1971 Norton Cafe Project

khansmith

khansmith

New Member
Howdy:
I thought I would kick off my build thread for my 71 Norton Cafe project. I just bought a baseket case off of eBay and is beign delivered to my house as I type. I am planning on spending about 18-24 months on the build so this will probably be a slower thread than the others I have seen on here. I have had two other bike projects before this one but I would say this will be the first "bottoms up" that I have attempted. I also anticipate that the time will be split between my learning curve and work on the bike.

I bought this basket case after too many beers on eBay and figured I would just run with it. My current stage is trying to figure out a direction with the build. I searched this site but didn't see a ton of Norton builds but the other builds I have seen have provided some really cool ideas. I also wouldn't mind input from you guys on this build as I kick off this planning/concept. In fact, I would really appreciate any input you would have on this project. Here are some pictures from the eBay auction (I have more than what is pictured like trans, wiring harness, gauges, etc....don't have seat, fenders, etc):
2.jpg
3.jpg
4.jpg
5.jpg
6.jpg
8.jpg
11.jpg
12.jpg
33.jpg
38.jpg


Anyway, I'll update when I get the crate full of parts and would be stoked if we could start talking about potential directions, etc.

Thanks in advance for all your help.

Khan
 
Nice score. Gotta love the Nortons. I always find it helpful to collect as many pics of bikes as possible when starting out. A taillight you dig, or a cool paint scheme. Just the stuff that instantly gets you excited. Sort of an idea library.
 
Yep, that's what I do.

I have a folder on my computer here at work called Inspiration. Whenever I see a bike/part/paint job/whatever, I save it to that folder.
 
Great find, will be a fun project and Nortons are a blast to ride.


The number one thing you need to do is to replace the main crankshaft bearings in the crankcase. The early Nortons had issues with some bad bearings and were prone to catastrophic failure. Buy new UK made RHP or German made FAG "superblend" bearings for your lower end and your engine will love you. Buy from Simply Bearings because they are much cheaper than buying from a British motorcycle dealer. DO NOT buy cheap Asian made bearings.


Check the "modifed specials" section of www.britbike.com for other Norton specials.

Commando Specialties are good. Old Britts website has a lot of good information, but their prices are higher than most. Avoid Colorado Norton Works because they specialize in overpriced billet bling for people who never intend to ride their motorcycles. Mitch Klempf has quite a bit for Nortons as does Clubman's Racing. Norvil in the UK has everything.


Of course buy the factory service and part manual, take your time to do it right. I am looking forward to your build.


Sold my 74 Norton Commando 850 two years ago and have regretted it deeply, here is why:
IMG_1320.jpg
 
JustinLonghorn said:
Yep, that's what I do.

I have a folder on my computer here at work called Inspiration. Whenever I see a bike/part/paint job/whatever, I save it to that folder.
Click to expand...
Great idea. I will most likely start collecting bikes that took different approaches and then start hunting different inspirational parts once I settle on a direction. However, one part can spark a direction as well. I gotta say I love the planning stage. Maybe folks could poste their favorite Norton variations?
 
Swan
Beautiful bike. I can see why you miss it! Thanks for the advice; invaluable insights.

The previous owner knows nothing about the engine except that is rotates free. I haven't broke my cherry on engines yet and not sure I am ready for a Norton. I have a "mule" triumph engine that I plan to "learn" on at a later date that will start my journey on engine building/assembly. That being the case, I'll need to find a good engine builder in the North East, if I am lucky, in New Jersey! If anyone has a good contact on a Norton builder, I would appreciate it!
 
Von
Beautiful examples! Those are going in the file! I already have a bobber and did a chop so that won't make the file. This was very helpful!


I LOVE the exposed belt drive!
 
Thanks two-smoke! I always wanted one too...ale and eBay was the catalyst. I am moving from Atlanta GA and New Jersey....last thing I needed was to spend cash on a project. Good thing the wife has no clue!
 
it took every might in my body to not jump on this bike and ride it out of the show.. my girl friend was getting a kick outa watching me drool over it for half hour.. HAHAHAHA
 

Attachments

  • snort.nort..jpg
    snort.nort..jpg
    53.1 KB · Views: 248
You must log in or register to reply here.

DTT Light or Dark

  • DTT Light
    • www.jadusmotorcycleparts.com
    www.lostapostle.ca/
    www.sparckmoto.com

    Spread the Love

    Back
    Top Bottom