My father in laws '62 Atlas just became mine, and I couldn't be more thrilled. He purchased the bike back in '62 and it only has 4,500 miles. In general the bike was well cared for until my father in law passed away 4 years ago. It has been collecting dust in the garage ever since. I am have the bike shipped to a local shop so they can give it the once over. I should be able to keep it up myself but want a professional to help me get the bike back in good running order.

I have the most general of questions. What advice can you give someone who is getting their first vintage bike? I am trying to become knowledgeable but am having a hard time finding references. There are bits and pieces of information on this site but nothing very comprehensive.

Any info will help.

Thanks
Kirk

p.s. I've attached a photo for any who are curious

Attachment #1, (jpg file)

Hi Kirk
Welcome to the norton fold.
Finding norton knowledgeable people is tough. Plenty of shops will take your money but you will not always get what you hoped for.
Meet up with us on the second saturday of each month for a meeting and impromptu tech sessions. I have 3 atlas', so hopefully I can steer you in the right direction even if you have your bike worked on at a shop.
Most bulletin boards are heavily into commando so pre commando coverage is scarce. Commando out number pre commando 20-1 (just a guess).

club website: (formerly Northern) New England Norton Owners
NNENO.org

Dave
52 model 7
63 atlas
68 Dunstall atlas
72 combat
75 E-Start

Hey Dave,

Thanks for the welcome. Great to hear there is an active Norton Group so close. I am cautiously hopeful about the shop working on my Atlas. Vintage bikes seem to be there specialty. Any chance you went to the Maine European Motorcyle Meet last year? According the their web site the shop presented at the meet and brought a variety of their vintage bikes. The name of the shop is "The Motorcycle Shop" located in Freeport Maine.

I will have to make the trip to Exeter. At this point I don't know if I can make it before July, unless I come by car which seems to defeat the point. All my previous experience is with dirt bikes when I was a kid so I've never had a motorcycle endorsement on my license. I want to take a safety course but they are all full until the end of June.

Thanks
Kirk

Kevin
Certainly do try to get down to a NENO meeting early in the season.
Especially try and get down to the 30th British Meet, first sunday in June.
http://britishmotorcyclemeet.com/
(britiron.com is one of our sponsors)

I have been in new england for a long time and never heard of the shop you mentioned.
I have been to some "professional" shops and wouldn't let them touch my bikes. Good luck! and let us know how you make out with them.
Unfortunately time and time again club members come to us to help them sort out problems with low quality work or complete rip offs.

dynodave
52 Norton Model 7
61 Golden Flash
63 Atlas
68 Dunstall Atlas
68 T100R
72 Combat
75 E-Start
92 907ie duc
02 MS4 duc
http://atlanticgreen.com/