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Bomber
| Posted on Thursday, April 06, 2006 - 10:25 am: |
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In the latest issue of Cycle World, the have a test of what is supposed to be a pretty final pre-production verions of the Norton coming out of Oregon -- my goodness gracious -- this thing is flat out gorgeous! seems to handle well, good power (not the the litre class, but that's not a sortation criteria for me), and, did I mention, drop dead gorgeous? I don't think I've seen anything made in the last couple of decades that has nearly the garage appeal of this scoot on top of all that, the lead photo made the test author, Peter Egan, look like a twenty-something, square jawed, bullet-headed saxon, rather than the grey-haired silverback he could be in reality wow -- I was literally drooling as is my custom, I passed the issue to my better half/wingman/riding partner/chancellor of the exchequer -- she agreed that it looked like a great sled -- she then asked, "do you need this." now, in my household, this is approaching the handing over of the checkbook -- I know we've got two more semester going to the great State of Ohio, where our heir is embarked on learning up on good stuff well beyond the ability of her parents to understand, and I also am aware of various and sundy infrastructure projects that are needed around Festung Bomber, but did I mention this sled is gorgeous? I read that the first series of Nortons (Signature Series -- sound familiar?) would be pricedd at 20 large. I heave a large sigh of relief, know that even I couldn't talk me into spending that kinda dough on a motorcycle then, I read that the slightly downgraded later production versions would go for around $11 gees . . . . uh oh "do you need this?" was echoing around in my head -- followed closely by, "how much would you mess with it?" the girl knows of my inability not to farkle around with any bike that is in the Entropy Lab (with the exception of HER bikes, that require her written permission before I approach them with a wrench in my hand and a gleam in my eye). did I mention how good looking I would be (square of jaw, bullet of head, saxon of heart) I would be on this bike? I may be in trouble lucky me ;-} |
Kenb
| Posted on Thursday, April 06, 2006 - 10:53 am: |
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I'm with you it is a beautiful machine. 19k though is out of my league. Did you go the website and take a listen ? |
Glitch
| Posted on Thursday, April 06, 2006 - 11:10 am: |
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Bomber, I have major lust over said bike as well. Knowing full well what Ann would say, I've not gone there. Although now knowing I could be square of jaw, bullet of head, saxon of heart, I may just give it a shot. Who could turn a square, bullet-headed saxon down? They do sound awesome. I'd bet they'd give the Thruxton a run for the money! |
Mikej
| Posted on Thursday, April 06, 2006 - 11:14 am: |
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It's calling your name....
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Superbee24
| Posted on Thursday, April 06, 2006 - 11:49 am: |
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"on top of all that, the lead photo made the test author, Peter Egan, look like a twenty-something, square jawed, bullet-headed saxon, rather than the grey-haired silverback he could be in reality wow -- I was literally drooling " I personally don't think Peter Egan is all that. But then again, to each his own. } |
Grndskpr
| Posted on Thursday, April 06, 2006 - 11:55 am: |
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Just buy it, theres always room at my place for the M2 R |
Natexlh1000
| Posted on Thursday, April 06, 2006 - 12:00 pm: |
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I have (at home) a video of one of those doing a sick roll-on throttle wheelie. Sounded NICE. It might have been one of his reworked original bikes from before he was producing the new ones. I've been watching them for some time now I don't think I'll ever own one but I would love to try one. |
Bomber
| Posted on Thursday, April 06, 2006 - 12:01 pm: |
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super -- actually, neither do I (the rider in the lead pic ain't Mr. Egan) Grounder -- thanks for the offer, but I think I got some room -- you're a kind soul, you are ;-} |
Grndskpr
| Posted on Thursday, April 06, 2006 - 12:02 pm: |
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but I think I got some room Yea, but in reality you will not ride it, it will sit, and you will hand it over in the future, as has happened in the past, i figured i would just get a jump on it R |
Blake
| Posted on Thursday, April 06, 2006 - 12:08 pm: |
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I agree. Lustworthy motorcycle for sure. |
Bomber
| Posted on Thursday, April 06, 2006 - 12:15 pm: |
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good try, grounder ;-} |
Mikej
| Posted on Thursday, April 06, 2006 - 12:20 pm: |
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How's the SR doing these days? I can find room in my garage for that one.
