Don't see many of those about

In the past I havebeen involved in several owners clubs, ranging from broad church classicvehicle clubs right through to model specific clubs &, in most of them, atsome point have heard this same âif we donât encourage the members to use theirâwhateverâ more, theyâll all end up as museum pieces & the club will fallapartâ conversation taking place. Various things have been suggested &often tried to address this concern, but I donât think any of them have foundthe answer, you just have to accept that in a club anywhere near the size ofthe NOC, you will find many & varied reasons for people joining &equally many & varied reasons for their ownership or interest in theirchosen passion. Most, if not all these clubs still exist, membership numbershave fluctuated, true, but theyâre still there & still attempting toprovide a service for their membership. For every vehicle that has been hiddenaway in someoneâs private collection, often another has been discovered &returned to the road. If all the things that are hidden away were to flood themarket, where would the incentive to restore a complete basket case come from?Surely this too would have an impact on parts availability? If no one wasrestoring anything there would be no market for many of the parts that arebeing remanufactured. The stuff available for a Dominator, for example is 1000%better now than it was 20 odd years ago when I restored mine, this has surelycome about by increased demand from restorers.

Personally, Ithink the amount of Nortonâs, particularly Commandos, seen out & about, notjust at shows & the like but actually being used, is quite strong whencompared with their contempories, but could the NOC do more to encourage theuse of Norton motorcycles? Well, possibly, yes, but with national &international rallies, Norton day & summer parties, countless branchorganised camping weekends, Isle of Mann reunions & attendances at manyother varied events & the like, Iâm not sure what that would be. Everybodyhas their own reasons for wanting the things they have & their own ideas asto what they want to do with it, & that, Iâm afraid, is something you canâtchange. Since being a member of the NOC Iâve taken my Commando & Dominatorto most areas of Great Britain & a fair bit of Europe, time & financepreventing me from venturing further a field, & in the process coveredthousands of miles attending a wide range of events & meeting an even widerrange of fellow enthusiasts, none of which would have happened were it not forthe NOC & itâs members organising the events in the first place, so itcould be argued that, at least in one case, the NOC has succeeded inencouraging the use Norton motorcycles.

Iâll now retreat toa safe distance & take cover under my polishing cloth

Best regards, Tim

Don't hide under it Tim. Send it to Simon; he might be able to use it when he gets a spare moment.

rub rub, shine shine!

All the best.

Why would anyone, who seems to have such a low opinion of the N.O.C., be announcing his intention of attending the international rally? If the club sucks, why bother?

Ther's nowt as queer as folk!

Which implies that there are 19 other groups of people who own Nortons for other reasons, which seems fair and reasonable to me. No one group predominates, at least not for long. In the VMCC, there is a dedicted Flat Tank section, very much a minority group. Yet when the VMCC was founded, it was only for flat tankers. To be successful a club must evolve which I think the NOC is doing successfully. Look at the interest in the 961s. I should imagine that all being well this will end up being the largest interest group, while the Dominator and Commando groups will become smaller and more specialised. There is room for everyone.

Id bet my pension Simon thinks rotarys and 961s arnt real Nortons and have no place in the club.

It turns out Gordon, that like it or not, we have a 20th group of members in the NOC. It seems that 0.05% of the membership are miserable old gits that go on about the price of everything and criticize everything and everyone.

I'm thinking of forming a Special Interest Group for them so that they won't feel left out, but I can't think what I could call it. Any suggestions anyone?

The group would need a Chairman and a Secretary, but unfortunately I'm too busy!

I would be willing to organise rides for them though. Destinations on a post card please.

There's a good chance that many of the 5% at the INR will own more than one Norton (the dreaded speculators and collectors) and many of them probably don't ride all year round.

A number will indeed be miserable gits.

Still, Simon will be all right as long as he remembers that it is extremely bad manners to walk into a French bar without shouting the greeting "TournÃ?e gÃ?nÃ?rale".

Previously wrote:

It turns out Gordon, that like it or not, we have a 20th group of members in the NOC. It seems that 0.05% of the membership are miserable old gits that go on about the price of everything and criticize everything and everyone.

