Dunstall Drainpipe: A rare Norton resurfaces in the USA
Modern race bikes are shiny, perfect things: they have the air of being extruded from 3D printers in a hermetically sealed laboratory. But in days of yore, the typical racer was usually a little battered and bruised, with unique welding marks and bodged-up brackets and bodywork.
We have to admit to preferring them that way, and this Dunstall ?Drainpipe? Norton is the perfect example. It?s no Italian supermodel, but it?s still very compelling to look at.
In the 1960s and 1970s, Paul Dunstall was one of the most famous tuners and race bike builders in Britain. His Norton Domiracers were a force to be reckoned with on the track, and after complaints from competitors, Dunstall ended up moving up into the production classes as a homologated manufacturer. But despite the increased competition, that didn?t stop a Dunstall from winning the Isle of Man Production TT with Ray Pickrell on board.
This particular Dunstall 750 belongs to American Jamie Waters. He?s one of the world?s top collectors of the marque?and a man who likes to ride and even race his bikes, rather than just park them up.
Dunstall built this Drainpipe for the 1969 racing season, and then sold it in the early 1970s to the Swiss Norton importer, who continued to race it in European events. Jamie bought the bike nearly 15 years ago, after seeing it advertised on a vintage race bike website.
He decided not to ?restore? it, but preserve the patina. ?Fluids, valve adjustment, tires, and fitting a removable bell...
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