Norman White and his JPN 155+speeder (2011)

On 1/3/2011 10:19 AM, norman@normanwhite.co.uk wrote:
> Hello. My John Player Norton,its and my history(former factory Norton and Honda teamster) I think you may be aware of already.(my desperately outdated web site www.normanwhite.co.uk ) I have raced the machine since 1997,and recorded 55 wins and 4 championships. Often I am invited to compete or demonstrate at different venues mostly in Europe,and noteably in New Zealand. At a race meeting in Mugello Italy some years ago I was invited by the Italian hosts to race at their international race meeting. This circuit is extremely fast,I believe the modern Moto GP machines exceed 210mph,and I finished 3rd in my event. My hosts claimed my machine reached 171mph ,recorded by their electronic timing gear. Somehow this info found its way into some publications. I am almost certain my machine did not reach this speed, as the gearing we selected for the race would by our calculations achieve a speed of 156mph at 7800 rpm.,some 15mph slower than published. Must admit I never disputed it though. Got quite a thrill out of it actually! Best wishes,Norman White.

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Staytite said:

Below are the details from the Bonham's Auction site refering to the bike PM999S is having problems with:

1974/2021 NORTON 750CC COMMANDO PRODUCTION RACER
REGISTRATION NO. NOT REGISTERED
FRAME NO. NONE
ENGINE NO. NONE
This ultimate Commando Production Racer was finished earlier this year by renowned marque specialist and former factory engineer/racer, Norman White. The machine incorporates a 1974 production frame that Norman modified to works specification by raising and off-setting the engine mounts and fitting cotter-pin strengthening to the Isolastic mounts. The wheels were built with 18" rims to give maximum choice of race rubber, and the front has Norman's twin disc brakes. The rear hub has been modified to accept Manx Norton sprockets, allowing the gearing to be changed for each circuit. Built around five years ago and originally run in a Seeley frame, the engine is based on the 1974 short-stroke works unit, with a special crankshaft and con-rods; strengthened crankcases; Steve Maney cylinder barrels; race pistons; PW3 race cam; optical race ignition system; and cylinder heads flowed to full race specification. The engine breathes via a pair of 34mm Amal smoothbore carburettors and is fitted with a large diameter high-rise race exhaust. The transmission features a five-speed gearbox with modern selection system, belt primary drive, and a diaphragm clutch. All the bodywork is from the original factory moulds held by Norman White. The engine has only a minimal mileage on its bores so is barely run-in, and the machine is described by the vendor as 'like new' throughout. It last ran in April 2021. During the build, the vendor decided to retire from racing, so the machine is now surplus to requirements.

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Chris said:

At that meeting at Snetterton I was amazed how quick the bike was. It also reminded me that Norm was also a very very good racer. I remember talking to him at Cadwell were he just fancied a go. He had a little pile of parts around his pitch that he was selling to pay for the weekend. Ever so relaxed, made me smile.

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