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Bob_thompson
| Posted on Thursday, April 06, 2006 - 12:33 pm: |
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Beautiful bodywork, suspension and Brembo brakes but engine looks very much like the 70's Commando models in 750 and 850 except in 961 cc's, hydraulic lifters, advertised 80 H.P. and mufflers from the 70's. Not a lot new here with the engine and yes I would buy one in a minute if prices were a little lower. Classic engine (with more H.P.) in a real sport type bike and a classic 360 degree twin sound. Love it. Now where have I seen that before, duh. M2 Bob. |
Bomber
| Posted on Thursday, April 06, 2006 - 12:40 pm: |
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Mike -- the SR is dribbling it's vital fluids on the florr of grounder's vehikal storage containment vessel -- I hear it enjoyed it's trip to the gap last year, though ;-} |
Drift
| Posted on Thursday, April 06, 2006 - 12:45 pm: |
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You are so wrong for posting that. Man I am salivating. I would definitely own one of those and ride the F out of it. Hmmm. Looks like a talk with the misses is in order. |
Mikej
| Posted on Thursday, April 06, 2006 - 12:45 pm: |
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Well I hope you got first right of refusal should he find the need/desire to find new accomodations for it some day. Unless he's one of these folks with a secret garage the size of a football stadium full of all the vehicles we all wish we never got rid of over the years and he never did. I've been in a couple of those garages like that a few times, always a nice surprise or two to be found in them. |
Tripp
| Posted on Thursday, April 06, 2006 - 02:22 pm: |
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bomber i have to agree with bob, what do you need another m2 for? |
Skyguy
| Posted on Thursday, April 06, 2006 - 02:26 pm: |
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I am the odd man out here. It does not do much for me. looks confused, not classic, Full of modern technology, but old fashioned. This bike screams personality disorder to me. |
Bomber
| Posted on Thursday, April 06, 2006 - 02:41 pm: |
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Sky/Tripp -- you're right, of course (and, in addition, you're in agreement with my better half) -- it's another "standard" motorcycle, for sure, and likely will not out-anything my MaDeuce, tother than look that good ;-} It's certainly NOT the bike I've been doing long term research on (a real mile eater -- somthing I could comforatbly ride to the gap (from chicago), enjoy there, and ride home -- appearance is very subjective, true -- me, I think it's PDC (pretty darned cool-looking) Mike -- Grounder has things in his garage that even HE has forgotten about -- to be honest, while I LOVED the SR, for anything longer than 30 minutes, or straighter than the Gap, it was just beating the tar outa me |
Road_thing
| Posted on Thursday, April 06, 2006 - 04:15 pm: |
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I'm with Bomber--that thing is just cool. Will it be my next bike? Probably not, there's other bikes that I want/need more. But damn it looks good! rt |
Angelwild327
| Posted on Thursday, April 06, 2006 - 09:35 pm: |
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Guys...just GO FOR IT...you live but once in this lifetime...and if you come back as..say, a penguin, you'll be kicking yourself for not living your dreams fully...life's too short not to have the chance to drool on your own Norton, stealthily, in the privacy of your own garage, clean it up with a hanky, then show it off and watch everyone else drool from the sidelines! HUGS |
Leftcoastal
| Posted on Thursday, April 06, 2006 - 11:09 pm: |
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I've always loved the looks of British twins. "Back in the day" I had lots of friends that had them, and having had to push just about all of them at one time or another, I know better than to actually own one. This one's made in Oregon! I could be in trouble, too! AL |
Chasespeed
| Posted on Friday, April 07, 2006 - 02:59 am: |
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This bike screams personality disorder to me. Maybe thats why I love it... I dunno, I REALLY miss my old Bonneville..sure it was a pain... but.. And believe me Angel..if I could "go for it" I would, as I am sure most here would... but right now, the navy doesnt even pay me enough to get the gaskets, to stop my X1 from bleeding to death... Though, i think a DRZ 400 SM woudl sove that...ha Oh, and Bomber, you are on my "list" for postig that, and giving me something else to show Mia and make her roll her eyes at me...} j/king Chase |
2_spuds
| Posted on Friday, April 07, 2006 - 05:16 am: |
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That sure doesn't look like the norton I had in my younger years.I had a norton matchless that I bought new in 65 for the princely sum of $1300.00 out the door, no sales tax in those days.Lot's of memories, leaking primary,loose mag bolts,a headlight that worked when IT felt the need.GOD did I LOVE that bike! I think you should buy that bike Bomber,the wives don't stay mad forever,and it's always fun to make up. |
Outrider
| Posted on Friday, April 07, 2006 - 09:11 am: |
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Bomber...Don't sweat the price of the Signature Series. Just tell Brook it is either this bike or a Harley and we all know how much you can sink into a Harley with all the aftermarket goodies. Trust me, it's more than enough to make the Norton appear to be the economical thing to do. |
Bomber
| Posted on Friday, April 07, 2006 - 09:22 am: |
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grin -- as I wrote, it ain't even close to the genre I'm looking for -- Chase -- I am always happy to serve as a bad example ;-} one must go wiht one's strengths, doncha think? Outie -- as you know, the other half and I get way more exposure to the pirate costumed HD riders round hear for her to EVER think I was lookin in that direction (no offense to those that love their HDs, by the way ;-} ) |
Bob_thompson
| Posted on Friday, April 07, 2006 - 11:53 am: |
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Bomber and others; do you guys also like the new Triumph Thurxton 900 for the same reasons you like the Norton? I like both for that old look/new technology. Its pictured on www.totalmotorcycle.com. I've thought many times about buying a good original or restored Triumph, Norton or BSA like I've had before but thought about parts availability and didn't act on my impulses. These new ones would fit the bill nicely for many types of casual riding and maintaining properly. Also what Anglewild said in spades. Bob |
Bomber
| Posted on Friday, April 07, 2006 - 12:40 pm: |
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Bob -- both the Thruxton and Scrambler are GREAT in my book -- much of the joy of the originals, with few of the headaches (which I experienced first hand ;-} ) if I had a 2-wheeled motorpool of 4 or 5, I'd own the Norton and the Scrambler in a heartbeat (the thruston felt great on the showroom floor, but I have a feeling that after a couple of hundred miles, I'd need two boys and a small dog to help me off the thing) |
Outrider
| Posted on Friday, April 07, 2006 - 03:02 pm: |
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Bomber...That's the point! She will think you lost your marble and are going mainstream on her. Compliments of her reaction to the nature of the ilk, she will force you to buy the Norton. If for no other reason than to insure her's, Kaitlin's and Your sanity and welfare for years to come. By the way, I know you are frugal and resourceful, but I just wonder how much you have tied up in the Ma Deuce. Might be close to a Norton if you add up all the little things. Just teasing. No flames please. |
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