Norton Motorcycles

No motorcycle marque holds as much significance in the cafe racer scene than Norton. The Norton featherbed frame was arguably the ultimate basis upon which to build a cafe racer. Often merged with Triumph engines to form 'Tritons' or Vincents to become 'Norvins', the featherbed was a motorcycle engineering breakthrough. Norton also won loyal followers with consistent race wins using their own engines. Norton dominated the Isle of Man TT recording an astounding 94 wins with models like the legendary Manx. During the early 70's Norton suffered the same fate as other British motorcycle manufacturers and struggled to stay afloat. Thankfully today Norton is alive and well producing handbuilt bikes from their UK based factory. The current range pays homage to some of the brands most iconic models, seamlessly blending classic styling with modern technology.

Tune in – Goblin Works Norton Dominator

After the train wreck that was Orange County Choppers, I’ve been a bit reluctant to commit to any motorcycle related reality TV shows. What I like most about the custom scene are the friendships it creates and the sheer fun of having a go at creating something functional and cool. What I’m…

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Hoofing Bike – Cyclecraft Norton Commando

As it happens, the first motorcycle I ever went on as a kid was a Norton Commando 850 and since that day I have always had a special affinity for the legendary English motorcycle. Nowadays most of my riding buddies have Commandos (I’m not even joking, it’s an epidemic…) so even though…

Norton

A Classic Cafe Racer – The Yoshida Machine Triton

Aside from being the most iconic of all Cafe Racers, what really makes the Triton special is how it came to be. Unlike other classic bikes from the same era, the Triton was never a factory built motorcycle. Instead, it was dreamt up by home builders in the UK during the late…

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Norton Commando Mick Grant Special

I have to admit I have a bit of a soft spot for the new Norton Motorcycles. They may be out of my price range, but that certainly doesn’t stop me from taking an interest in what they’re doing with the iconic British brand. A while ago I featured a road test…

Norton

Vintage Steele 1972 Norton Commando

Vintage Steele workshop owners Josh Steel and Chris John take pride in giving credit where credit’s due. Their latest build was a team effort, bringing together old friends to create a bike they could all be proud of. Based on a ’72 Norton Commando John explains that the Scrambler styled custom was…

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Gas Box 59 Triton Cafe Racer

Jesse Bassett has been operating ‘The GasBox’ workshop in Cleveland, Ohio since early 2009. As a seasoned workshop mechanic of over 20 years he’s got all the skills it takes to piece together a reliable classic ride, however it’s Jesses’s eye for detail and his personal aesthetic that’s really impressive. Clean, simple…

Norton Dominator SS Roadtest

It’s been almost 2 years since I first posted pictures of the Norton Domiracer. Since then Norton has produced and sold a short run of the track ready beasts. Due to popular demand in 2015, they’re bringing back the legend as the road ready Norton Dominator and Dominator SS. It’s a Cafe Racer enthusiasts…

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Triton 650 Pre Unit Cafe Racer

Last time we touched base with Soft Tsingos she had just completed her amazing Honda CB550 Cafe Racer with the help of her father. This time round the tables have turned and it’s Sofi’s Dad’s turn to step into the spotlight. Built in true Cafe Racer style his Triton is an accumulation…

Sporton Norley Cafe Racer

Although they call each other allies the US and the UK never quite see eye to eye. One area where this has always rung true is in the world of motorcycling, thankfully though there are those who recognise the potential of mixing British iron with American steel like our friend FaizalYusop in…

Norton Domiracer Cafe Racer

Norton Moytorcycles return to the motorcycle scene has been one of the most exciting announcements I’ve covered during the time that I’ve been writing this blog. Not everyone seemed to share my enthusiasm though with the new Norton’s receiving some rather harsh criticism. Personally I couldn’t be any happier than to see…

The best Triton in Australia

In Cafe Racer terms the Triton was the ride of choice for Rockers of the 60’s and 70’s. The combination of Triumph’s mighty parallel twin and Norton’s featherbed frame delivered a potent mix of power and handling more than capable of delivering Ton Up thrills. In 1989 Andrew Wishart’s father started work on…