Motorbike Friendship

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comnoz said:
Time Warp said:
I didn't know that,the RH4 is the one that can crack ?
That makes the Fullauto a good but very expensive option by the time it gets to Big D Cycles with freight and insurance,lucky you are rich.
Not much point without JS rods and pistons to go with it plus the radiused cam kit and so on,then you have those skinny WM2 rims and ...................................... >>>>>
Click to expand...

Yes, the RH4 is the one of which I have a pretty good collection. All cracked.

You would only need to ship the Fullauto head from Co. Jim
Click to expand...

I'm on the run Jim, will contact you re giving work to you. Way to go if you can fit me in.

Phil
 
Time Warp said:
I didn't know that,the RH4 is the one that can crack ?
That makes the Fullauto a good but very expensive option by the time it gets to Big D Cycles with freight and insurance,lucky you are rich.
Not much point without JS rods and pistons to go with it plus the radiused cam kit and so on,then you have those skinny WM2 rims and ...................................... >>>>>
Click to expand...

Not rich Time. Just love Commandos.
Spending priority:
Girlfriend.
Norton.

Somethings in your life are very very special.
 
Gidday Phil. I talked to you once before about this but never heard anymore . Have a squizz at this then.

To cut a long story short, and all the bullshit as well, here is some info for you to think about.
1.You will get any engineering that you may require on your motor, done in Sydney. Any. The skill base is definitly there, the really good ones you may indeed have to seek out. There are Norton specialists about as well, RoadnRace in Bendigo, Victoria for example. . there is a website. Talk to lyell at NorCom cycles. he is a member here. FullAuto is a bloody decent bloke as well. Then there are the relativity unknown private engineers. No public spotlight but they do things like build 300HP Jappo Crappo that wins Aussie National drag titles. And speedway engines. Any engines. Make their living from their engineering skills. they are the hardest to find. Usually never short of work. . These are the people I know. Or just get Jim to do the lot.
You should be careful giving that new Fullauto head to just anybody. You bear a great responsibility ( and $$$$$$).
so there are some options . I have no trouble arguing Aussie engineering.. The final decision does rest with you, as I am sure you recognise.
2. The often unrealised advantage of having good work done locally, is that unforseen events happening during processing of your engine, can be resolved a lot easier. Mittagongs only a stones throw to Sydney. Then there is the warranty issue, though it may not concern you at all.

But it is of course your choice. just seems still bloody silly to me to get an engine done overseas. For very good reasons. hope this helps Bradley
 
You need to name these people who can do the work,when I asked I got not one reply,a shop that does car engines is worthless especially when it comes to crankshaft grinding.
A shop that takes your money then farms the work out,worthless.
Who are these people who have Serdi machines and know how to use them on Norton heads let alone any other motorcycle head. ?
I have 6 heads sitting here needing work and at this stage am looking at dropping around $1200 on Neway cutters and pilots and do the work myself.
I for one would like to know who these experts are that actually give a toss,thin on the ground in NSW.

Road and Race do not do engine reconditioning,the work is framed out,I asked,they have companies (2 in Vic) they use/trust.
 
B.Rad said:
Gidday Phil. I talked to you once before about this but never heard anymore . Have a squizz at this then.

To cut a long story short, and all the bullshit as well, here is some info for you to think about.
1.You will get any engineering that you may require on your motor, done in Sydney. Any. The skill base is definitly there, the really good ones you may indeed have to seek out. There are Norton specialists about as well, RoadnRace in Bendigo, Victoria for example. . there is a website. Talk to lyell at NorCom cycles. he is a member here. FullAuto is a bloody decent bloke as well. Then there are the relativity unknown private engineers. No public spotlight but they do things like build 300HP Jappo Crappo that wins Aussie National drag titles. And speedway engines. Any engines. Make their living from their engineering skills. they are the hardest to find. Usually never short of work. . These are the people I know. Or just get Jim to do the lot.
You should be careful giving that new Fullauto head to just anybody. You bear a great responsibility ( and $$$$$$).
so there are some options . I have no trouble arguing Aussie engineering.. The final decision does rest with you, as I am sure you recognise.
2. The often unrealised advantage of having good work done locally, is that unforseen events happening during processing of your engine, can be resolved a lot easier. Mittagongs only a stones throw to Sydney. Then there is the warranty issue, though it may not concern you at all.

But it is of course your choice. just seems still bloody silly to me to get an engine done overseas. For very good reasons. hope this helps Bradley
Click to expand...

Hi Brad
Sorry I haven't got back to you, but have been busy processing a lot of information and advice. I'm all for doing things in Oz. My last bike builder Pete was I believe probably Australia's best. Virtually nothing he didn't know about anything Norton and I had known him for over thirty years. Tragically Pete passed away some 18 months ago which left a huge hole in Australian Norton knowledge in my opinion.

