Ben Zimmerman's 1974 Norton 850 Chopper

She was a barn find and needed a complete restoration. When Ben was done, she was a Best-in-Class Winner at the 2009 Donnie Smith Bike Show in Minneapolis, MN.

Ben started fabricating the custom Frame with 43.5" of rake. Using a Norton powertrain he had as a spare he was able to mock up the rest of his creation. The front end is a chrome 10 over springer.

One-off custom pieces include the petrol tank, rear fender, stainless steel rear struts, and aluminum oil tank built to match the Dunstall valve covers.

The frame gusset is engraved with the Norton logo.

The controls include custom riser, speedo mount, stainless forward controls and linkage (maintaining the traditional British right side shift configuration)

A Dakota Digital Speedometer and Tachometer ride affixed to the riser, mount, and 1" bars fabricated by Ben.

Wheels are 21 inch front (60 spoke) and 16 x 200 rear (60 spoke)

Ben actually rode her around for 400 miles in bare steel. This gave him time to consider paint options.

The finished matching number engine and transmission were completely rebuilt. The cases were custom machined and the breather relocated exiting the back by Colorado Norton Works

Ben created a CNC machined primary cover to house the Norvil belt drive. Spark comes through a Colorado Norton Works Ignition Kit. Fuel flows through dual Amals sleeved by Lund, while spent explosives exit the custom exhaust.

Making sure all that power stays connect to the frame is the responsibility of MK3 Norton Commando Isolastics front and rear with the top head steady fabricated from a Chevrolet 350 V8 connecting rod.

Finally, Ben had MTD Custom spray the final paint scheme: Metal Flake Silver, Great Britain Red over the top, with an airbrushed British flag and Skull looking up at you as you ride.

Here's to your attention to detail Ben!