I'm thinking of forming a Special Interest Group for them so that they won't feel left out, but I can't think what I could call it. Any suggestions anyone?

Grumpy Old Boy Section ????

Or you could use the acronym, of course

Sorry, couldn't resist it

Simon, I couldnt care less about the minuets from the last AGM, thats all blah blah blah to me. What I am gratefull for (and you should be) is that Iv got a brilliant bike (850 Commando) that can do almost anything I ask of it. We can get any spares or upgrades within 24 hours cheaply. For my NOC membership fee I get a bunch of very dedicated individuals who work hard to give up their free time to run a club that gives me a wealth of freely given information. Not only this, they organise well run rallies at interesting places where I meet interesting, funny and adventurous people. What the hell more could you want from life?

If a branch makes a few quid from a rally the ran, well good luck to them because they took the risk and put the work in.

As to your original assertation that you dont see many Nortons about, well Iv bumped into Nortons being used in Malaysia, Nova Scotia, all over europe and the USA. I cant think of any other make of historic bike or car that I seen in such numbers.

For Gods sake man, wake up and smell the flowers

As to the future, the way I see it is most people who are now members of the NOC will be pushing up daisies, our bikes will be worthless because the kids dont want them, and the NOC will be gone and forgoten.

Everything has its time and life, then dies and is forgotten.

The secret is to enjoy what you have now.

Dont you worry about me understanding big words. You seem to have difficulty understanding big concepts like the flat earth idiot you are.

Pete Scatchard and Al Osborn had a grumble at an AGM ? That's what they're there for. Would this have been the 1980's, '90's, 2000's ....? If Al didn't walk out then I'll guarantee that he wasn't really hacked off.

My five-year membership expires in 2015. I've seen nothing so far that would prompt me not to renew. The NOC is not the be-all and end-all of my motorcycling existence but it's been a vehicle that has enabled some of the most enduring friendships and most enjoyable times. I'll carry on taking what I enjoy from it without begrudging the arrangement of events that don't appeal.

The line between profit and loss is a fine one and the next event can be a flop. No-one who recalls the club's financial situation in the 1980s would want to see the organisation with no reserves and no-one who has seriously thought about how club funds should be utilised can be unaware of how a vociferous minority will always take issue with the decisions.

As Old Bill would've said, "If you knows of a better club, then go to it".

How succinct (medium sized word) of you to notice that Tim said that the lack of available machines and the cost of them have indirectly led to fewer members, and that Al Osborn made the point that motorcycling is a cheap and accessible hobby.

CHEAP? ACCESSIBLE? When the lack and cost of machines has led to fewer members!

Your ownscribblings go around in circles and I think the best thing we can do here is leave you to stew in your own bitterness.

Like I've said before, I do my best for our Club in my small way. If you want my job so that you can change things you are very welcome to apply. If you just want to snipe from the sidelines I think we can probably just forgive you.

I'm off to my happy shed now to do some more polishing. I may even nod off in the knowledge that I can smell the flowers and thatyou will no doubt be stirring your cauldron of frogs legs and newts eyes to see what else you can throw at the management.

Yawn!

Back to topic. The scene - Lanark High Street, having just come out of WH Smith back to my parked Domi. A man stands there. He says 'Don't see many of these about.' I witter some nonsense. He replies 'Yes, My Dad was killed on one of these.' What do you say to that??? More wittering later and I discovered he was a bit of a speed addict and it was in fact a Commando. Nonetheless it was a gentle ride home. Ride safely folks.

Snipe snipe snipe! It just never stops. I was also out on my Domi this afternoon Gordon. I parked in my local town square after a good few miles and was instantly approached by two guys, one of whom had owned a Jubilee many years ago. After a short chat he said he would love to own another Norton and after seeing mine, he was going home to see what he could do about it. You see Simon;We wereactually out there today doing something positive in the name of Norton, not putting everyone off by bleating on about how everything is wrong with the Club, the EC, the spares, collectors, polishers etc. I went out on the Domi after a couple of hours in my happy shed, getting high on Brasso and Solvol.

Nice toread that you won't be continuing the 'argument'. At least that meansyou won't have to wait three days for me to formulate an answer. And I thought we were having a 'discussion'.(Medium sized word).

