The Old&New Itch

[Capo]

I scratched my itch last weekend. The '68 Norton Ranger had not been exercised for a while, but a check of all systems, a few carb tickles and a nice swing of the leg brought her to life, and she ran like a charm...a vibrating, loud and manly charm...and off I went for a 20 mile run. Switching immediately to the CB1100 for a similar run was like being transported back to the future.

It's hard to believe that machines like the Norton and her contemporaries were ever deemed as modern in their day. I don't get her out often, but I always feel like it's an accomplishment to return home with nothing having vibrated off, no cager challenge to the rudimentary braking system, and my kidneys still functioning.

The CB, on the other hand...just delightful. I like the comparison, and the ability to fulfill vintage dreams every so often...and the garage candy quotient of vintage bikes is hard to beat. But I do so like putting on my gear, pressing a button, and running off with no hassles on a modern standard like the CB1100. Pix:

[the Ferret]

Look..Capo turned his Cb into a Scrambler lol

That's a neat Norton!

[Capo]

A CB scrambler....hmmm...with them going so cheap used, may be a good winter project!

[inline4fan_imp]

@capo: Cool Norton.I remember drooling over a neighbor's dominator growing up.Could hear him from quite a distance.
@classicvw: (Quote) Motorcycle classics-May/June 2013."Yesterday is Back' article on the CB1100:
'Contrary to Honda's marketing claims and the positioning of a genuine 1969 CB750 in publicity photos,the CB 1100 is much closer in every way-engine spec,styling,brakes,wheels,everything--to the 1981 twin disc CB900F with it's 16-valve twin-cam engine than it is to the original CB750. (End of Quote).

[cooldrum_imp]

I'm often tempted to pick up a restored SOHC CB750, but then I look at the XS650 sitting in my garage with clogged carb jets (again) and realize that I won't have time to take care of an older bike until after I retire (whenever THAT may be).

Hello, I just saw your post. Someday you will be retired or semi-retired so now is the time to search for that cb750. I ride a '74 cb750 sunrise flake orange. It has 30k miles and is well taken care of. Parts are available and it's a hoot to ride. I marvel at the engine design and the power is just so constant. The motor just wants to keep pulling and those four into four pipes is music to my ears.

Don't miss understand me, I have often thought of the new cb1100. It's a great bike and it gets my crank going. However with the cb750 I'm riding something everyone else isn't riding. The bike now being 40 years young speaks loud and clear of its engine design. Honda got it right.

I respect all brands and bikes. That's what makes the sport of motorcycling. We all have so many choices these days on what to ride that fulfills our joy of riding! Russ

[Nortoon_imp]

While attending a vintage motorcycle rally a couple of years ago, I stopped to admire a black Norton Commando that was for sale. One of the old bikers sitting around said I should buy it.

I responded by saying, "Old motorcycles are like old girl friends. You always remember them fondly and wonder why you gave them up, until you meet them again. Then you say to yourself, ah yes now I remember!"

Every old biker in the area that heard me laughed in agreement.

[ClassicVW_imp]

That's the best and truest comment explaining things that I've heard !