Worlds fastest motorcycles

Thought you guys may like this, There is also a Norton in here that Denis built years ago. http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/art ... icle=38801

Oh and this will be on the salt next Sept. to give the Bub group a little competition. http://www.angelicbulldog.org.uk/spec.htm I can't wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That prompts me to bring up a question I've been thinking about. What would it take to be able to call a bike (streamliner or otherwise) the "World's Fastest Norton"? I'll start by assuming we're talking about the traditional pushrod Nortons, not the rotaries or Cosworths. The fastest pushrod Norton landspeed record holder is Sam Wheeler, who put a two-way average of 217 mph in the record book at Bonneville with his 750 streamliner back in the '70s. Denis Manning's twin 850 powered streamliner is said to have run something around 270 mph, but wasn't able to keep it together long enough to get an official timed two-way average and get in the record book. So which one gets to claim the "World's Fastest Norton" Title? I'd vote for Sam, because I think that only official records count for any "world's fastest" titles. Anyone else want to pitch in? I'm pretty sure everyone won't agree with me. That's been my experience on most forums, and I don't expect it to be any different here!

Ken

Thank you so much for the post and the links. I have been watching the videos for an hour and now think I must go to Bonneville.

You have to have some verifiable proof to claim a record.

Although you can always claim "Worlds Fastest XYZ for ### Seconds" (doesn't sound as impressive).

Your right Ken, Denis only has the fastest one way pass. Records take more than just outright speed as sometimes you need a little luck on your side to, Conditions can be great on your first pass and then all of a sudden the wind comes up and ends the day for everyone. So all that qualified for record runs have to start over the next day. I have seen Sam make a world record speed pass in 06 and then loose his front tire which ended his day, Have you seen E-Z Hook? Small but very fast with just one engine! Next year's Bub event should be the best of all time, I can't wait to see Rocky try to win back his title and the new streamliner from England should be there. It looks to be a serious contender, Thanks for looking guys, Chuck.

Hortons Norton said:

Your right Ken, Denis only has the fastest one way pass. Records take more than just outright speed as sometimes you need a little luck on your side to, Conditions can be great on your first pass and then all of a sudden the wind comes up and ends the day for everyone. So all that qualified for record runs have to start over the next day. I have seen Sam make a world record speed pass in 06 and then loose his front tire which ended his day, Have you seen E-Z Hook? Small but very fast with just one engine! Next year's Bub event should be the best of all time, I can't wait to see Rocky try to win back his title and the new streamliner from England should be there. It looks to be a serious contender, Thanks for looking guys, Chuck.

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I've seen E-Z Hook, and it is quite impressive, even if it is powered by a Kawasaki. We made our first test runs with our Norton streamliner at the BUB meet in 06, and saw the results of Sam's crash. This year at the BUB meet Keith Martin brought the restored Sam Wheeler Norton streamliner out for display. It is amazingly small, but wouldn't be legal to run today because it wouldn't meet a lot of the safety rules.

Good info on Denis' streamliner at http://www.gulfnortonstreamliner.com/

And more on Sam Wheeler's liner at http://bigdcycle.com/blog/?tag=sam-wheeler

Ken

Thanks for the links Ken, Really cool stuff. I just love going to Bonneville, It has this weird feel to it that I can't explain at this point. Being out there early in the morning wondering how the team and my brother will do, The sounds the smells and being motorcycles only brings this place to the top of the list for me. I know it sounds funny. I guess it reminds me of being a kid on my bike and trying to find the biggest hill so we could see how fast we could go. And although I may continue to grow old, I ain't growing up any time soon. LOL LOL. Thanks again, Chuck. :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

I thought you had 24 hours to make your return pass?

Depends on what sanctioning body you are racing under. One of them only gives you 2 hours, I will get back to you on that.

FIM you only have two hours, AMA has to be the same day and SCTA can be the next day. But at the BUB event it needs to be backed up that day for a record. You can check me on this but I am almost certain these are the rules. Chuck.