1967 Norton 750cc Café Racer
Registration no. AKX 979E
Frame no. 18 120200
Engine no. 97952 14SS

Converted into a café racer in 1997 and purchased in 2001 by the late Alan Preston, who continued to develop and improve it with no expense spared, this unique motorcycle has won well over 40 show awards from Scotland down to Wales. It is built around a 1967 wide-line Featherbed frame equipped with short Roadholder forks, RGM front disc and race calliper, alloy hubs and wheel rims, and vented alloy brake plate at the rear. The engine is a 1961 Model 99 unit that has been completely rebuilt with FAG Superblend bearings, 750cc alloy barrel, forged pistons and race camshaft. The cylinder head has been gas-flowed and fitted with lead-free seats/valves together with all new valve springs, guides, rocker arms and rocker shafts. Other noteworthy features include Amal Mk2 Concentric carburettors, Boyer electronic ignition, swept-back exhausts, 'peashooter' silencers, and special engine/gearbox mounting plates enabling the use of a special primary drive case housing a Bob Newby belt drive and clutch. All the alloy components, of which there are many, have benefited from vigorous polishing. We are advised that the bike is well-sorted, very responsive, fast and a pleasure to ride. Last run 12 months ago, it has been drained of fluids for storage and is offered with Norton Owners' Club dating letter and Swansea V5C document.