How can anyone forget their first kiss? Good, bad, embarasing, not matter it happened and it's never forgotten. This Norton is the 4th I've owned (actually #2 and number #3 were sold and bought back once-so does that make 6 total?) , and the 3rd  onethat I've restored.  In 1973 I bought my 1st Norton, a new '74 from Ace Cycle World in Chicago. I would ditch High School once a week to go to the showroom. I got my first loan for $1800 and bought the bike. My friend had to ride it home for me as I've never ridden before. It was the motorcycle I learned to ride on. Inthe Summer of '74 I rode it from Chicago to California and back. Ah... to be 19 again. Perhaps that is why I keep coming back. The first kiss left such an impression in my mind, spirit and heart. In 2001 I sold my 3rd Norton for some forgotten reason (or would soon rather forget).

Last March my spirit felt a bit empty and realizing that at 55 I've lost a bit of touch with my spirit. Project time! After a bit of searching (the usual places) I found this '74 MK2a in Missouri, about a 2 hour drive west of St.Louis. Talking with the owner a bit and getting a picture of it convinced me this was the time, and this was the one.

Luckily the asking price was not silly and I didn't even negotiate as even with all the updates / improvements, I wouldn't be upside down... not including my sweat equity. The bike was parked in '86 when the 2nd owner had the layshaft bearing let go. It tore up the tranny, the chain snapped and took out the inner chain case when it locked. Rider and bike went down. Rider healed then joined the Marines. Bike was in his father garage till '95 when retired. He put a new gearbox in, and made it rideable, but far from presentable. It remained in the garage as he was now a “Harley Guy”. Got it home in April and started the process. Every part, just about has been looked after..we all know what they are. I could list them, but that's not the point of the story. Basically, besides the engine (which only had 7000 miles) and the paint on the frame, it's a new machine. I'm realizing my first kiss all over again :) and I won't let this one get away.