Non of my financial assets / investments with Norton written on the side of them were seen by the public today as I was to busy trying to get rid of the endfloat on the mainshaft of my laydown gearbox.

Still, if I was successful that bike will be just more ££££s in the bank,

Ahhhh, NOC, the friendly club.

My Commando is pretty much the same at the moment as I've got to put the 'top' (technical term) of the engine back together, and before the French rally. My 77 and sidecar however is raring to go, but the Jubilee has been in the shed in pieces for years now. One day in the distant future I might get around to sorting it. Don't you just hate collectors with financial assets! I really ought to put them all up for sale so that the price of Norton's can go down.

Yeah right!

Having contributed earlier and read most of the comments in this thread I'm going to make a suggestion. The suggestion will be aimed at Simon, as he has been brave enough to point out the 'failings' of the EC but may be acted upon by any one who feels that it is a good suggestion.

Simon, I think the porblem you have with the EC is one of misunderstanding. The role of the EC is one of moderation. To stop an enthusiast running away with the funds of the members or getting the Norton Owners Club to promote Kawasakis. The role of the EC is not to be responsible for entertaining the membership. Hence, when someone suggests that the EC organise a, for instance, track day there is little progress or enthusiasm. If you changed that to:'Dear EC*I* want to organise a track day, I have considered all the costs and risks and what I need is ...'. That would receive a fair hearing and I suspect much more enthusiasm. Why not try it?

Previously wrote:

Fair point Ian. I did not appreciate the EC's role as moderators rather than organisers. I will do as you suggest and see what figures I come up with. Thanks for your contribution.

A up someones woke up and smelt the coffee at last, What do you think we have all been trying to get over to you Oh one off large words. Is this the very the last word again, again, again.

Paul

I speculated a new bronze thrust washer from RGM, which I fitted into the gear box of one of the cash cows with Norton written on the side of it that is on my portfolio of investments.

After a brief u tube refresher course on how to actually start and ride a big rigid single I rode to my moms for a cup of tea and a few biscuits, on the way to meet my financial advisor at the bank.

Do you know what she said? Well I will tell you. She said " you must be mad going out on that thing in this cold weather. Look at your nose" she said "its dripping. And your fingers are blue"

" Mom" I said " if the NOC EC dont sort out some warmer weather soon Im going to join the BSA OC instead. Then everything will be fine, the sun will shine, and they will be so sorry to lose me"

Previously wrote:

I speculated a new bronze thrust washer from RGM, which I fitted into the gear box of one of the cash cows with Norton written on the side of it that is on my portfolio of investments.

After a brief u tube refresher course on how to actually start and ride a big rigid single I rode to my moms for a cup of tea and a few biscuits, on the way to meet my financial advisor at the bank.

Do you know what she said? Well I will tell you. She said " you must be mad going out on that thing in this cold weather. Look at your nose" she said "its dripping. And your fingers are blue"

" Mom" I said " if the NOC EC dont sort out some warmer weather soon Im going to join the BSA OC instead. Then everything will be fine, the sun will shine, and they will be so sorry to lose me"

Is that the British Sunshine Association, Oldtimers Chapter by any chance,

Paul.

I like being a member among other things just so I can read some of the foolishness. I live in eastern Canada and am expecting my riding season to begin this week. I have several brands of motorcycles in the garage, aged from 1950 to 1978 of which seven are in running condition. The Atlas with Steib chair is my daily runner, looks good but not show quality. Like most riders I am a bit of an exhibitionist and enjoy the attention at the stops. One of the better examples happened as I was loading my groceries a few years ago. An elderly lady walking with a cane came over and told me she was with the Canadian Army in England during the war, met her husband and got married. She and her husband "liberated"a norton with a chair from outside an officer's messand took their honeymoon in a trip around Scotland. Afte two weeks of leave, they returned the outfit to it's spot outside the mess and lived happily ever after with their greatmemories of the event. It was my great pleasure togive the lady a chance to tell someone who would understand. I wouldn't give up those opportunities for any reason.I'll stick with Norton.

