[Jeff Higgins]

This has always been on the top of my "bucket list" bikes. I have been absolutely in love with Nortons since the late 1970's, when one of my riding buddies picked up a John Player Special. We were quite the little riding group - me on my Sportster (which I still own), a couple of buddies on Bonnies, one on a real - I kid you not - Ducati 750 Super Sport (yes, like the one that went into six figures on BAT recently), and the guy on the Commando. The Ducati made the biggest impression, and I've been able to kinda "scratch that itch" with my '93 900 SS, but the Norton has always eluded me.

I understand these are "easier to own" than at any point in their history. Plenty of aftermarket support, building "better" parts than those with which they were even delivered with back in the day, making them truly "rideable" today. Boy, the pain we all felt back then, trying to keep these not quite "old" yet (in those days) two cylinder paint shakers alive was at times very daunting. The Ducati was the first to suffer the inevitable, with my buddy finally giving up on it in the early '80's through lack of parts and a constant need for them. I bet he's kicking himself now...

We had a local who was rebuilding Nortons in the early 2000's, and selling them for not unreasonable prices. I almost grabbed one then. But, alas, the "yeah, someday" attitude prevailed again. Dang it. If I keep watching you, though, one day I might start blaming you... not that my wife would actually buy that...

Anyway, yeah - you are my current hero. I'm envious as hell.