The Norton

November 3, 2016

0Points

Article And Photos By: Mark Velazquez

Originally Published In The May 2016 Issue Of Cycle Source Magazine

It seems that way up north in Durham, Maine they might just do things a little different. In a state that may have a shorter riding season by most standards, it appears that most of the builders and riders make the most of their time both on and off the road. A perfect example of this is Ray Tourigny of Rayz Rod and Custom. I guess when you ask a pro builder like Ray how long he’s been building and he replies forever you know in your head that you just might have run into the real deal. With that said, my trip to Maine to shoot this very one of a kind Norton turned out to be quite the adventure and in the end regardless of what you read here this is truly I one of those features where the image of the bike speaks for itself. I am sure that there are builders out there that know sometimes the best builds start out in the worst way. And this would be just that kind of build. So, when Ray was approached by his good friend Todd Burnham with a what we will call for now a 750 Commando engine along with it’s 4 speed tranny looking as if Todd just dug it out of a swamp what’s a guy to do! I guess good friends are hard to find and sometimes harder to loose! With only a set of 23” rims to add to this treasure Todd turns to Ray and says, “Hey Ray, can you build me a sick, rigid Norton with a seat height so low that you could almost walk over it?” And just like all good friends Ray with no clue or plan said “Sure, no problem” and took on the project of his life.

As the engine and tranny sat in Ray’s shop between two rims placed on opposite ends of a worktable things inside Ray’s head start to get real. The days go by but now the visions in Ray’s head start to make their way to the work bench and the building begins. Ray designed the bike with the intention of putting the oil into the backbone of the frame to accommodate for the lowest seat height which is surprisingly only 16 inches off the ground. The hand formed big sweep from the neck splits the carbs to the base of the chassis at a 4 inch ride height. The big sweep design was then replicated for the down tube where it branches toward the back of the frame to support the drive train. Steering clear of the typical A-frame tail section, Ray decided to tighten it up to make the big 23- inch rim appear to hover, which also allows the rear caliper to practically vanish. To get the front wheel to roll with the chassis numerous design options were on the table. The dilemma was solved when Todd found an abandoned front end at a local bike shop. Modifications were then made to tie it all together. Staying away from the norm it was decided that the headlight would not be placed between the trees. That spot was already reserved for a big ole number plate so instead the headlight resides just above the axle. Atop the front end, the bars were fabricated to incorporate an internal throttle and GMA controls. Keeping in line with the mechanical simplicity, the throttle cable splits to each carburetor, visibly nestled between the hand-made split gas tanks. The custom made air horns exit the base of the tanks just inches from the hammered aluminum seat pan. Minimal wiring is concealed beneath the seat, thanks to a Joe Hunt Magneto.

Staying true to theme, pipes were designed to look sassy with the intention of exposing the beautiful sound this engine puts out! With the choice of color still up in the air, Ray decided the bike had to be painted white. He wanted the bike to look super clean in order to make every detail stand out. With the exception of 2 fuses, there is nothing on this bike that is covered or hidden from sight. The quality craftsmanship is all right there, out in the open. No shame, all game. In the end this bike is truly a work of art. I believe simplicity leads to perfection but in this case we may be fooled. To build like this is far from simple. I do have to say that this bike is a reflection of its builder. No approval needed and drama free. As for my trip to Maine, well that is a story for anther day and yes I will return to sit under the trees at Toddy Brook Farms where Cycle Source made a new friend in ..well we will just call him Karl for now and shoot more work from Ray and this great state of Maine. Special thank you to Karl of Toddy Brook Farms. We thank you and I look forward to my return.