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I also go to Google to find out stuff, and Youtube videos are cool. But here is a quote from Keanu Reeves who owns a Norton 850.
" Norton was renowned for the Featherbed frame ( that part is correct ) which means it has rubber mounts for the engine " That part is bunk.
The Featherbed frame was replaced by the Isolastic frame, to try and control the engine vibration, which was primarily due to the 360 degree crank, the long stroke, and making it bigger than it ought to be. The Isolastic frame did not handle very well. Norton made a lot of changes to John William's bike for the Isle of Man. I have photos. John Player was paying the bills, and it had an engine from CR Axtell in LA. Basically the same as the one I was running in a Featherbed frame, having sold my piece of junk Isolastic thing.
But folks watch these videos and would not know if it was true or false. After guys like me are gone, I guess you can just make it up as you go along.
None of the folks who made comments noticed a serious error. But they were gaga over Reeves.
I watched a video of a Canadian guy and his IOM ride on a modern inline four 600. He needed to qualify at 95 to be able to race. He just made it. 125 hp, twin discs up front, one on the rear. Modern tyres, and modern everything to average 95. Semi had asked about narrow tyres. In some respect that kept the geometry consistent with more tippy, and some had a wide contact area.
Mike Halewood rode a 500 single Manx Norton making 50 hp at best, with drum brakes, bugger all fairing, skinny tyres, bucket helmet which required a scarf over his nose, and lapped at over 100. All to often modern youth thinks they need the latest set of wheels to go fast around the track. Experience and ability wins.
There is a bit more to the story, but I am saving it. Should mention, Mike the Bike did that before counter steering and trail braking were invented, or had names.
UK
" Norton was renowned for the Featherbed frame ( that part is correct ) which means it has rubber mounts for the engine " That part is bunk.
The Featherbed frame was replaced by the Isolastic frame, to try and control the engine vibration, which was primarily due to the 360 degree crank, the long stroke, and making it bigger than it ought to be. The Isolastic frame did not handle very well. Norton made a lot of changes to John William's bike for the Isle of Man. I have photos. John Player was paying the bills, and it had an engine from CR Axtell in LA. Basically the same as the one I was running in a Featherbed frame, having sold my piece of junk Isolastic thing.
But folks watch these videos and would not know if it was true or false. After guys like me are gone, I guess you can just make it up as you go along.
None of the folks who made comments noticed a serious error. But they were gaga over Reeves.
I watched a video of a Canadian guy and his IOM ride on a modern inline four 600. He needed to qualify at 95 to be able to race. He just made it. 125 hp, twin discs up front, one on the rear. Modern tyres, and modern everything to average 95. Semi had asked about narrow tyres. In some respect that kept the geometry consistent with more tippy, and some had a wide contact area.
Mike Halewood rode a 500 single Manx Norton making 50 hp at best, with drum brakes, bugger all fairing, skinny tyres, bucket helmet which required a scarf over his nose, and lapped at over 100. All to often modern youth thinks they need the latest set of wheels to go fast around the track. Experience and ability wins.
There is a bit more to the story, but I am saving it. Should mention, Mike the Bike did that before counter steering and trail braking were invented, or had names.
UK