1973 Norton Chopper

HOG HAVEN

Norton Page

For years, I have ridden Norton's. They were the some of the fastest motorcycles built in their day. The engine design is very similar to a harley, but with cylinders arranged parrallell instead of in a "V".
Norton frames were not designed to hard-tail, and the engines would shake right out of the frame without rubber mounting. No frame shops I ever spoke to, cared to take the time to build me a "one off" frame. While working in Oregon, I found a shop in the middle of nowhere called "Fremman Choppers". They specializes in custom old school Harley bobbers and choppers. They were slow for the winter and agreed to build me a custom frame per my specs.
After drawing out what I wanted, I took them my engine & tranny. They laid out this frame, built to Harley dimensions, with mounts to accept the Norton engine / tranny combo. All other parts, wheels, front end, etc, are harley aftermarket. So, when I need a part, I can stop by any harley shop, unless it's an engine problem.

Once the frame was tacked together and we made some measurements and minor changes, they welded it up. I then took the frame home to begin the assembly proccess.

I have since put over 20k on this bike and nothing "major" has fallen off! I am currently workin with "TC Christiansen" more known as (THE HOGSLAYER), to build me an engine for drag racing on weekends. I'm hoping to get it completed this year and get into the high 10's or low 11's. Not bad for 40 year old technology.

Trask Mountain Oregon

Norton motorcycles are very dependable once you throw the British electrical stuff in the trash. With a Mikuni carburetor conversion, changing of the electrical system to negative ground and an electronic ignition, she has never let me down. Also all O-ring grooves were machined out to accept lip type seals which did away with all of the oil leaks.

The upper page photos are of the construction proccess in various stages. I'm proud to own such a classic. "Betty" has won numerous bike shows including 1st Place in the Easyriders Show in Charlotte, NC January 2009. She has also been raced in the AHDRA Rockingham Finals where she made it to the quarter finals. I broke out in my last round as she kept running faster as the day rolled on.

I am a firm believer that vintage bikes should be ridden. No trailers for me unless I'm off to the races. I am working on starting a vintage drag racing class within the AHDRA. Any twin cyclinder, push rod configuration engine motorcycle, 35 years or older will qualify as a "Vintage" bike. If you would be interested in running in a Vintage "ET" class, please contact me. My phone & E-mail are on the (Contact) page of this website.

The Norton name has been revived lately. Kenny Dreer of Oregon, did a ton of work trying to bring the "TRUE" Norton back. He did an excellent job, but in the end, it didn't get off the ground. The Brits bought what was there and moved it back across the pond to Britain. I went by Kenny's facility while living in Oregon and he was a super guy to meet. Not only was he one of the sharpest designers I have ever met, he took time out of his day to weld up my broken header pipe.

On the flip-side, I have called and e-mailed the new Norton company in England on numerous occasions, without the courtesy of a single reponse. Everyone has their opinions, and for what mine is worth, the "New Norton Company" can kiss my American ass.

The bikes they are building will never live up to the True Norton name or performance. Kind of like the CMC Indian Company was. A bunck of wanna-bees bolting parts together while calling themselves a motorcycle company.

Well, I feel better now and I'm getting down off my soap box. I just have no use for companies that don't understand who keeps them in business!

Below you will find a wide variety of Norton motorcycles. From Commando's to Manx's, to the classic International of the old days. I hope you enjoy these photos and please send us any photos you may have of the clasic Norton's of yesterday.

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