New to the forum

[thumbdoctor]

Hi everyone,

My name's Simon, I've been lurking this site for a few years now and decided to register. I'm not new to forums or mechanics and technology. I like the old stuff hence I repair old Porsches, Triumphs, Norton, BSAs and of course Atomic 4s. I am often found in local marinas stopping in for a quick visit and spending many hours dealing with "Have you a minute to look at something?". or "What do you know about this?".

[ndutton]

Welcome Simon. Where is local for you?

Pop quiz:

Q: Who is the only person who should own a Norton motorcycle?
A: A Norton mechanic.

Q: How many tools in a Norton mechanic's tool box?
A: Two, a hammer and a chisel.

How that connects to sailboats is they were told to me 4 decades ago by Larry Nelson, one of three of my favorite boatbuilders in my past from whom I learned the trade. He and I worked together at Capital Yachts (Newports). He had the most beautiful chopper I've ever seen (Honda 750 SOHC), molded square frame, coffin tank, 4 into 1 headers, springer front end, unbelievable paint and striping, all done by Larry himself. What an incredible craftsman.

[thumbdoctor]

Welcome Simon. Where is local for you?

Pop quiz:

Q: Who is the only person who should own a Norton motorcycle?
A: A Norton mechanic.

Q: How many tools in a Norton mechanic's tool box?
A: Two, a hammer and a chisel.

How that connects to sailboats is they were told to me 4 decades ago by Larry Nelson, one of three of my favorite boatbuilders in my past from whom I learned the trade. He and I worked together at Capital Yachts (Newports). He had the most beautiful chopper I've ever seen (Honda 750 SOHC), molded square frame, coffin tank, 4 into 1 headers, springer front end, unbelievable paint and striping, all done by Larry himself. What an incredible craftsman.

Thanks for the welcome Neil,

I'm located in Québec near Montreal (born in Dedham, MA).

Retired Avionic Engineer who loves to tinker and get lots of opportunity. Planning to move somewhere that doesn't require a furnace or snow shovel so I can pursue my pastimes throughout the year.

Q: Why do Brits drink warm beer?
A: Lucas refrigerators.

Q: What is the function of a Lucas electric switch?
A: Off, Dim, and Flicker.

Q: Whats in a Lucas technician's toolbox?
A: Jumper cables and a fire extinguisher.

On the serious side the old school stuff is great therapy for the mind and soul, you can always jury rig it and continue on your way, the new stuff, not so much.

S.

[ndutton]

Oh yeah, you're gonna fit right in around here.

A while back Caleb posted a link to Lucas, Prince of Darkness. It's worthy of mention, you should enjoy it. Post #1 here.

[Al Schober]

Simon,
Welcome to the group. We mostly talk Atomic 4 here, but digressions are amusing.
First cycle I spent any time on was a Francis Barnett 125cc - but it was just a 'loaner'. I've never owned a cycle, but came close one time to buying a Matchless Matisse. Probably better that I didn't, as I've come close to killing myself just sailing. Think hardwater - iceboats at 70+ mph.
Oh yeah - Norton's - they're the reason they made Tritons.
My son just bought what I consider to be a very nice bike - Austrian made KRM (or something like that).

[ILikeRust]

Isn't it interesting how there seems to be a "type" of guy who tends to like the same kind of stuff?

Old engines, old machinery, sailboats, motorcycles...

I recently acquired a 1980 Yamaha XJ650G, which I already have begun disassembling in preparing for some customizing - but first, I have to clean out all four finicky carbs and rebuild them to get the beast running again, before I start cutting the frame and such. Wouldn't make sense to start the customizing until I confirm it will run - which I'm confident it will. But it's far more complicated than our nice, simple old A4s!

Welcome to the funny farm!

[ndutton]

Earlier this year I sold my Honda 750-Four. Looks like that's it for me and bikes. It was fun while it lasted.

Red bike = first restoration
Blue bike = second resto

[CalebD]

Lucas invented the intermittent wind shield wiper.

[lat 64]

Lucas, Prince of Darkness

Sweet bike Thumb(Simon). Welcome.

Yours are nice too Niel. I have an old unrestored Parilla 250 Wildcat scrambler out in the shed but I just may never get to it.

Old Ducati 250 ex-flat track junk smokers and Hienz 57 dirt bikes were the only things I could afford. I'm a father so it went away. Worth the trade though.

Russ

[lat 64]

OMIGOD!!!!

A Scott Atwater?

I do outboards man. Some people (my wife) think I'm a bit off for this, but I have a small collection of cool old kickers. My fav is a 1940 1.5 hp. Johnson. It's sooooo cute.


cool

[67c&ccorv]

Welcome aboard Lucas...I mean Simon!

[thumbdoctor]

OMIGOD!!!!

A Scott Atwater?

I do outboards man. Some people (my wife) think I'm a bit off for this, but I have a small collection of cool old kickers. My fav is a 1940 1.5 hp. Johnson. It's sooooo cute.


cool

Keen eye !, Yes it's a 27.7 HP. Runs like a top. Have it on a period correct 10' Sea Flea when not in dry dock. My son and I get out to the antique "blue smokers" events with it. Lots of fun!

[thumbdoctor]

Welcome aboard Lucas...I mean Simon!

Thanks, but I'm not yet the "Lord of Darkness", Lucas actually once said "Gentlemen need not operate motorcycles at night". Nice Commando!

[thumbdoctor]

Sweet bike Thumb(Simon). Welcome.

Yours are nice too Niel. I have an old unrestored Parilla 250 Wildcat scrambler out in the shed but I just may never get to it.

Old Ducati 250 ex-flat track junk smokers and Hienz 57 dirt bikes were the only things I could afford. I'm a father so it went away. Worth the trade though.

Russ

Thanks, A lot of what I restore are "Shed Bikes" and broken dreams in boxes. Here's "75 308 I built Last winter. Blue printed engine and transaxle, Wiseco pistons, Euro cams, electronic ignition (Magneti Marelli must be related to lord Lucas). Lots of fun...spendy on part procurement.

[thumbdoctor]

Earlier this year I sold my Honda 750-Four. Looks like that's it for me and bikes. It was fun while it lasted.

Red bike = first restoration
Blue bike = second resto

Great ole Hondas, "You meet the nicest people on a Honda". Mostly trendy and upwardly mobile forks on Harleys nowadays.