Where it started.

And you had to supply a donor bike too.
Dreer really tried to eliminate the Norton's basic weaknesses, and accentuate its strengths.
But they are really fanastic pieces of art as well.
 
It'll likely go over $15K.

I like the alloy (look?) bodywork, but not the excessive drilling.
 
"Where it started" was right here-

Where it started.


That frame, monoshock swingarm, big bearing tranny cradle, one-off / hand bent pipes, bodywork and starter are here now-

Where it started.


(well, the starter is on the shelf nearby...)
 
grandpaul said:
"Where it started" was right here-

Where it started.

Just noticed that Dreer's 880 had right side chain drive.
It had a whole different gearbox is guess?

Grandpaul, your creation is definitely a special hybrid Norzuki monoshocker.
Very slick.
 
richard-7 said:

Yeah!
That was his early 952 prototype with the shift shaft behind/below the primary.
It had gear drived cam also, and the oil pump was inside the crankcase.
But I never liked the blackout finish on the motor.

The covers and cooling fins were reshaped on the 961 to make it look more "classic Norton" like.
 
Actually, the original blue prototype bike wasn't actually a runner, but was one of the first test mule 952 engines.

Also, the running test bikes were all dual shock; I have the only monoshock that was built as the original concept.
 
Here is a photo of a later 952 prototype with new crankcases and dual shocks.
You can see the rough cut of the engine covers and cooling fins. It's not quite there yet in terms of style.
But on the right track for sure. Mags are a nice touch too.

Where it started.
 
Oh Hello! I thought you'd like to see these too.
With prototype of new Norton Girl.

Notice the rather flat timing cover on the 952 engine. Dreer gave the 961's cover nicer contours.
Mother nature gave the Norton Girl her curves.


Where it started.


Where it started.
 
I like that it is accessible on ebay. That anyone of us that ponies up enough bucks can own one.
 
I was on the list with Kenny Dreer and obtained this photo (and others I can't locate now) from one of the staff.

Where it started.
 
The original 961 was very similar to ours except that the engine was a bit nicer done.

The shifter shaft was located under the clutch/primary which provided a very clean appearence.

Where it started.


Also, the oil pump was housed within the crankcase, so no ugly protusion from the right side crankcase behind the timing cover.

Where it started.


Maybe future refinements of the 961 design will rethink these decisions.
 
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