America only. produce engines in the numbers required. MotoMatters.com’s attempts to elicit a re- Norton in Talks with Inmotec Over sponse from Stuart Garner at Norton have so MotoGP Engine Supply far not met with any success, but through our According to on-line reports, the rule changes coming for the 2012 MotoGP season are generating a lot of interest from new man- ufacturers interested in entering the series. Current Moto2 chassis builders FTR, Kalex and Suter are all believed to be working on chassis for use in the so-called CRT bikes, machines based around production engines, while BMW and Aprilia are also rumored to

Number 162 27 Norton News Fall Issue 2010 contacts with the Spanish magazine This kind of publicity goes a long way to- Motociclismo, we did manage to reach wards igniting Norton flames in the hearts of Inmotec. the next generation of bike builders. Well Inmotec Managing Director Oscar Gorria done CNW!!! confirmed to our contacts at Motociclismo John T. that Norton is in talks to buy the company. No Delhi, NY further details were released, but this option could provide the engineering capacity Norton seeks. It is unknown whether Norton’s MotoGP effort will be based around Inmotec’s current V4 engine. The Inmotec machine has had sev- eral planned public tests postponed, with ap- pearances at both Barcelona and Valencia canceled. Reports from testing suggest that the engine has a chronic lack of reliability, with engines blowing up after just a few laps in private tests at the brand new Navarra motorsports facility. Those reliability problems are precisely the sort of problem that Inmotec will be hoping that Norton’s funds could help to fix. Norton Motorcycle Posters There are some nice posters at http://www.classicbikes.biz/pages/norton-m otorcycle-posters.htm.

CNW Article Radford Honored Congrats to Colorado Norton Works Phil Radford was the recipient of the an- (CNW) on the nice write-up in a recent To- nual INOA “Special Contribution Award”. morrow’sTechnician magazine. This publica- Phil has provided more than 25 years of sup- tion is geared towards automotive students. plying high-quality parts and service, and ex- The article was proclaiming the career re- cellent free advice to US Norton owners. wards of vintage bike updating and engine Photo by Donna Morrison at the NCNOC building, along with a little Norton history AGM ride and picnic earlier this year. thanks to the interview with Matt Rambow. Editor’sNote: Phil was a key figure in get- Some beautiful bike and motor pictures, too. ting me involved with Nortons. I wrote to him “Zen Master Builder: Colorado Norton back in the early '80s to obtain his assessment Works” can be found at the following site: of the different Commando models. He re- www.tomorrowstechnicains.com by clicking sponded with a three-page handwritten letter on “Magazine & Current Issue”. that I still have. Thanks, Phil! AHRMA Announces 2011 Road Race Changes The American Historic Racing Motorcy- cle Association (AHRMA), working closely with Daytona International Speedway (DIS) and Champion Cup Series (CCS) announces a move for their 2011 DIS event from Bike Week to the DIS Fall Cycle Scene. AHRMA extends warm thanks to the staff of (DIS) for their support during our past Bike Week

