Where are all the Bikers

[motojavaphil]

Quote:

Originally Posted by frankdamp Was a biker - professionally. For 18 months, back in the 1967/68 time-frame I was a development engineer at Norton-Villiers. The first 7 months or so, I was involved in the testing of the prototype Norton Commando road bikes and, for the balance of my brief career at N-V, with the AJS Stormer moto-cross bike. Getting paid to ride the Commando (then unknown) around England was a blast! It had become very obvious, during my time at N-V, that the company was in serious trouble. Declining sales and the onslaught of the Japanese bikes were wreaking havoc with all the old-guard UK manufacturers. Our BIG problem was lack of funds for development and engineering testing. I got a job offer from Boeing (having worked for British Aircraft Corp) and bailed out just before N-V moved from Wolverhampton to Andover. It certainly was an interesting time. Both the Commando and the M-X program were interesting, although I was nowhere near competitive in Motocross. On arrival in the US (Washington State) and converting to driving on the opposite side of the street, I concluded that bikes were no longer in my transportation mix. When you're in a car, you have the visual stimulus of sitting on the other side. That doesn't happen on a bike. I didn't want DW to have to open the door to a State trooper with a grim look on his face. Haven't ridden since 1968 and I wouldn't be able to kick-start a Commando now, at age 70.

Frank,
Thanks for being part of history. Have owned two Commandos, two Triumphs and one BSA I have to appreciate what you did. The Commando was my favorite. Getting paid to ride it around UK must have been mind blowing. They had a British Motorcycle Museum in the West of England which was a cool visit in 1988. I guess it burned but has been resurrected.

[RustyJC]

If you love early Brit bikes (and I do!!) and make it down to Texas, plan a stop at the Lone Star Motorcycle Museum located at Vanderpool in the Texas Hill Country. It's owned by an Aussie and has a cafe in it with Aussie meat pies, etc.



Rusty

[AL]

Hi All,

Well since it is Tuesday it's the day that me and others here at the park go for our weekly ride. Today we are heading West on Hwy 40 to Yankeetown, Fla. This is where the 1961 Elvis movie Follow That Dream was filmed!!

Remember All: LIVE, LAUGH & ENJOY !!!

[frankdamp]

Phil:

You might want to take a look at www.acessnorton.com. It's a newsgroup primarily for Commando owners, but has sections for "Other Classics" and "Anything else motorcycle-related".

You'll be amazed at the number of people out there restoring old Commandos and other British bikes.

[motojavaphil]

Quote:

Originally Posted by RustyJC If you love early Brit bikes (and I do!!) and make it down to Texas, plan a stop at the Lone Star Motorcycle Museum located at Vanderpool in the Texas Hill Country. It's owned by an Aussie and has a cafe in it with Aussie meat pies, etc. Rusty

A friend and I are planning a ride to this Museum when Spring makes it possible. It will be a good ride. Thanks for posting!
Phil

[motojavaphil]

Quote:

Originally Posted by frankdamp Phil: You might want to take a look at www.acessnorton.com. It's a newsgroup primarily for Commando owners, but has sections for "Other Classics" and "Anything else motorcycle-related". You'll be amazed at the number of people out there restoring old Commandos and other British bikes.

Hey Frank, I am having a hard time opening the link, not sure if it is my old Compaq or the link.

[Perry White]

Here's where mine's going to be all winter.

[Billieg]

Just got back from a 80 mile round trip to Ft. Myers beach. 78* and sunshine with all those Northern gals sunbathing on the beach. Sat at the Lani Ki drinking Vodka tonics and really enjoying the winter!

[RustyJC]

Quote:

Originally Posted by motojavaphil A friend and I are planning a ride to this Museum when Spring makes it possible. It will be a good ride. Thanks for posting! Phil

I'm sure you know that you'll be right in the middle of the Three Sisters (aka the Three Twisted Sisters), one of the premier motorcycle rides in the Texas Hill Country.

Rusty

[frankdamp]

Soory, Phil. "Access" has two C's. I mis-spelled it.

[rhomebounder]

We have been to all of the same bike events. Love them all. And will be back this year to them all. Keep the shiney side up and the rubber side down. take care

[AL]

Hi All,

Well yesterday myself and 9 other guys went for a nice bike ride from Silver Springs to Cedar Key. The ride out was 80 miles, we had a nice lunch over looking the Gulf then did some sightseeing before starting the100 mile ride back home! We go out ever Tue and of course will be going over to Bike Week at least once!

Remember All: LIVE, LAUGH & ENJOY !!!

[motojavaphil]

Quote:

Originally Posted by frankdamp Phil: You might want to take a look at www.acessnorton.com. It's a newsgroup primarily for Commando owners, but has sections for "Other Classics" and "Anything else motorcycle-related". You'll be amazed at the number of people out there restoring old Commandos and other British bikes.

Norton Commando • Welcome to the Norton Commando Forum

Nice site!

[jlyon69]

Sittin here in Silver Springs enjoying riding around Ocala National Forest. 5th year in a row coming here for Bike Week.