Magnificent Obsolescence

since 1999

Dedicated to the preservation, restoration and sharing of technical knowledge for all Norton motorcycles, fellowship of all our members and families – and of course riding Norton’s!

Ontario Norton Owners hold a rally every year. We also meet up for rides and events during the year at various locations throughout Ontario. Together we share a common believe that a classic Norton is the ultimate motorcycle.

The above photo was taken at the entrance to The Massasauga at the end of Healey Lake Road during the Decaf Run on July 25th, 2020 – as we were unable to have the Dark Cafe Run that year due to distancing rules. So on this day we were road scouting for 2021 and found some great ones.

beginnings

My first learnings of a Norton group in Ontario was in 1995 from the Norton News. They were holding the Black Fly Rally north of Kingston in June of 1996. This is where I was introduced to the Eastern Ontario Norton Owners, a tight group of Norton riders from the Kingston area. Holding this rally got the attention of other serious Norton fanatics. We, as the riders not from the Kingston area, went to find good roads and with some roads under construction – read gravel, tight corners and brakes not up to speed – we had the Bent Shifter Award.

Went to 1997 and the group from the other side of Toronto was getting bigger. In 1998 around the Saturday night campfire I asked Guy Fortier if he would consider dropping the “Eastern” from Eastern Ontario Norton Owners. After the rally I am told that all members were asked if Eastern should be dropped. All but one person agreed and in 1999 it was enthusiastically agreed that the new club name was to be Ontario Norton Owners.

… around the Saturday night campfire, I asked Guy Fortier if he would consider dropping the “Eastern” from Eastern Ontario Norton Owners.

Two Meter Peter
High Lord of Things Relevant
Peter Joseph Turner | Membership #2

norton nomad

In this issue a useful technical article about installation of Smiths electronic instruments. It includes links to the required wire terminals, tools needed and a detailed wiring diagram.

Download Derek Wilson’s installation guide

We are a group of like-minded nomads who are always on the move covering vast distances, sometimes well past the borders of our native Ontario. The Norton Nomad showcases these stories of adventure, break downs and all, riding vintage as far as we can go! Yes, “Oh no” is the best way to describe ONo!

Share your Norton stories of recent – or very distant (like in the 70s) vintage road adventures! Also we would like to hear about your recent Lockdown Builds. We know because lately Walridge Motors has been very busy. Also, technical knowledge is very much sought after as we are not all experts, but some of us are! Simple things too, like Kevin Robinson will be writing about replacing the springs in your rear brake drum for better performance. Send in your advice. Remember the club mantra, “… the sharing of all technical knowledge.”

We like Norton related history stories as well, Klaus did a great write up on the history of Gus Kuhn, an important player in Norton racing and aftermarket parts for our bikes. Danke.

To advertise in Norton Nomad contact Manse James.