I went to a bike club last night, a 60 mile round trip, to hear a talk from a visiting speaker. A good talk, BUT I was the only one to turn up on a bike. Not one of the locals turned up on two wheels. You would never know it was a bike club meeting. Looking round, the audience was mostly, but not exclusively I must add, old and knowledgable men with some rather exotic bikes which are hardly ever ridden or not at all. I came away rather depressed but feeling a lot younger than I went in. So what is a bike club for? In this case a social group who share an interest in old bikes and who take them out on organised events. Thank heavens the NOC caters for people who just ride their bikes. Before you knock this club, try some of the others. You may be surprised at just how well the NOC caters for us all, whatever our interests and abilities.

Gordon,

Well said, last Saturday my club (GCMCC) did the Big Lunch, Oldmeldrum to Dufftown Station, about 10 bikes of different makes, me and Hugh were the only Nortons but it did not matter we had a great run and the weather for once was good.

I have always been of the opinion that classic bikes should be ridden and not polished, well not so much, those who judge at shows should take this into account when awarding prizes.

Tony

Giday,

I've just discovered this topic and as a newish member I'm not up to speed with club politics,however I've enjoyed reading through it, I think most contributors have a point here and probably the club should be a broad church. Some of Simon's posts regarding our reasons for riding and owning bikes strike a chord for me. I've been struggling with owning too many bikes (none disgraced with polish) and only being really able to justify, at the max, five and would like to only end up with two and know them well(I have ten, four Nortons) . I'm fifty now, and am unlikely to build all my projects, and to tell the truth would rather spend my time riding than building an other one, so think its time to make some of them available to other potential riders, collectors, investors, rivet counters. I live in Australia and we probably get more riding weather that some other places so I've got less excuses than others. Having said that, no doubt some no longer riding would like to keep their old Norton in the shed to take them to times gone by

Dave from Bathurst

Giday,

I've just discovered this topic and as a newish member I'm not up to speed with club politics,however I've enjoyed reading through it, I think most contributors have a point here and probably the club should be a broad church. Some of Simon's posts regarding our reasons for riding and owning bikes strike a chord for me. I've been struggling with owning too many bikes (none disgraced with polish) and only being really able to justify, at the max, five and would like to only end up with two and know them well(I have ten, four Nortons) . I'm fifty now, and am unlikely to build all my projects, and to tell the truth would rather spend my time riding than building an other one, so think its time to make some of them available to other potential riders, collectors, investors, rivet counters. I live in Australia and we probably get more riding weather that some other places so I've got less excuses than others. Having said that, no doubt some no longer riding would like to keep their old Norton in the shed to take them to times gone by

Dave from Bathurst

I wish it wouldn't do that

Try turning your computer up-side down Dave, you Aussies walk on the ceiling! Seriously, you live in a great biking location. I have a niece, who lives in Tarana, and visited Bathhurst three years ago. John.

Giday John,

I actually live outside Bathurst, about 7 miles from Tarana, it's my local watering hole.....and yes, with my 650ss parked there I've been told '' don't see many of those about"

Hi Dave,

Guess this is straying from the thread, but, what the hell, everybody does it! If your watering hole is in Tarana, and there is only one, you may know Marg & Andy McCrystal. Marg may well be your postie. Small world, John.

p.s. Just to keep in the thread, you don't see many '54 Dominators being ridden either!

Giday John,

They live three properties down from me, bought an old honda off Andy for a mate the other day. Took the bike to town today, came out of a shop to find a bloke walking around the 650 and his wife yelling "stop looking at that bike and come on" Dave from Bathurst

My 650SS to town that is

Guys just want to look at bikes and dream of what was or might have been, wives can't handle anything that diverts attention from themselves.

Stereo I get Stereo Sound every time I start My Norton Manxman There Silencers are just a very nice sound of music in stereo , and as for you do not see many of them , that because there are only 12 in the country may have something to do with it. buy I do get comments like thats a nice looking bike .and from the kids is corr what a nice bike! and even the Harley riders turn there heads to see what it is, well do not miss a Norton in bright Blue and red seat, and all that chrome to , So I do not need to hide behide firings and listen to music so you cannot hear the squeal from a engine, I can hear Music from a Big Norton twin in Stereo, yours anna j