Number 162 28 Norton News Fall Issue 2010 events and acknowledges their cooperation history during the 1970s. This remarkable and working these changes for 2011. achievement was accomplished through their To conclude the 2011 Road Race season, unrivaled innovation in the engineering of the AHRMA will team up with CCS to conduct a Hogslayer and unbridled courage as they 3-day National Road Race event (October commanded the world drag strips. The 14th, 15th and 16th, 2011) at DIS during the Hogslayer, won the hearts of thousands and Fall Cycle Scene as part of Biketoberfest. introduced the impressive performance capa- This event will closely follow the 7th Barber bilities of the Norton motorcycle to America. Vintage Festival (BVF) weekend (October The documentary offers Norton enthusi- 7th & 8th, 2011), providing AHRMA road asts’ worldwide an opportunity to celebrate racers an opportunity to close out the 2011 one of the most successful accomplishments racing season at two of our country’s most fa- in Norton’s rich racing legacy an accomplish- mous facilities, back to back. ment originated right here in America. As “Although this date change completely producer of this very worthwhile endeavor, I modifies the traditional AHRMA Road Race am searching for additional documentary ma- schedule, this unprecedented double header is terials (photographs, promotional items, pub- sure to get the adrenaline pumping in both our lications, film, and video) representing the Vintage and Modern road racers” said, Dave Hogslayer story to enhance the documentary. Lamberth, AHRMA Executive Director. “We Full documentary credit will be offered for are excited about this change in schedule, es- contributions. pecially with the potential of increased num- Additionally, sponsorship packages are be- bers of national and international participants ing offered to assist in the production costs of for both events” said Lamberth. the documentary. This is a great promotional AHRMA is currently exploring alternative opportunity for businesses and organizations. options for their 2011 opening Road Race For more information on how you can be a events. part of this exciting documentary, please con- This change in the Road Race schedule will tact The Edge through the email address pro- not affect 2011 Off Road Bike Week events. vided below. For more information and schedule an- A Hogslayer promotional trailer is now nouncements visit www.AHRMA.org. available through a You Tube link at nortonhogslayer.com. Or, just search Hogslayer Documentary Hogslayer on You Tube. Please take the time It is my pleasure to formally announce the documentary Hogslayer – The Unapproachable Legend to the INOA. This is the story of TC Christenson and John Gregory of Sunset Motors from Kenosha, Wisconsin, and their world cham- pion dual-engine Norton dragster, known as the Hogslayer. Sunset Motors Racing be- came the most suc- cessful drag racing championship team in motorcycle

Number 162 29 Norton News Fall Issue 2010 to enjoy this short video. The full-length doc- camp. 5”x5”, 12 oz. Item #4760; price is $24. umentary will be released in spring of 2011. To get a free catalog, call 800-222-1994 (or James Cutting fax 218-720-3610)or email: cata- Independent Producer [email protected] THE EDGE LTD. [email protected] BMC of New Orleans’ 2011 Annual British Car Day. Peter Williams’ Book 21th Annual British Car Day – Join the Peter’s Williams autobiography, Designed British Motoring Club –New Orleans at to Race, is currently available through Mike Delgado - City Park Campus in New Orleans, Partridge at Walridge. Mike is interested to Louisiana. All British cars and bikes are wel- see if any members would like a personalized, come. Registration is 9am to noon, with pop- signed copy of the book. If the response is ular choice judging from noon till 3pm, stong enough, a special order of signed copies awards at 4pm. Host hotel TBA. There will be will be placed. Contact Mike at a reception on Friday, March 18th at the host [email protected] for more information. hotel. For more information contact: Rick Huber (225) 926-6946, Karen Murray (504) 236-7509, or Cathy Greensfelder: [email protected], or visit the club web site at http://www.bmcno.org Chad C. Wicker Brit- ish Motoring Club New Orleans and South Louisiana. Sealing Steel Tanks For sealing steel tanks, check out www.PrecisionMotorcyclePainting.com. They advertise in Norton News and can do all the work you require. I’ve sealed a couple of tanks successfully with Caswell’s sealer (had to strip one of failed Kreem sealer first). It can get tricky. I then had Precision clean, Caswell epoxy seal, and paint another tank after see- ing the job they did on a friend’s Interstate and Roadster. Their work is stunning! Even the CO2 Power Kit sealer is like glass, right up to the top of the Aerostich has a compact kit to inflate tires. neck. They also do repair work. No matter where you are, this compact, light- John T. weight kit gives you air. Five threaded 16 Delhi, NY n gram CO2 cartridges, a control valve and a 3.5" flexible valve adapter hose, all store neatly inside a 5"×5" nylon envelope bag. Enough air to refill a flat tire or anything else that requires inflation on the road or around

