Norley Cafe Racer Preview. From $19,500.

Building a motorcycle with a Harley Sportster engine installed in a Norton looking frame and using a Cafe Racer style bodywork and accessories creates a NORLEY. Of course the idea came from England via a frame manufacturer named JW Motorcycles. You are looking at the first model of a limited edition assembled and offered here in the US by Norley Cafe Racer for a somewhat reasonable base price of $19,500.

You can also buy a Norley in kit form with many options. Frame, including swingarm with bearings and spindle, plus rear engine mount, weighs only 32 pounds. Headstock is set with a 26-degree rake and machined to accept Sportster yokes using taper bearings. Gas tank and oil tank are formed out of aluminum. The standard belt drive can be used, or there are sprocket conversions available. The assembled model featured here is using Excell wheels and a Ducati/Paul Smart front end. Only 20 units of this one are being produced at the price of $24,500. Cafe Racing anyone?Β  More info atΒ  Norley Cafe Racer or call Alan on my behalf at 813-671-9097. (photography copyright J. Guiselin)

24 Responses to “Norley Cafe Racer Preview. From $19,500.”


  1. 1 Gary Scherrer Nov 30th, 2010 at 10:57 am

    Looks fine, but I am a little bit skeptical about the business opportunity after Cyrril announced that Norton is back in the US. Why somebody would buy a Norley with a Sportster engine when you can get a genuine Norton for less money and a better warranty? I see a business opportunity in a customized Norton, but not in a look alike Norton.

  2. 2 Ray Nov 30th, 2010 at 10:58 am

    $19,500 is a price Sportster engine included, or it adds to the price?

  3. 3 Jeremy Nov 30th, 2010 at 11:29 am

    Like it, but compared to a Sportster should be no more than a $13,000 bike. Factory Norton Commando is less than $19.500.

  4. 4 alan Nov 30th, 2010 at 11:30 am

    $19500.00 is for a complete bike

  5. 5 Larry Trez Nov 30th, 2010 at 11:31 am

    I think Norton is going to do very well in the US. A limited production custom Norton will attract bikers with $$$$.

  6. 6 Tough Guy Nov 30th, 2010 at 11:56 am

    I see he’s using the old non-rubber mount Sportster engine in the old pre-Commando non-rubber mount Featherbed frame.

    in 1978 Sputhe put a Sportster engine in a Cammando frame creating the first rubber mount Harley.

    JW has the answer to a question no one asked.

  7. 7 nicker Nov 30th, 2010 at 9:20 pm

    An attempt at a “Norvin” but applying an inferior power plant…..?

    -nicker-

  8. 8 Kemper Nov 30th, 2010 at 9:22 pm

    Could be tempted. I have a 94 Sportster engine & tranny. How much if I provide the powertrain.

  9. 9 Dr Robert Harms Dec 1st, 2010 at 6:07 am

    Wasn’t that tried before as the “Classified” ?

  10. 10 alan Dec 1st, 2010 at 10:09 am

    hi
    we have also the kit available
    frame, aluminum gas tank , aluminum oil tank , swingarm , seat , and rear set for
    $5600.00

    alan

  11. 11 burnout Dec 1st, 2010 at 2:14 pm

    What Nicker said. peace

  12. 12 j w motorcycles Dec 1st, 2010 at 11:26 pm

    no offence but some of you are missing the point a little. this motorcycle is harking back to 60’s britain. where cafe racers started. But with a more RELIABLE and POWERFUL engine than some old Triumph, Norton or BSA. oh and Vincent.. Vincents are now cherished, however we do make a frame to accept the vinny engine, we can even sell you a motor. so if you contact Alan i’m sure we can get it sorted for you. however the price tag will be some what higher. The Norley is a more unique vehicle not a mass produced collection of plastic parts and bits from China.
    the tubing is made in british mills, the tanks are made by a father and son working from a small shed in Kent ,England. The frame is built here in Wales. Sportsters are quite abundant also. Yes it vibrates, no it’s not as comfortable as a goldwing, a modern jap four sports bike will show it how to corner. But that is not what it’s about.. it’s different . thats what it’s all about…

  13. 13 mark Dec 2nd, 2010 at 12:04 pm

    I love a cool cafe and if you were to buy, say a cb 750 built, it would cost as much or more if done right. For the few that have to have one, I think the price is about right on. Love the look and the styling. As always, what do I know.

  14. 14 jatinder pal Dec 4th, 2010 at 1:21 pm

    Roger goldammer made his version of Norton and it was super good.

    Not into cafe racers and sportster so for me its no. Quality looks good and wish them luck.

  15. 15 drew Dec 6th, 2010 at 2:01 pm

    Has a nice look.

  16. 16 dantheautomator Dec 6th, 2010 at 4:42 pm

    It’s nice
    It reminds me what Jean Francois Vicente did at VD Classic years ago.
    πŸ™‚

  17. 17 live2rideaglide Dec 9th, 2010 at 3:55 pm

    I like the Norton look , use to sell and ride them , always classic. I am curious about the frame geometry , tank length and rear shock travel. Looks like the rider is a little too far back from the center of gravity. How does it handle? Is it ‘s purpose and design just to replicate a classic cafe racer look or does the suspension geometry really work? I really like the look . Great job you guys.

  18. 18 Stan Dec 13th, 2010 at 9:40 pm

    What horsepower and torque limits will that rolling chassis hold? DUX 200ci? Baddog 215ci? Merch M/P 131ci?

  19. 19 alan Dec 14th, 2010 at 5:45 pm

    this rolling chassis is done for a sportster engine and not a big twin

  20. 20 ha ha ha Jan 6th, 2011 at 3:31 am

    Looks like fun and it’s not a chopper but can’t go the V-twin, a 360 degree vertical twin yes. But good luck.

  21. 21 dude Apr 18th, 2011 at 6:48 pm

    does it accept a rubber mounted engine?

  22. 22 pete humphrey Dec 11th, 2011 at 10:33 pm

    I get it, and I want one.

  23. 23 sarcipiouse Dec 13th, 2011 at 11:26 pm

    One thing that most sportbike riders don’t get about harleys is the aftermarket world
    I sell parts at a bike shop for a living and I’m a dealer with for example parts unlimited
    and drag specialties and I always love to show people the 3inch thich parts unlimited book
    full of parts for the japanese and european bikes one book 3inches though it may be covers all sport bikes and japanese cruisers, Then I flop out the drag specialties book same 3inch book but drag specialties is for harleys only and to push the point I pull out the drag specialties old book for early model
    harleys as a parts guy I have and build harleys because I don’t like having to scour the earth for a fender
    or a lifter for that matter! That being said I compare japanese cruisers and harleys like this, A 1980 honda civic and a 68 camaro were both very good cars when they were new but which one if you had them both today would you rebuild!

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