CLASSIC CHATTER

CLASSIC CHATTER-Antique news and views
GEORGE KERKER'S GNARLY NORTON put together the aftermarket exhaust guru georga kerker, who created a whole new sound for all kinds of motorcycles, with one of Britain's golden oldies, the Norton vertical twin, and you have what you see here.This restored racing Norton was actually raced by George himself, one of two he campaigned during the 1972-73 race season. At some point it wiggled into legal street status after George passed it on to a new owner.
Before its present restoration, it wore fairly inadequate hurstairheart brakes, which were updated to Performance Machine components, Powered by one of the factory's hypo Combat 750cc engines, which George massaged for extra grunt, the Norty redlines at 7 grand but is happy at 8,000 rpm. suited for Sears Point-type roadracing or canyon carving, its top speed is a conservative 115 mph. handling though the 1963 "slimline featherbed" frame, custom magnesium wheels, stock girling shocks, and Ceriani roadrace forks is sublime. Standard vintage go-fast parts include a joe Hunt magneto and 33mm Amal carbs. Of course, it snarls sensually through a custom kerker exhaust system, which is a dual-purpose street and track wonder featuring aneasily removed baffle. Its aggressive looks are a function of its replica Manx fiberglass gas tank and 1/2 fairing painted by master brush artist Tony Marcus.
The restorer of George's ex-racer, brian Abure, says, "This is one fun, super-light bike
(400 pounds....wet) that absolutely dominates the canyon. It has all the necessary attributes to kick butt."