A build has to start somewhere...

[BlueCollar]

So I thought I'd start with fresh paint...

This bike started out as a "hybrid High-rider"....






The frame etc. are from a 1974 850cc High-Rider. At some point in its life the original 850cc motor self-destructed and the previous owner ordered a 1971 750cc "crate motor" from Sonny Angel motors in Universal City, Ca. I can't verify that but the engine and frame numbers don't match so I thought I'd just have some fun with this one.

My aim is to build a custom Norton Roadster, going all out with modern cons....LED lighting where possible, electronic ignition, corbin seat,etc.


I've gone with Jaguar British Racing Green Metallic for the tank and side-panels. Left off the 750/850 cc on the side panels because the bike is a bit of both. The frame, swing arm and other assorted bits and pieces are all Jaguar British Racing Green (non-metallic). They all look black at first glance but are very easy on the eye under sunlight. I'll post pictures of those later this week.

I'm open to comments and suggestions so feel free to chime in, flame etc...



link:|














I have some Dunstall pipes on a 75 MK III I might swap and put the peashooters on the MK III.





I've never done a project like this before but I really think it will be fun. It's mechanical art really...

[Scuba]

1. Sweet ride. Keep us posted.

[JohnnyRingo]

2. I like the direction you're headed.

Certainly I'd see how far I could throw that seat. It looks like something that could make a motorcycle rocking chair project. The hi-rise bars are painfully retro too.

I have a concept in mind I call a Bar Dragster. It's ideal for Sportsters and Limey twins and is a study in minimalism. So many show up at taverns and night clubs on bikes that look like they're heading cross country that it borders on the absurd. I prefer a scooter that suits the purpose of a (very) quick 20 mile circuit, what most bikes are actually used for.

LEDs are cool, but I could have a seat that comprises no more than tufted leather stretched over plywood, sans turn signals, and old fashioned spokes on 18" & 19" tires. Performance over baggage for a night out on the town.

I'm encouraged by that tank and side covers. They look absolutely great, and BRG is my favorite color for such motivation. Good luck, and keep us posted.

I ? Nortons.

[BlueCollar]

3. Time for an update

So it's been awhile...but hey, it's 105 degrees out in Fort Worth these days.

So I ordered up some parts and they came in so I'm starting on the re-assembly. So far just trying to work things into alignment. Next steps are the triple-tree and front fork reattachment followed by the wire harness



Oil tank in frame

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View looking forward

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Smaller battery opens up space for the horn which usually lies oil soaked under the tray

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I think I’ll use some rubber spacers or foam to go under the tank. I’m not comfortable with
The bolt into the bottom of the tank.

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A good representation of the frame paint colour

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Oil Tank cover and Fuel Tank positioned

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Battery side cover positioned – Not wholly comfortable with fit yet

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Note to self – Attach this little bastard to the oil tank BEFORE you put the tank in next time

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The roll pin for the fuel tank cap was less than cooperative, but plenty of padding prevented damage to the tank

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The tools I used to install the pin. Awl to align the holes and cap, brass punch to drive the pin, and hammer

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[JohnnyRingo]

4. Looks good.

I can see you know what you're doing, and it looks like you'll have an envious resto.

Is the frame painted color on the original, or was it black? I'm not critical of that, I think it looks great. Nice photos too.

[BlueCollar]

5. original frame was black

Since this is a basket case rebuild, using both 750 and 850 parts, and the engine and frame numbers don't match I'm not too concerned about keeping it original. This one's mostly about learning and upgrading.

Thanks for the compliments. I hope to make further progress this weekend.

[EnviroBat]

6. Man, that looks gorgeous.

The Commando was the first street bike I ever rode. I really dig the direction you are taking this bike! Is the frame powder-coated or did you paint it?

[BlueCollar]

7. This one is all paint

Powder coating was on my original plan but the budget wouldn't allow it at the time.

The problems I am having are the fact that so many different modifications have been done using 750/850 MK2 and 2A parts the whole thing is a jigsaw/custom fit process.

Thanks for your input and positive vibes.

[Albertus]

8. Nice paint!

Great work BlueCollar. Love the color scheme. Any pics of the finished bike?

Your Norton Roadster build is being featured in the BikeBuilds.net
directory here: BlueCollar's Custom Roadster build[/url]

We’re currently displaying only a reduced-size photo (similar to what you’d find in Google
Images). We'd like to ask for your permission to publish the original full-size image with your
build listing.

If anyone would like to have a build of their own listed, just send me a message with a link to
the build thread and we’ll take care of the rest.

Al