Couldn't help but chuckle over zefer's remarks and muse over others. I am the 'custodian' of cNw 76 and can say that we are the lucky recipients of Matt's, Comnoz, Kenny Cummings, Jim Schmidt, Maney and a host of other Norton enthusiasts that have the energy, determination and ability to make these bikes more than they ever were brand new. Like zefer, I am heading down to Colorado at the end of May to have my bike refreshed (including the e-start system, hydraulic clutch, triple trees, head steady, Fullauto head, etc.) by the cNw team of experts and although I could probably do the work myself, I am looking forward to the pilgrimage; Dolores, Co is a very long way from British Columbia, Canada. No question that every Norton owner has limited funds, unless you're Billy Joel or Jay Leno; however, the expenditures we make on our bikes are over and above our day to day costs of living and there are some of us that choose to go the extra mile, both literally and figuratively. A lot of Norton owners that I meet take great pride in being frugal and/or keeping their bikes stock, while others, myself included, appreciate the R&D and manufacture of parts that make these bikes better and are more than willing to spend our disposable income on our bikes and, in so doing, keep these guys solvent. If Matt wasn't in business, and doing something else, I might still own a Norton but it wouldn't be my daily driver unless I had a friend that was willing to follow my in his truck with a ramp and tie downs! Finally, what most don't get is the end service that cNw provides which is the best that I have ever experienced. Somewhere in these threads, Matt made a comment about getting no sleep. No kidding. Between building new bikes, refreshing existing bikes with new bits, researching and developing new parts, running a business, answering forum member questions and one on one emails from existing and potential customers, it is pretty amazing that he does all of this with a smile and a great attitude.
Great forum by the way; I have learned and am learning lots so many thanks to all of you for contributing.
Cheers, Bryan