V-Duo Motorcycles Projects

Projects

Adam’s Dad, Chris, bought the bike when Adam was 10 years old and it had been a project which remained in bits for 10 years prior. Chris had a friend rebuild the engine and bought various bits and pieces for it over the years but made no further progress. Eight years ago Chris brought it over to Adams’ house in Nottingham to store and was left in various boxes.

In October 2008 with the shop experiencing its first winter, Adam decided that it was time to get the Norton on the road in time for Chris’ 60^th birthday in the following May. In secret the bike was brought over to the shop and the pain stacking process of restoration started.

Work carried out includes:

Powder Coating the frame

Wheels re-built

A pair of new tyres

One off bespoke oil tank made

Many one off bits and pieces sourced or made

New loom fitted

New bearings

New carbretta

Smiths speedo refurbished

Polishing (lots of it)

The bike finally fired in to life after a lot of kicking one Saturday afternoon. It was MOT time. It sailed through the MOT and the log book application went through without a hitch. Just some more polishing to be done!

During the eight months it took to rebuild the Norton, which all took place in the V Duo workshop, Chris often visited unexpectedly. Fortunately he was spotted soon enough for Adam to do a double shuffle and hide the bike in the store room of our Blockbuster Video neighbours. On other occasions there was no time to move the bike so it got covered in anything that came to hand, dust covers, cardboard boxes etc. The shop does have a telephone you know Chris!

With one week to go the Norton, which would strike up first kick, had developed a problem. The Magneto decided to give up. Luckily Adam’s mate Dave knew someone who could save the day. Sure enough we were loaned a spare to get it going for the big day. More polishing!

Project Norton – 1961 Dominator, Café Racer

Adam would like to thank the following people for all their help in bringing this project to fruition:

Dave – who spent a lot of hours helping Adam rebuild the bike and for running around sourcing parts

Jim – for his engineering skills, he made the chain guard, frame steering stock lock, the battery box and other bespoke parts

Uncle Pat – he refurbished the Smiths Speedo - not many people can say that they’ve had an ex-RAF Instruments Technician work on their bike!

Steve Gagg – who made the one off bespoke alli oil tank - which is a beautiful thing on its own!

Stuart – for all his advice

Roger – for lending us his Magneto and saving the day

Geoff - for the 3 inches of the tank that he polished! His advice and the running around

Sunday 30 May - The Big Day arrived and the weather was perfect. We had arranged a barbecue at Adam’s sisters’ house and unveiled the Norton. It just gleamed in the sunshine. Chris walked out in to the garden and couldn’t believe his eyes. He was in total shock. It was a fabulous moment that Adam and his Dad will never forget.

Chris took his first ride with Adam on the support vehicle. Chris’ face was a picture!

…like a kid at Christmas with his new toy!

The Monster Make Over

One of our customers, Phil Morris from Nottingham, owns a Ducati 900 Monster and came to V Duo looking to personalise his bike. His Design Brief was only for his bike to be customised in a subtle and classy manner. So we got our heads together and discussed various options. It was then handed over to Adam to get the ball rolling. He stripped the bike down and carried out the following:

Wheels powder coated black

Various parts polished and powder coated including the yokes, foot rest hangers, exhaust system and side stand

Handle bars painted black

New gold chain and sprocket kit fitted to add a little bling

New super sticky tyres

A one off paint job

Rear frame shortened to achieve a neater look

And an LED rear light fitted to finish it off

The moment of truth arrived when Phil came to pick up his completed Monster. The result: a very happy customer! With Phil’s imagination and Adam’s suggestions, the design brief had been fulfilled beyond expectation. None of the Monster’s classic styling was lost, only enhanced.

Just stunning....

One thing that Phil particularly wanted to change was the rear end – the tea tray had to go! This of course meant cutting away the tail section of the frame. Adam was a little perturbed but soon enough the offending section was removed. Trust me; it’s a daunting task when it’s not your bike but that of a paying customer!

Very nice job Adz….

Projects featured on this page:

1) Project Norton -

1961 Dominator, Cafe Racer

2) The Monster Make Over