This is a really cool illustration of the differences in the mechanisms of 3 Norton Engines. I especially like the sweet high compression piston on the Manx. I'm not too familiar with the extent to which Norton actually used the Desmo head, but it seems they were pioneers for Ducati's later use. Of course Ducati really ran with it and beat the pants of most comers with their version!

Scans and Such

OK I finally got motivated to do some scans from my old motorcycle engineering books. The scans came from P.E. Irving's Motorcycle Engineering (pub. 1961) and P.E. Irving's Tuning for Speed (pub. 1948) 

These are some great drawings from motorcyling's past. Enjoy them, and if you can, try to hunt down some of the original books. They're pretty cheap if you an find 'em and they have some good basic info for any one putting together a cafe racer or working on their classic bike. Anyone who reads this is welcome to contact me for larger hi-res scans of these great Drawings. More to come in the future!

After I post this I'll be off to my workshop to sort through my extra stuff to cull the herd so-to-speak. I'm down to the more expensive tasks on my Aermacchi 350 and my XT500 Paris Dakar rally bike replica. I'll need the extra coin! 

Holy crap! This is sick!
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/americas/AP/story/873138.html

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Today I'm volunteering at the North American International Auto Show. Wow! This stuff is sweet!

I've been working on the controls for my SR500. I'm trying to clean up the cables and wires as well as replace the tach. I really like the Smiths ATRC I had on it. but I think I'll run that on my Aermacchi. I'm also lowering the clip-ons and replacing the headlight ears. Pics are coming soon.

Getting close to completion on my XT500 project. I'm looking for some taller suspension but the stock stuff will be ok for now. I'm gonna have to tackle making my own wiring harness. I'm the first to admit that my greatest weakness in bike building is the electrical system. Now, if I can just find a place to get 20 different colors of wire!  

Beginnings

Home sick today. I guess I'll finally have the time to start this blog. I've been using a Yahoo group as a blog for a while. I think this is a better place for it. Use the right tool for the job, right? 

Anyway, I'll keep posting updates of my cafe racer builds and whatever-the-hell-else I feel like posting. What'r YOU gonna do about it anyway!