What’s the best none Norton Norton ?

I'm sure it's a great bike to ride, but the styling is just all over the place. Really busy and zero flowing lines. It's like a conglomeration of bits off other bikes to me.
 
You need one big single surely but I prefer 'old school.

147 kg (324 lb) (dry) 166 kg (366 lb) (wet)
Bore 110 mm x 82 mm for 780 cc.
PTR big valve head.
Webb cam.
TM40.
FMF etc etc.
53 HP/5800 - 50 ft/lbs/4800.

DRSM.png

160 kg in a twin would take some hunting, even the 2007 Hypermotard 1100S in the background is probably a hefty 175 kg and it is a small bike.
 
Yeah, there are some good Supermoto options out there for 500cc bikes at around 275 lbs with 50+ HP. Here's mine:

What’s the best none Norton Norton ?
 
cliffa said:
I'm sure it's a great bike to ride, but the styling is just all over the place. Really busy and zero flowing lines. It's like a conglomeration of bits off other bikes to me.
Click to expand...

The problem is that if you want modern performance, and reliability, then you'll most likely have to compromise on styling, and accept the Ray Gun/ Spaceship look of modern equipment. This is what the kids want, and manufacturers are building.

The upside is that when you're riding it, you can't see much of it.
Just fantasize that you're riding a Vincent Black Shadow.
 
Any truth to rumours on KTM engine longevity due to weak air filtration .... I have no facts , have read couple on-line articles few years back that slammed KTM air filtration setup and hinted at short operational life for their products .... some factual info/experience would great ....
 
italia said:
Very few if any desirable bikes would hit those marks, IMO. These are close: Aprilia RS660 (372 lbs). Husqvarna 701 Smartpilen or Vitpilen (75 HP & 375 lbs), Ducati V4R (4 cylinder, 379 lbs & 234 HP)
Click to expand...
How about the KTM 890 ?
 
BritTwit said:
The problem is that if you want modern performance, and reliability, then you'll most likely have to compromise on styling, and accept the Ray Gun/ Spaceship look of modern equipment. This is what the kids want, and manufacturers are building.

The upside is that when you're riding it, you can't see much of it.
Just fantasize that you're riding a Vincent Black Shadow.
Click to expand...
The KTM looks have grown on me, as have the Huskavarna 701. I realize they look very edgy and modern but you can’t deny the performance to weight ratio.
 
BritTwit said:
The problem is that if you want modern performance, and reliability, then you'll most likely have to compromise on styling, and accept the Ray Gun/ Spaceship look of modern equipment. This is what the kids want, and manufacturers are building.

The upside is that when you're riding it, you can't see much of it.
Just fantasize that you're riding a Vincent Black Shadow.
Click to expand...

That‘s why Norton should be doing this. A similar focus on low weight and good power BUT with much better aesthetics... that’s what this kid wants !
 
Voodooo said:
The KTM looks have grown on me, as have the Huskavarna 701. I realize they look very edgy and modern but you can’t deny the performance to weight ratio.
Click to expand...
What’s the best none Norton Norton ?


I like the current Husky 701 vitpilen production model but I do like this design concept.
 
Clive said:
What’s the best none Norton Norton ?


I like the current Husky 701 vitpilen production model but I do like this design concept.
Click to expand...
Yep that looks pretty nice! Although their apprentice has put the front mudguard on backwards and the test rider has clearly collided with a seagull, which is now reclining on the back seat! Do like a cafe racer (?) with a half fairing - really want to see a sweet one on the 961; just want someone else to do all of the work!
 
As a loyal TVS customer I was checking out some of their other models - oh yes baby!!!!!! And I thought the Niken was the hottest thing on the streets.
What’s the best none Norton Norton ?
 
Stephen_Spencer said:
Yep that looks pretty nice! Although their apprentice has put the front mudguard on backwards and the test rider has clearly collided with a seagull, which is now reclining on the back seat! Do like a cafe racer (?) with a half fairing - really want to see a sweet one on the 961; just want someone else to do all of the work!
Click to expand...
The fairing that has been previously suggested for this is the Thruxton R fairing. It would look good on the 961, provided it fit properly.
Now that fairing is a very pretty little piece, styled after the Triumph Thruxton race fairing from 1965, only made prettier by someone in that group of 50 Brits who , we are told, were responsible for the bike's design.

Part of what makes it look good is the perfect fit to the tank. A lot of fairings are Universal fit, one size fits everything, but nothing properly.
The Triumph fairing blends right into the curve of the Thruxton tank, which is fairly slender, even at the wide point where the fairing comes in.
The nice fit is not going to happen with that big wide Norton tank. So a custom tank is a starting point for fitting that fairing.
I'm four days in on this one, Thruxton R top shape, original Norton Commando bottom.
Fun!

Glen



 
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Yep, liking that a lot! You clearly have the skills and the patience Glen. Will be watching with great interest. A ‘Thruxtonesque’ fairing for the 961 Cafe Racer will be very cool indeed.

PS. Is it permissible to use the word ‘cool’ at my age!! :)

What’s the best none Norton Norton ?
 
It's not worthy of a thread here as it's going to sit on an 850 Commando frame, but could just as easily be made to sit on a 961 frame.
Yes, hand beaten and then smoothed on the English wheel.
I've wondered why we havent seen the the Thruxton fairing fitted to the 961. Initially it seemed a reasonably easy job, alter a few brackets and bolt it on. The light came on when making the buck for this tank.
It can be done but it's not a small job.

Glen
 
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