My current MkIII I imported from the USA, all re built and ready to go. it is a beautiful machine. I just happened to see it on the net, I wasn't even looking for another Norton. Saw it and wanted it, real bad. Nortons do that to you. Baxter's advised a month or so back they had acquired another "core" MkIII for restoration so I put my hand up. You tend to run with what you know and who you are happy with. Finding MkIII's in Oz has become increasingly difficult anyway. Apparently they are now the most sort after Commando model, according to Baxter's. I'm not surprised.

So Brad, everything is in Iowa USA except my Fullauto head. It makes sense to me to send the head to Jim Comstock (who designed it) for valve fitting etc.

I certainly won't be beating 300hp Japo Crapo. But this next MkIII will be a very fast example of the breed. That's all I'm really wanting. Had I bought the "core bike" here, I certainly would not be sending things to America for work. But it is the other way around for me. My brother bought his MkIII here in Australia. An extremely lucky find, in beautiful condition and runs like a Swiss watch.

Any on going work or issues will certainly be dealt with by Australian craftsmen. But I need both bikes here before that happens.

Phil
 
Mark said:
why not forego the blank head for now and try to find one that is already put together?
maybe comnoz or CNW has one set up and ready to go.

It's only money, you ain't taking it with you, may as well spend it on motorsickle parts. right?
Click to expand...

Girlfriend first.
Then motorcycles.

I've already bought the blank head Mark. But I will keep an eye out for a used one as well, as a spare as they are not easy (impossible?) to come by.

Phil
 
hobot said:
Must face the consequences of not concealing stuff from soul mates, duh. Oh yeah about the pictures cut off, if ya put cursor on photo and r click mouse botton you'll see a tag list, tag "view image" and go from there. You've been missing a lot of the full views here prior. I know about hot rods and hair trigger nervous systems and "The Fuzz" so took short cut for "THE STATE OF XX" taking it back and gave it back first.

Here's Wes and I arriving at my first INOA rally '04, ugh, after four days of miss adventures split between our Commandos to travel 1000 miles. Just so happened we were the only ones up by front gate when local news reporter was taking name pictures and stories, so got front page coverage with a seasoned friend.
Motorbike Friendship


Camp nest attracted flow of folks from old and new world seeking out hobot. Peel carried everything seen and a lot more as Wes camped out beyond view and tools and spares and moon shine that worked its magic and earned its Arkansas nick name of Kicapoo Joy Juice that literally melts souls into one comfortably numb puddle.
Motorbike Friendship
Click to expand...

Young hobot
I don't conceal any stuff from my soul mate, you know that. And she has a humour far quicker than mine.

Great photos hobot. If you and Wes will stop swapping handkerchiefs on your heads, I'll get a handle on which is who. Not that it matters I guess. I had a riding buddy many years ago, he was a Triumph man then went mad and bought every different bike you could think of. Then stopped riding almost as fast as he had begun. I'd still be riding with him but he vanished into the city deep, and I never see him now. Some friends stay with you, others drop off.

At least I now have one bike buddy at the Mitto, when he comes in. And maybe more will follow.

Phil
 
Time Warp said:
You need to name these people who can do the work,when I asked I got not one reply,a shop that does car engines is worthless especially when it comes to crankshaft grinding.
A shop that takes your money then farms the work out,worthless.
Who are these people who have Serdi machines and know how to use them on Norton heads let alone any other motorcycle head. ?
I have 6 heads sitting here needing work and at this stage am looking at dropping around $1200 on Neway cutters and pilots and do the work myself.
I for one would like to know who these experts are that actually give a toss,thin on the ground in NSW.
Road and Race do not do engine reconditioning,the work is framed out,I asked,they have companies (2 in Vic) they use/trust.
Click to expand...
Hey Les, I have spoken to you about this before. and had offered via forum more info, again acrotel at the time seemed only one interested. I dont need to name these people publicly. they would not want that. Les, the aggressive tone of your post suggests frustation or anger . With what I dont know. Of course they are thin on the ground. Thats the whole point. The questions tone about who has these Serdi machines and know how to use them let alone on Nortons not only shows lack of knowledge in the engine reco field, it comes across as disrespectful to people you have never met. As i said Les, they dont chase work, it chases them. also a machine shop that does car engines( where did that come from) is not worthless when it comes to crankshaft grinding. Again demonstrates lack of subject knowledge or experience. Anyway mate I am not indulging in a public brawl. If you have trouble getting good work done that is your problem. a PM in a civil tone will give precise information. hostile demands dont work. thanks for your enquiry Bradley
 
phil yates said:
Mark said:
why not forego the blank head for now and try to find one that is already put together?
maybe comnoz or CNW has one set up and ready to go.

