The Kneeslider

Doers Builders and Positive People

1959 Norton Norfield Cafe Racer

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1959 Norton Norfield
1959 Norton Norfield

Noticed this for sale the other day and I don’t remember seeing one like it before, it’s a 1959 Norton Wide Line feather bed frame with a 1964 Royal Enfield 750 Interceptor vertical twin engine. Visually, it’s a stunner. It’s been sitting on display and never run, so it’s as built.

The frame was powder coated and Commando forks were installed up front. Buchannons built the alloy wheels. Smiths instruments provide the essential info and really look the part. The rebuilt engine runs through hand built exhausts with replica 350 Manx silencers. The tank is a steel Manx unit that’s been heavily modified and just take a look at the paint!

1959 Norton Norfield
1959 Norton Norfield

Whether you have a soft spot for British bikes or just appreciate a well thought out build, take a look at this one. It’s on eBay right now.

Now, if only the seller had set his camera to adjust for the fluorescent lights in his garage … I tried to correct the color in these. I’m amazed when sellers don’t take more time for good photos, but maybe that’s just me.

Comments

  1. Who on earth would build that beautiful machine and then *not* ride it? That doesn’t make a bit of sense to me. If I had the money, that would be mine. Damn.

    • It is a mystery, but 0 mile builds aren’t uncommon. I would think you would at least want to make sure it fulfilled your expectations before putting it on display, a few nice rides in good weather, then spiff it up, of course then you have to drain the fluids and all, but still.

    • this could be a throw back copy of REDPLUM. a mongrel raced in Uk back in the 60s. then it was a meteor minor 500cc twin engine in a matchless frame. red for reddich where the enfield was made and plum for plumstead where the matchless was built.

  2. That is one beautiful collection of parts. The builder did a beautiful job and it all looks like it belongs. I don’t think I would ride either. I would just use it for a center piece in my living room. BEAUTIFUL .

  3. The details at the eBay page explain why it has not been ridden. The builder says he built it for shows, and that he’s too old to ride it. Since I’m an “old guy” too, but not too old to not love great bikes, I can understand his situation. I’m just glad he has the excellent taste and skill to build this beauty.

    • That’s a good incentive for the younger guys waiting forever before they get started on that project they always wanted to build. Wait too long and you won’t get to enjoy it, though simply looking at this beauty brings a lot of pleasure all by itself.

  4. The interceptor motor is such a good looking motor, way ahead of its time. Seriously thinking about building one myself.

  5. Thanks for all the good feedback on my Norfield. I know to many people that its a wast to build a bike and not ride it but i have no interest any more, to old, bad back blah blah but it was build this or be busy with yard work, no brainer!!. Its still for sale, should be running soon. call me 9729219224.