What’s the best none Norton Norton ?

alwaysal · Jul 28, 2020

BLIGHTYBRIT/SF said:
Guess u mean this brute , lush & I agree , you’ve chosen the best alternative View attachment 17899

That's the one. Loads of superb details on the bike including a speedometer specially made by Smiths.

Looking down from above I think the bike actually appears quite svelte - well, more than you would imagine from this photo.

Stephen_Spencer · Jul 28, 2020

Beauty, eye, beholder! Could’nt live with the look of the rear end, beautiful lines to that point. Could be just me but the engine, rear end and swing arm look like they are from three different bikes! I admit however that my sense of style is rather suspect!

TonyA · Jul 28, 2020

BLIGHTYBRIT/SF said:
Guess u mean this brute , lush & I agree , you’ve chosen the best alternative View attachment 17899

Is that an S&S engine ? Maybe the X Wedge ?

Fast Eddie · Jul 28, 2020

TonyA said:
Is that an S&S engine ? Maybe the X Wedge ?

Yes it’s the X Wedge.

Fast Eddie · Jul 28, 2020

alwaysal said:
Yes, a great looking machine. But if I had that sort of money I'd be looking at another heavy bike - the Hesketh Valiant SC - truly fabulous (and supercharged!)

”That sort of money”...

I think a Hesketh is in a rather different price category to a Triumph Bobber, even a TFC Bobber!

I‘m not sure they’re still available are they? I contacted Hesketh a while ago and got the impression it was something of a hit n miss operation. They also said the S&S X Wedge engine supply was coming to an end.

Clive · Jul 29, 2020

It's interesting that in this 'best none Norton' thread we are now looking at machines which cost way more than the Norton. I still think the 961 Commando is a stunning looking bike and in comparison to some of these machines it's an absolute bargain! I really like the classic looking engine which these bikes do not have. Cruising into work on the motorway this morning in the sunshine comfortably tucked into the bike in my leathers listening to that lovely exhaust note (I gave up with the depressing drone of Radio 4) maybe the best option is a 961 with an Ollie/CNW rebuilt engine.....

MAK · Jul 29, 2020

Clive said:
It's interesting that in this 'best none Norton' thread we are now looking at machines which cost way more than the Norton. I still think the 961 Commando is a stunning looking bike and in comparison to some of these machines it's an absolute bargain! I really like the classic looking engine which these bikes do not have. Cruising into work on the motorway this morning in the sunshine comfortably tucked into the bike in my leathers listening to that lovely exhaust note (I gave up with the depressing drone of Radio 4) maybe the best option is a 961 with an Ollie/CNW rebuilt engine.....

Best non 961 for me was a Moto Guzzi 1100 Breva, in the mould of a Norton but much more usable.
Not a slouch when ridden correctly,hard luggage & over 200 miles on a tank,pillion friendly .
It also looked good and had shaft drive.
The engine had more low down torque than the later 8 valve engine.
Sold it for a 1200 Corsa.
Then quickly sold that to fund the 961.

Fast Eddie · Jul 29, 2020

Clive said:
It's interesting that in this 'best none Norton' thread we are now looking at machines which cost way more than the Norton. I still think the 961 Commando is a stunning looking bike and in comparison to some of these machines it's an absolute bargain! I really like the classic looking engine which these bikes do not have. Cruising into work on the motorway this morning in the sunshine comfortably tucked into the bike in my leathers listening to that lovely exhaust note (I gave up with the depressing drone of Radio 4) maybe the best option is a 961 with an Ollie/CNW rebuilt engine.....

Good point Clive.

Perhaps even better than an Ollie / one-07 rebuild would be the idea that TVS might actually design out some of the ridiculous flaws, perhaps even squeeze at a tad more oomph, and sell the buggers !

Too unrealistic ??

Claudio · Jul 29, 2020

From TVS no news for too long now

Fast Eddie · Jul 29, 2020

Claudio said:
From TVS no news for too long now

Yeah...

TonyA · Jul 29, 2020

They must be moving into the new building ? That will surely take some time and slow everything down .

alwaysal · Jul 29, 2020

Fast Eddie said:
”That sort of money”...

I think a Hesketh is in a rather different price category to a Triumph Bobber, even a TFC Bobber!

I‘m not sure they’re still available are they? I contacted Hesketh a while ago and got the impression it was something of a hit n miss operation. They also said the S&S X Wedge engine supply was coming to an end.

That sort of money - with reference to Clive's Horex.

italia · Jul 29, 2020

Love the look of those Horex. Yet another brand I wish had a US distributor. (along with Moto Morini)

Fast Eddie · Jul 29, 2020

alwaysal said:
That sort of money - with reference to Clive's Horex.

Oh that thing! Yes you’re right. I had‘t really paid any attention to it as I thought it’d been beaten half to death with an ugly stick... now I see how much they are...

MxMartin · Aug 9, 2020

My non-Norton went on the road yesterday and it was an eye opener... character and charm by the bucket load and all (more?) of the performance and comfort of the ThruxtonR, all from a light weight package with a humble 76bhp

BritTwit · Aug 9, 2020

MxMartin said:
My non-Norton went on the road yesterday and it was an eye opener... character and charm by the bucket load and all (more?) of the performance and comfort of the ThruxtonR, all from a light weight package with a humble 76bhp

magnifico!

Craig · Aug 9, 2020

A real Italian Stallion ! You are a very fortunate rider !

Fast Eddie · Aug 9, 2020

That’s one posh Duc.

Needs blinging up tho... looks a bit dull...

Welshrugby · Aug 10, 2020

HUGE indicators

Stephen_Spencer · Aug 10, 2020

Beautiful! And those exhausts! If you could carry a pillion he could sit backwards and play ‘tail gunner!’

What’s the best none Norton Norton ?

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