It's only money, you ain't taking it with you, may as well spend it on motorsickle parts. right?
Click to expand...

Girlfriend first.
Then motorcycles.

I've already bought the blank head Mark. But I will keep an eye out for a used one as well, as a spare as they are not easy (impossible?) to come by.

Phil
Click to expand...


This guy is one of the best in Australia. Did up an RH10 for me. Perfect job. Years of Norton experience. Has all the gear and price is right. Have not used him recently.

Kelly Cork - Machining/Engineering, 7 Cedar St. Maleny. 07 5494 2648 (BH)
 
Nortiboy said:
This guy is one of the best in Australia. Did up an RH10 for me. Perfect job. Years of Norton experience. Has all the gear and price is right. Have not used him recently.

Kelly Cork - Machining/Engineering, 7 Cedar St. Maleny. 07 5494 2648 (BH)
Click to expand...

Thanks for posting that formation,just what I was looking for. :D
 
Nortiboy said:
phil yates said:
Mark said:
why not forego the blank head for now and try to find one that is already put together?
maybe comnoz or CNW has one set up and ready to go.

It's only money, you ain't taking it with you, may as well spend it on motorsickle parts. right?
Click to expand...

Girlfriend first.
Then motorcycles.

I've already bought the blank head Mark. But I will keep an eye out for a used one as well, as a spare as they are not easy (impossible?) to come by.

Phil
Click to expand...


This is his work. I supplied a crappy head and new valves. Note the work of the exhaust port insert. Send your exhaust nuts as each thread is cut to match.

Motorbike Friendship


Motorbike Friendship


Motorbike Friendship



This guy is one of the best in Australia. Did up an RH10 for me. Perfect job. Years of Norton experience. Has all the gear and price is right. Have not used him recently.

Kelly Cork - Machining/Engineering, 7 Cedar St. Maleny. 07 5494 2648 (BH)
Click to expand...
 
Would Kelly be the gent from Maleny that sells the odd Comando on eBay?

Time warp, there is a fellow in Brisbane, Ron Russ, who is a perfectionist. But sadly he has been diagnosed with mesothelioma and has stopped doing any work apart from his own. This left a huge hole as to where to get machining work done. I needed some machining done on a Single Ducati and sent the bits to Ron Young Engineering who did a very good job. I'd use him again.
There is Geoff Howie engineering also in Brisbane who is very good but has way too much work and in very slow.
Its a shame all the good old chaps are disappearing

Graeme
 
B.Rad said:
the aggressive tone of your post suggests frustation or anger .
Click to expand...

Is that you Dr Phil :lol:
There is nothing angry about that post,like it or not as posted there seems be a lack of venues in NSW.
I am sure if someone took their Norton head to some idiot (and that is what they are ) and they ruined a gasket surface with a WOOD CHISEL they would not be happy.
The problem for me is I can do these jobs myself but it is not possible until I get set up again,I expect nothing more than what I expect of myself.
Not concerned about cost if it is done correctly and with pride,not concerned about the time frame.

Look at the Nortiboy picture posted,a head sitting on surfaces that will not damage it including a hard wood bench top,old school all the way.
 
olChris said:
phil yates said:
B.Rad said:
Gidday Phil.

.finding MkIII's in Oz has become increasingly difficult anyway. Apparently they are now the most sort after Commando model, according to Baxter's. I'm not surprised.

S
Phil
Click to expand...
Click to expand...

not real hard to find .. just one search 5 minutes ago.. And overpriced at that...

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/huntingd ... 1047350986
Click to expand...
MK111's are around you just have to know where to look and people to ask. Just like these gems waiting for the ultimate rebuild.
Motorbike Friendship
 
S
Phil[/quote][/quote]

not real hard to find .. just one search 5 minutes ago.. And overpriced at that...

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/huntingd ... 1047350986[/quote]
MK111's are around you just have to know where to look and people to ask. Just like these gems waiting for the ultimate rebuild.
Motorbike Friendship
[/quote]

Look a bit harder. Maybe bent frames etc? Matching frame and engine numbers?
How much do you want to spend, $35000? Go for it.

Good ones to restore are getting rarer and rarer.
Just ask the guys who make a living out of restoring them.
If they are getting thin in the USA, they are getting very thin indeed.
 
Speaking of restorations, how do you restore this?
At least Nortons are made of real metal. A friend asked me about restoring this Virago (most unstable machine ever invented).
I put my hand on his shoulder and said, sorry son, you can't.
 

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:lol: i'm guessin they're about the same age as most of the punters on this forum! You must be 50 something yourself :lol:
 
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