Number 162 30 Norton News Fall Issue 2010

Norton Motorcycles and support. We welcome USA you to our family, and we It gives me pleasure to hope you will welcome us to reach out to all of you with yours. this first communication All the best, and see you from Norton Motorcycles on the road, USA. I want to update you to Dan Van Epps our current activities, and Norton Motorcycles USA some future plans. We are at the very early stages of forming Stewart Garner’s roots are in motorcycle Norton Motorcycles USA, which is a direct racing and I thought his stated intention subsidiary of Norton Motorcycles Ltd UK. As when he first released details of his hopes you can imagine, there is much to do. Soon we for Norton was that he wanted to see them will begin the process of setting-up a dealer racing competitively again. Today’s version network around the country, putting the sup- of the old successful Norton Rotary is con- port systems in place (spares, technical train- siderably more refined and modernized with ing, warehousing, etc.) and of course getting some leading technology in the variable in- U.S. approved Norton Motorcycles here. We take tract setup. I’m not sure of true horse- expect to begin deliveries of the 961 Com- power comparisons other than what’s been mando starting in May of 2011. published so far....but of course you never Norton Clubs and Norton owners are a fun- let your competitors know where you are at, damental part of our plans for the USA, and do you. Garner must have done consider- worldwide. Today, you folks are the face and able lobbying at the top as to the legality of a spirit of Norton, and we will do our best to rotary before making any announcement. I make you a proud and supportive of the part of personally think keeping the series open to the new Norton. The history and heritage of innovation is a good thing providing safety Norton has always been one of beauty, unique is not compromised by ridiculous power and character and spectacular road manners. We speed. The way the Formula One Car series strongly embrace the heritage of Norton, so is going with innovation and inventiveness our new bikes reflect that unique Norton char- totally stopped is a death knell for the sport acter, but they have been developed and engi- long term. You soon lose interest in 25 cars neered in a completely modern way. It is racing with identical engines and little worth noting that the new Commandos are individuality. completely engineered in the UK and built al- I have no idea of Garner’s worth or if he most entirely of British parts, with the excep- has financial backers, but to have done what tion of the suspension and brakes which are he has so far in a short time is astonish- the very best Europe has to offer. ing...and worth supporting in my view. To add a little vintage credibility to myself Jay in NZ personally, my first job at 16 years old was working in a British motorcycle shop, and I New vs. Old still own and ride the 66’Triumph Bonneville Yes, my Norton doesn’t handle as well as that I owned in high school. I have been in the modern machines, and yes, it has idiosyn- motorcycle industry for many years, I am a crasies with the electrics, but did you ever passionate rider and one of the reasons that I wonder why people would put up with it? It joined the Norton team is that they are almost is the difference between going to Wally all serious motorcyclists. You may have no- World and paying $35 for a Christmas tree ticed that our owner, Stuart Garner, just set a someone else cut down and actually cutting land speed record at Bonneville on a Norton. one down yourself. I am not stopping any- It will take a bit of time, but we will be set- one from spending their money their way, as ting-up direct communication lines for clubs long as some don’t mind me buying an un- to Norton USA, as well as supporting and par- derpowered (?) poor handling (?) piece of ticipating in Norton Club events nationwide. art as opposed to what has become so mass If schedule allows, I will plan to ride to the produced that everyone has one. National meet in 2011. Give us a little time

