1969 Norton/Redline
Flat track racing of the 1960s was largely the domain
of torque-thumping, ground-pounding twin-cylinder engines. British-built bikes
used a parallel twin design, while American mainstay Harley-Davidson was “The”
v-twin. But the real secret to flat track racing is the motorcycle’s
frame.
A good flat track frame must be light and strong, and
most importantly it must resist the flex-inducing forces of high-speed
cornering. It must also have a sharp angle on the headstock that tucks the
forks and front tire in close – better for quick steering and transferring
weight to the front tire to help it grip. Finishing off the frame with flashy
nickel-plating doesn’t hurt either.
The flat track racer here has all of the above. It
uses a Norton engine in an early Redline frame, made “about ‘69” estimates
owner Dick Slusher. Dick “found it at a funeral.” For years, the deceased had wanted
Dick to meet a friend of his who had the bike in a basement. Dick and the fellow never met until the
mutual friend died, then they finally crossed paths at the funeral. Dick bought
the bike, brought it back to life, and found himself flat track racing for the
first time in decades. The bike’s sound stirs his soul.
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