・The Burton follows a long line of specials built around the superb handling Norton Featherbed frame. 

・At the heart of this one off special, is a breathed on, thumping 1200 cc V twin X1 Buell engine, incorporating modern electrics, suspension & brakes.

・A hybrid of classic and modern engineering to not only make this custom build stand out of the crowd, but give it the go to match the show. 

The Norton Featherbed frame designed by the McCandless brothers in the early 1950’s initially for racing, was revolutionary at the time. Utilising a rear swinging arm suspension, it provided the link from ridged & plunger frames of previous generations of motorcycles, to the modern frames that we still see in use today.

It became popular over the succeeding years, with special builders utilising a number of engine configurations, Triumph being the most prominent, leading to the creation of the  sixties “Triton “ .

However if you had the money to build a really special bike at the time, acquiring a V twin Vincent engine to put in your Featherbed frame made for the ultimate Café Racer the “Norvin “

What we see here with the “Burton” is a modern take of this special building philosophy, taking old & new to create an interesting, enjoyable to ride, eye catching , unique motorcycle.

Originally built for a London customer over a 12 month period in 2016 by Steve Hillary at Redmax Speed shop, it was subsequently purchased by the vendor in 2018.

He initially changed a few items to put his stamp on the machine i.e tyres , seat,  it gave it the authentic period look he desired. 

Using it sparingly over the past three years of ownership, due to lack of available time to ride , he’s decided that it’s time to let it go to someone who can appreciate the workmanship that’s gone into this beauty & more importantly, has the time to make the most of riding such a beast.

There are a number of invoices for work undertaken by the current owner but not for the original build. Various photos are available of the build via this link : https://www.flickr.com/photos/redmaxspeedshop/albums/72157649099390390/page2

There is of course a current V5c , and with the bonus of its 1956 registration number, the bike is MoT & tax exempt being classed as an historic vehicle over 40 years old.

From the owners’ photographs, the Burton would appear to be very presentable with both the paintwork & alloy parts showing few issues that a little attention to detailing wouldn’t improve.

We’re informed that it starts well and soon settles into the steady thumping tickover expected from a Buell engine. Gear selection is via a cable from the rearset footrests, which the owner thinks could be improved for “feel “, but that the gearbox selects all gears as and when required.

Overall a bike which can be used straight away for those summer blasts to the coast.

A tuned Buell X1 engine, with various performance parts delivering over 100 bhp was sourced, this was then taken apart, bead blasted, barrels stove enamelled, various parts polished, and the cam cover reshaped to fit the new frame. It was then converted to a carburettor from EFI, installing a Mikuni HSR42. 

The exhaust is a custom-made megaphone unit which nods towards the bikes’ Manx Norton heritage, as well as making a great sound.

Redmax Speedshop supplied a Norton frame and proceeded to add a Yamaha R6 front end with 320mm discs & Brembo calipers . Hagon shocks were bolted to the rear and the engine installed. Easily detachable pillion footrests are bolted to the rear subframe.

Heavy duty alloy wheel rims & stainless spokes were used adding to the period look but designed to cope with the engines low down torque.

Electrics are powered by a Motogadget control unit hidden from view under the seat, Motogadget also supplied the digital speedo. A handy feature also incorporated is an RFID keyless ignition system.

That powerful Buell V twin engine just has to be ridden ( and heard ! ) to be appreciated, but along with its period Café Racer styling and high degree of engineering excellence, “The Burton “ makes an extremely attractive , ready to ride package.

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