Number 162 31 Norton News Fall Issue 2010

Number 162 32 Norton News Fall Issue 2010

Central Ohio Norton Ontario Norton Owners Owners Derek Wilson Ralph Rotz www.ontarionorton 8675 Windchester Rd. owners.org Carroll, OH 43112 Utah [email protected] Tom Kullen Michigan Norton Owners 2648 Meadow Creek Dr. Gerald Dervish Park City, UT 84060 5611 Firwood Drive 435-649-7169 Troy, MI 48098 [email protected] 248-641-8410 www.utahbritishbikeclub.com [email protected] New Jersey Nortons Chicago Norton Twin Cities NOC Norton Owners of Arizona Kevin Fegan Owners’ Club Bob Waits LeRoy Peterson 245 Meyersville Rd. Jonathan Ravilla 3032 Oregon Ave. S. PO Box 385 Aguila, AZ Meyersville, NJ 07933 [email protected] St. Louis Park, MN 55426 85320. 908-580-0580 www.cnoc.org 612-920-9371 928-685-4187 l New York Manitoba Norton Owners eroydga15p @yahoo.com. Delaware Valley Norton Gary Bullen, Pres. Riders David Pritchard SCNOC Dominic Aiello, VP Bob Norum 925 Wellington Cres. Bill Bibbiani 83 Prospect St. 276 Butterworth Lane Winnipeg, MB R3A 1M6 1168 N. Hill Ave. Utica, NY 13501 Langhorne, PA 19047 Canada Pasadena, CA 91104 315-733-1586 215-431-8735 (cell) 204-488-8705 626-791-0259 www.nynoa.com [email protected] 204-797-6698 (cell) [email protected] [email protected] Zia (New Mexico) www.dvnr.org Greater Atlanta Hal (Red) Wilson Gateway Chapter (St. Louis) British Motorcycle Owners Norton Owners PO Box 93 Joe Jump of Kentucky Nathan Kimble Cedar Crest, NM 87008 435 W. Argonne Dr. Steve Parsch 649 Braeburn Court 505-286-0693 St. Louis, MO 63122 7121 River Rd. Lawrenceville, GA 30044 505-235-2302 (cell) 314-232-3617 Prospect, KY 40059 678-344-8509 [email protected] 502-228-3918 Tri-State Norton Riders home.insightbb.com/~bmok2/ Norton Colorado Wisconsin Chuck Contrino Eric Bergman Anthony Albano 115 East 9th St. Norton Owners 1900 19th St. c/o 757 Euclid Ave. New York, NY 10003 of Arizona Golden, CO 80401 Beloit, WI 53511-6004 212-674-3230 LeRoy Peterson 303-278-7445 262-828-7185 [email protected] 51410 W. Iver Rd. [email protected] Indiana Aguila, AZ 85320 www.nortoncolorado.org Louisiana Norton Riders 928-685-4187 Bob Goodpaster Contact TBA 403 N. Wisconsin St. [email protected] British Motorcycle Owners Hobart, IN 46342 Northern California Norton Tennessee Norton Owners Association of Houston, 219-942-2401 Owners Club Association Harry Bunting (President) Michael Harrod Texas Nation’s Capitol 408-615-1234 Don Raulin 2069 Garner Rd. Mike McGill [email protected] 25418 Old Carriage Lane 411 Beach Drive Mount Pleasant, TN Spring, TX 77373-6015 Edgewater, MD 21037 BMOC 38474-2818 281-288-7236 410-798-1522 Ian Bardsley, Secretary 931-285-0036 [email protected] [email protected] New England Norton c/o 1615 Greenmount Ave. Port Coquitlam, BC V3B 2S4 Norton Owners Club Owners Roanoke British Iron 604-941-8164 Dave Youngblood Dave Comeau [email protected] of Nevada 11 Poplar St. 3201 Pasley Ave. S.W. c/o Bill Wellbaum Ipswich, MA 01938 Roanoke, VA 24015 BMOC Okanagan Chapter 5717 Sliding Rock St. [email protected] [email protected] Les Service Las Vegas, Nevada 89149 540-342-7027 250-493-6735 Home 702-645-2896 Northern Ohio [email protected] Cell 702-506-2430 Norton Owners North Florida [email protected] Ed Britt Norton Owners North Texas NOA www.nocnv.com 9127 CR 35 John Corbin Clay Walley Millersburg, OH 44654 1842 Holly Oaks 1420 Storm Court East Moto Classico de San Lake Rd. W. Bedford, TX 76022 Miguel de Allende Adirondack Norton Jacksonville, FL 32225 [email protected] Pres. Art Bone Owners Club 904-398-4390 Calle Pablo Yanez 13 Box 262 Norton United Colonia Independencia Keene, NY 12942 Ottawa Norton Touring Society (NUTS) San Miguel de Allende 518-576-4419 Owners Group Tony Cain Guanajuato, Mexico [email protected] Fred Mohlmann 950 Bets Rd. Vontage 770 573-0724 Box 583 Lancaster, OH 43130 Home 415 152-2067 Western Pennsylvania Wakefield, Quebec 614-837-1328 Cell 044-415-102-6596 Norton Owners J0X 3G0, Canada [email protected] Joe Crowley 819-459-3103 Oregon Norton Owners 738 Edgewood Ave. [email protected] Northwest NOC Sam Justice Pittsburgh, PA 15215 John Hill 4020 N.E. 33rd Avenue 412-782-1786 20135 186th Place NE Portland, OR 97212 [email protected] Woodinville, WA 98077 (503)307-9085 (425) 788-3410 [email protected] n [email protected]

