- Joined
- Sep 5, 2014
- Messages
- 103
Hi, I'm new to the forum and after realizing that readers want more info on recent deliveries, I thought I'd add my experience. I recently took delivery of a Cafe Racer from Munroe Motors in San Francisco. They received two Cafe Racers in mid July. I put up my deposit in February, 2012 and luckily happened to pick the model/color that arrived first. I was actually on the Kenny Dreer list too.
I now have over 1,000 miles on the bike and it is settling in well. The stock mufflers were ridiculous -- all you could hear was the mechanical noise. So, I installed the cat back exhaust offered by South Bay Triumph and it made a huge improvement -- sounds amazing under power and is quite unique -- imagine a cross between an older Norton Commando and a Ducati with after-market exhaust.
I also did not care for the stock seat. In addition to having limited padding, I found it caused pain in my hips, as if it was forcing my hips apart. I'm quite comfortable with sportbike ergonomics, so doubted it had much to do with the clip ons. So, I had Corbin build me a custom seat while I waited and it is quite comfortable. It is narrower at the tank, with much better padding. I'd post a picture, but can't figure out how to do that here (help?). I've also added the Halcyon bar end mirrors.
I absolutely love the ride. Handling, shocks, and brakes could not be better. The engine is impressive and well suited to the bike. It does vibrate more than you'd expect, but not so much to be a problem. The mechanical noise seems to be quieter as it breaks in or it could be that the new exhaust just drowns out the clatter. For the most part, fueling is excellent with immediate response and gobs of torque down low. Feels similar to my Ducati 916 in that way. There is a bit of a flat spot encountered only when cruising between 2K - 3K, which I believe is caused by the lean fueling and made to be more of an issue with the less restrictive exhaust. So, I'm awaiting the ECU connector tool to arrive at Munroe Motors and South Bay Triumph so they can further develop improved maps. However, get the bike on a twisty road and keep revs in the 3K - 5K range and it is absolute nirvana, if that's your thing.
As to reliability, the bike has been perfect so far. I have seen some oil leaks, but they appear to have come from Munroe overfilling the oil and leaking out the overflow. It does run rough until warmed up and has stalled on me once in 1,000 miles, but my idle is slower than it should be. I've also noticed that the drive chain comes perilously close to the SBT exhaust and they have come in contact. I think if I keep the chain well adjusted that it should not be a problem.
So, if the questions are "was it worth the wait" and "would I do it again", yes absolutely. Having said that, one should note that I am a Norton fanatic, having had Mk III Commandos for most of my adult life (I'm old). I'm also a British nuthead in general (including interest in Triumphs, Tritons, Lotuses, Jaguars, Minis, etc). So, I'm not saying I'm unbiased on this matter. But, when the new Nortons were first announced I knew I needed one and couldn't be happier now that it has materialized.
Hope that helps.
Cheers
I now have over 1,000 miles on the bike and it is settling in well. The stock mufflers were ridiculous -- all you could hear was the mechanical noise. So, I installed the cat back exhaust offered by South Bay Triumph and it made a huge improvement -- sounds amazing under power and is quite unique -- imagine a cross between an older Norton Commando and a Ducati with after-market exhaust.
I also did not care for the stock seat. In addition to having limited padding, I found it caused pain in my hips, as if it was forcing my hips apart. I'm quite comfortable with sportbike ergonomics, so doubted it had much to do with the clip ons. So, I had Corbin build me a custom seat while I waited and it is quite comfortable. It is narrower at the tank, with much better padding. I'd post a picture, but can't figure out how to do that here (help?). I've also added the Halcyon bar end mirrors.
I absolutely love the ride. Handling, shocks, and brakes could not be better. The engine is impressive and well suited to the bike. It does vibrate more than you'd expect, but not so much to be a problem. The mechanical noise seems to be quieter as it breaks in or it could be that the new exhaust just drowns out the clatter. For the most part, fueling is excellent with immediate response and gobs of torque down low. Feels similar to my Ducati 916 in that way. There is a bit of a flat spot encountered only when cruising between 2K - 3K, which I believe is caused by the lean fueling and made to be more of an issue with the less restrictive exhaust. So, I'm awaiting the ECU connector tool to arrive at Munroe Motors and South Bay Triumph so they can further develop improved maps. However, get the bike on a twisty road and keep revs in the 3K - 5K range and it is absolute nirvana, if that's your thing.
As to reliability, the bike has been perfect so far. I have seen some oil leaks, but they appear to have come from Munroe overfilling the oil and leaking out the overflow. It does run rough until warmed up and has stalled on me once in 1,000 miles, but my idle is slower than it should be. I've also noticed that the drive chain comes perilously close to the SBT exhaust and they have come in contact. I think if I keep the chain well adjusted that it should not be a problem.
So, if the questions are "was it worth the wait" and "would I do it again", yes absolutely. Having said that, one should note that I am a Norton fanatic, having had Mk III Commandos for most of my adult life (I'm old). I'm also a British nuthead in general (including interest in Triumphs, Tritons, Lotuses, Jaguars, Minis, etc). So, I'm not saying I'm unbiased on this matter. But, when the new Nortons were first announced I knew I needed one and couldn't be happier now that it has materialized.
Hope that helps.
Cheers
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