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The Phoenix is a joy to ride, better than at any time in the 25 years I’ve owned it. With the big bore pistons, Boyer MicroPower ignition and single 34mm Mikuni carb, throttle response is immediate and great bags of torque are available at any time, in any gear. The big parallel twin emits a baritone growl that speaks of effortless power — not boasting, but promising to deliver the goods. And does it deliver! Running it through its paces, I keep poking the shifter looking for a higher gear. The new engine just revs that freely, belying its big pistons and long stroke.

Looking back

The disastrous fire was a blessing in disguise, and my friends in Norton Colorado are now an indelible chapter in this great motorcycle’s history. The bike wears Rick Black’s horns, Eric Bergman’s fender, and Gary Bolduc’s welding prowess. Every time I ride it — every time I look at it, for that matter — it brightens my day. I have five or six other bikes leaning up against trees, waiting for me to build a garage: You can have any of them for a fair price, but as always, my Norton is not for sale.

This wasn’t so much a matter of restoring a motorcycle as it was about resurrecting a troubled friendship. After two years, it took just one good road trip to rekindle the deep affection that’s marked my 25 years with this motorcycle. The Phoenix and I are ready for another 25.

A good vintage motorcycle can do things a modern machine can’t — it can leave you stranded at the side of the road, for instance. I know that there will be frustrations and misadventures to come. It’s a Norton, after all. But when it’s good, it’s very, very good. You either understand that or you don’t. If you’ve read this far, I’m betting you do.  MC

Bob Herman has been riding and wrenching on classic motorcycles since they were just called "motorcycles." He is the owner, with his wife Lisa Scalise, of Rocky Mountain Motorcycle Tours LLC. He can be reached through his website, www.RockyMountainMotorcycleTours.com, by email bob@rockymountainmotorcycletours.com, or by phone at (719) 256-4527.

Web Extra: Bob Herman's "Lessons from the restoration process."

1. Keep pen and notebook handy as you work. Write down important stuff as you think of it.
2. Buy a parts manual at the start, not halfway through the assembly process.
3. Separate subassembly parts and keep them in well-labeled containers.
4. Keep hardware with its components, and replace any questionable hardware.
5. Wiring: tag all wires and draw a working diagram. Don’t lose the diagram!
6. Dry fit before painting fabricated, modified or new parts.
7. Prioritize tasks and have alternative jobs for when you are stalled on one step.
8. Have another bike to ride while this one is down.
9. Make it 90% as nice as you can. It’ll lose 10% as soon as you ride it anyway.
10. Walk away when annoyed, impatient or frustrated – the final product reflects your attitude!
11. Polishing alloy is a slippery slope. A shiny part contrasts with dull ones!
12. Have a good workspace, and try to accomplish something every day.
13. Keep bears out of your tool shed.
14. Do as I say, not as I did!

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