Racers
Norley
Story and photos by Rodent
If Eric Buell had built something like Pete Ridet’s Buell, the Marquee might still be alive today. Sometimes the corporate structure doesn’t allow for much innovation. You can see the cafe racer heritage in this magnificent creation; it seems that everyone is getting on the Snortin’ Norton bandwagon. Nortons being produced again in merry old England, others are repopping the Norton cafe racer style. Is it a trend? The new look for custom crotch rockets? Ya never can tell, the current crop of metric crotch rocket owe their being to the Whitworth crotch rockets born in England in the post WWII years.
I learned to ride on a Norton on the mean streets of Manhattan Island. Eventually I ended up with a Norton Dunstall with rear sets and clip-on bars, etc., which I rode both in New York, Florida, and San Francisco. Norton holds a warm spot in my heart, ’cause back in the day when we hung out by the 4 Winds Cafe on W3rd and it was “Hey, little girl, wanna go for a ride?” But I’m getting away from Pete’s Buell and San Francisco’s North Beach.
This ride is not a special construction title. It is registered as a Harley-Davidson Buell with a factory VIN. Pete is a hobbyist who for relaxation builds or modifies his rides, either two or four wheelers. Must be in his blood from his uncle and aunt. He also rides his builds. And no, they are not for sale, at least at this writing. Pete told me his next project engine is at a motor man down in San Jose and I’m sure I’ll be shooting and writing about it in the near future.
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