Number 162 33 Norton News Fall Issue 2010

Upcoming Events When What Where Contact July 18-23, 2011 Norton Empire Brookside http://inoanorton.com International Rally Campground, (Also, see front cover) Catskill, NY March 25-27 Lone Star Classic Cresson, TX thelonestarclass.com July, 2012 Thunder in the Vermont Lee Patterson Green Mountains [email protected] National Rally (New England Norton Owners)

I can afford a brand new Harley and family 2-1/2 years in a place I hardly heard of — members encourage me to do so. I refuse, as I Vietnam. The car was ordered but I told the know every inch, leak and vibration and am dealer I couldn’t take possession since this happy doing therapy an hour at a time tinker- “government worker” had a payday of ing with it my Norton, as opposed to crying $77/month. It wasn’t until 1985 when I had a about the warranty and who to call when it chance to buy another but it was a ‘75 for doesn’t work. Robert M. Pirsig´s Zen and the $6500. I still have it but.... a new one will Art of Motorcycle Maintenance comes to never be in my price range. My ‘75 was mind. We all have our reasons for being here, plenty fast enough and not bad looking either. as long as we don’t step on the methods of oth- I tinker with it as well. ers—from our first bike to the last ride. The point is, there are many who will drop I once bought a Corvette. A 1968 Stingray. $50,000 to own a new Norton. I would if I It was a 427 4-speed. I signed to pay $5500 for could, but sometimes it is nostalgia that is the it but Uncle Sam had “better” ideas for me — draw and not the state-of-the-art hardware.

Number 162 34 Norton News Fall Issue 2010

Classified ads are free to INOA members for noncommercial, motorcycle-related items. Unless requested otherwise, ads will be run for one issue only. INOA does not Famed racer John Surtees was honored at screen advertisers and therefore cannot the Barber event. (Photo by Corey vouch for the seller’s intentions or the qual- Levenson.) ity/condition of the merchandise. Submit ads to Barry Armitage via mail or Buy what you want, but learn to enjoy what e-mail (see contact information on page 1); you buy. ad deadlines are also listed on that page. Wayne S. Buyers should know that sellers of items in the Internet section are unaware of the Barber Vintage Festival Norton News listing. I was busy organizing the swap meet, auc- WANTED:I am looking for a clean 850 Commando. tion, Wall of Death, AMCA and VJMC also If you know of anything for sale please let me know. greeting friends and visitors this year at the Rick, 317-407-9485. Barber Vintage Festival. Alot of work but re- warding. I got on my bike the following From the Internet weekend and rode 620 miles, which was 1966 Norton $2,000, 712-579-2123. n wonderful. This was our 6th Festival and the largest yet. Close to 45,000 visitors. We don’t want to be the biggest, but the best. Brian Slark n

Number 162 35 Norton News Fall Issue 2010

Number 162 36 Norton News Top to bottom: A G50 Matchless in the Barber Museum; Bob Goodpaster’s son, Wesley, who won the AHMRA 2010 Classic 60’s on his Atlas; one of two printine shop areas on the bottom floor of the Barber Museum. (Photos by B. Armitage.)

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INOA Membership Form DUES: $25USD per year US, $25CND for Canadian, $10US Associate (same household—vote, but no NN) if you need further information, call: 215-741-0110. You can also pay electronically through PayPal on www.inoanorton.com. New USA Membership: [ ] US Renewals: [] You are welcome to sign up for two or Former member (expired): [ ] more years at a time. Make checks payable All Change of Address: [ ] to INOA. Please check the category of All Corrections: [] membership and send your remittance to All Associate Memberships: [ ] the appropriate address with this form. Send to: INOA Member # (USNOA or CNOA) ______276 Butterworth Lane Name ______Langhorne, PA 19047 Street______New Canadian Memberships:[ ] Canadian Renewals: [ ] City, State, Zip ______Judy Fortier Country ______Box 58 Lavigne, ON POH 1RO Telephone ______CANADA

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