Norton Manx 500cc

[rondriaan]

Since the Crocker is almost ready except for some spraying and ....... :mrgreen:I just took on a rehab project.

The Norton Manx is something that i not actually buil, racers doint like them, but I think it is okay because of no Tupperware I will always wanted to see the engine, we will see how it fits together for an old Protar kit in a new guise.






See that beautiful color of the engine block, that's why you want to build this kit:LOL:

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[handiabled]

Bookmarked!

[lyle]

Outstanding!

[kyledehart5]

Excellent. I am in as well

[406 Silverado]

With you working the magic that you do....this should be quite interesting Ron. This'll get bookmarked.

[garybrantley]

I'll be following this too!  😃 I love those old racing bikes!  In 1978, I bought a modern version of that "thumper", a Yamaha SR500.    I sure wish I had it now! 

[406 Silverado]

Feb 23, 2024 7:51:53 GMT -5 garybrantley said:

I'll be following this too!  😃 I love those old racing bikes!  In 1978, I bought a modern version of that "thumper", a Yamaha SR500.    I sure wish I had it now! 

 Oh the rides we wished we still had. I miss my 89 Mustang LX coupe with a passion. 

[rondriaan]

I know exactly what you mean Gary about old motorcycles. I also regret that I no longer have some of them. I have ridden motorcycles all year round for 39 years, but unfortunately I am no longer allowed due to health reasons. But the Yamaha 500 was also a nice bike to drive.

[handiabled]

Feb 23, 2024 9:31:02 GMT -5 rondriaan said:

I know exactly what you mean Gary about old motorcycles. I also regret that I no longer have some of them. I have ridden motorcycles all year round for 39 years, but unfortunately I am no longer allowed due to health reasons. But the Yamaha 500 was also a nice bike to drive.

Sorry to hear that you can't ride anymore. I know the day is drawing closer when my back won't let me do it anymore. I made the command decision to sell my cruiser last year and I still second guess that. I absolutely love my current ride a 2003 R1

[garybrantley]

Feb 23, 2024 9:31:02 GMT -5 rondriaan said:

I know exactly what you mean Gary about old motorcycles. I also regret that I no longer have some of them. I have ridden motorcycles all year round for 39 years, but unfortunately I am no longer allowed due to health reasons. But the Yamaha 500 was also a nice bike to drive.

You are so right, Ron!  That Yamaha handled like it was on rails. 😁  It had a certain protocol for starting that never failed if followed correctly and of course, had torque for miles!   Geez, I really should've kept her...🥲

[rondriaan]

Last few days I did some small things on the engine block and corrected it etc... :mrgreen:

Pictures say more than words, so here it is.







Most of it was installing some rivets (they should actually be screws, but I don't have them, they are small), replacing bolts, springs, cylinder and all plastic pins that hold a hose, as metal rods sometimes want to break off the plastic versions.

Cylinder is made of Evergreen, mold made from the cooling fins and transferred to the plastic plate, sanded into shape. then some plastic rounds that went between the cooling fins for the space between them.

[handiabled]

You performed a bunch of corrective surgery! I really like all of the small detail you add

[rondriaan]

Mar 8, 2024 10:08:41 GMT -5 handiabled said:

You performed a bunch of corrective surgery! I really like all of the small detail you add

Yes, that's why I'm a plastic surgeon

I gave the engine block some colors so that it fits right into the frame.

[lyle]

Coming along quite nicely.

[project510]

Feb 23, 2024 7:51:53 GMT -5 garybrantley said:

I'll be following this too!  😃 I love those old racing bikes!  In 1978, I bought a modern version of that "thumper", a Yamaha SR500.    I sure wish I had it now! 

Ill play, here is my old XS650. I love that bike.

[handiabled]

The colors on the engine look fantastic!

[rondriaan]

Small update.
I made a new stand because the old one was a little too low at the rear, which meant I couldn't put a rear wheel in it during the work. So I adjusted the position at the back and at the front I made the support so that I can move the whole thing if there is a longer frame. I regret that I didn't make something like this years ago because I really enjoy it.
Furthermore, most parts are spray-painted in Aclad.

[handiabled]

Great progress! The stand you made is genius! I would believe it makes a world of difference working on these bikes

[kyledehart5]

Oh yeah. That stand is a great idea. Great start.

[project510]

Very cool, love the stand idea. Nice work!

[rondriaan]

The Norton is ready and I'm not really happy with it. Frame that broke twice, rim where pieces broke off and some underestimation this time as far as the spokes were concerned. I also added two more things to my own taste so that it is slightly different from the standard out-of-the-box kit. So the Norton becomes a donor kit over time. But for now he gets a showcase.

[garybrantley]

rondriaan

We are all our own worst critics, Ron.  And of course, as the builder, you know where all the flaws reside, but from over here in central Texas, she sure looks the business to me!   I think that's a fine m/c model, Ron! 

[project510]

Yea, the flaws you are reporting with the wheels are barely visible unless you are looking for them. To me, this looks like a very cool version of a well ridden bike. Job well done! I'd be proud to display this on my shelf of completed builds.

[tcoat]

Apr 19, 2024 9:46:00 GMT -5 project510 said:

Yea, the flaws you are reporting wiht the wheels are barely visible unless you are looking for them. TO me, this looks like a very cool version of a well ridden bike. Job well done! I'd be proud to display this on my shelf of completed builds.

This ^

This is all I was going to say.

[kyledehart5]

I must agree with the others. This is a stunning conclusion and a beautiful build. Great job!! Despite any issues it looks fabulous.

[2whl]

I must agree with the others. The look of a used race bike is excellent.

[rondriaan]

Thanks guys for the responses. I usually make the mistakes sound worse than they are, but I always want everything to be perfect, but that is of course not possible.

[handiabled]

Your too hard on yourself, I think this looks wonderful! I really like the road worn look you gave it!