Oh, man. Some of my best stories involve that Norton, and I only had it a little over a year.
Norton never imported 88SSs to the US. But, after much reading, I decided that a 500cc Dommi, with twin carbs and a racing cam was the ticket. After six months plus looking, I found a freshly restored green and cream 1962 in Cotswold. As I recall, this very model had won the Isle of Man TT in '61 in the senior class, ridden by Mike Hailwood. I imported it by myself, which was a minor feat, between US Customs, the NTSB, the EPA and California DMV. Lots of paperwork and research.
Seven days after it arrived, I entered it in the San Jose All British Bike Show. It won an award.
The next day, on the day-after ride, I crashed it and broke my right leg and ankle in five places. All entirely my fault -- trying to prevent the bike from going down by putting my (right) foot down when a gravel covered turn caught me out. Yeah, I know. I can't always stop myself from those instantaneous stupidities. I didn’t walk for ten weeks and still have hardwear in my leg.
Re-restored the bike, which included that the prior restoration had left the valves clipping each other over the cylinders. Got it all fixed.
Stuff CONSTANTLY fell off that bike, loosened by the vibrations. They are not kidding when they say 'four hours of wrenching for every hour ridden' on any 60's - 70's British bike. Rule number one: always go around the bike with spanners, tightening everything before every ride! I could not be bothered.
Six months later, the RED LOCTITE and the DOUBLE LOCKING BOLTS, which held the twin carburetors to the engine, came loose while riding -- thereby dumping raw gasoline onto the magneto just below. No, it didn't burn me to death, but I was reluctant to give it any more chances. Boy, I cursed up a storm that day.
That was it. Listed the bike and sold it. Bought the Rudge next. And, as we all know now, THAT certainly worked out.
Now you see why I became a BMW motorcycle fan. The airheads are great bikes!
