Based in New York, photographer Marian Promote excels at capturing trends and conveying sweetness through her work. Innovative technological breakthroughs allowed him to pioneer his dental care routine using Germany’s renowned two-wheeled engineering innovations. Riding their Vespas and Lambrettas, he and his cohorts wreaked havoc on local streets with reckless abandon. Many years down the line, he still devotes his free hours to refining his bike-building skills, but his latest endeavour stands as his most impressive achievement to date.
Determined to finally build the Norton road racer that had eluded him for so long, Marian threw himself into the challenge, having already given it a try before. But this time, he was resolute in his pursuit of success, and it shows. Built in collaboration with Norton connoisseur Kenny Cummings of NYC Norton, Marian’s ride is a Norton Seeley MKII Commando.
The amateur motorcycle enthusiast proudly recounts, “I spent the entire year of 2023 constructing my Seeley Commando in the comfort of my own home.” As a friend of Kenny Cummings’ and a seasoned client of his racing team, I decided to visit the NYC Norton store to explore their offerings.
After careful consideration, Marian decided to purchase a functional road bike with the aim of modifying it to make it street-legal. Instead, he chose an option that showcased his refined skills and posed a challenge to his expertise. A rolling Seeley Mk II body, expertly crafted by Roger Titchmarsh, a certified Seeley chassis manufacturer.
The classic combination of Akront 18-inch shouldered rims and Avon rubber, a hallmark of Marian’s latest acquisition, perfectly complemented its robust body. Perched atop the chassis’s pointed finishter was a distinctive pair of Ceriani forks, paired with an intriguing Fontana 4LS front drum brake boasting unique characteristics. In the heart of the motorcycle’s configuration lay a distinctive Manx hub, situated strategically on the swingarm, while a capable Maney clutch waited to seamlessly connect with the engine. The bike boasted another robust marketing point: a Seeley-style gasoline tank crafted from lightweight aluminum by Molnar Precision, accompanied by an identical oil tank design. The aircraft’s design was almost complete, but for one vital component: the engine.
“After acquiring the bike, I decided to take on the project myself, and with Kenny’s support, we compiled an extensive list of components required for the build,” Marian explains.
As Marian worked with a vintage bicycle, the challenge of sourcing components became exponentially more daunting, but without a pressing deadline, his perseverance ultimately drove the project forward.
I’ve successfully procured the necessary components for my engine rebuild: Molnar’s renowned race engine specifications, a high-performance Molnar crankshaft, advanced Fight cams for improved valve train efficiency, and a powerful 750cc cylinder from Andover Norton. The collections were subsequently compiled under Kenny’s watchful eye at his store. I acquired an engine residence and discovered a neglected fight head on eBay that required extensive rehabilitation, including new valve guides and other necessary repairs.
As the engine’s shape took hold, Marian sought additional resources to bring his innovative vision to life. The initial gearset from TT Industries is designed for right-hand drive, GRP-type shifting, with a configuration of one up and four down. Subsequently, a pair of Mikuni VM32 carburetors were installed on the intakes, complemented by a Maney belt drive and pulley system, with Aleksey Kravchuc from Works MFG providing fabricative support to integrate a Minnovation 2-in-1 exhaust configuration.
Marian recalls asking Aleksey for permission to utilize his machine shop and lathe facilities to fabricate the pinnacle regular’s rear peg brackets and exhaust system components. “He also minimised the exhaust mismatch and personally completed all the welding and bronze brazing work on the chassis.”
As the years passed and the engine’s work was completed, New York slowly sank into a state of disarray. With the generator running smoothly, Marian turned her focus to wiring the Norton’s electrical system.
“I readied the Motogadget equipment hidden beneath the personalized seat – with my curious cats watching,” he quips. The custom gauges comprise a Motogadget mo.unit, paired with proprietary Motogadget switches, and an intricately crafted self-made wiring loom. Meanwhile, alternative options from Motogadget’s extensive catalog have been expertly curated to include a bespoke set of bar-end flip signals and a unique tacho gauge, personalized using a reproduction Smiths dial face for a truly distinctive look. The motorcycle is equipped with a combination of Motogadget gear and a high-tech lighting system from Function Constructed Moto in Australia, featuring an LED headlight and tail light.
Finally secured all the necessary components to get the motorcycle fully prepped for its maiden voyage. The procurement checklist featured a comprehensive array of components from NYC Norton, including a breathers, rear pegs, and kickstart mechanism, alongside high-performance Magura levers and custom-crafted cables. With the bike’s customization at an advanced stage, Marian decided to invest in a comprehensive full-face fairing, opting for a Kirby FRP unit that would require modifications to accommodate his custom headlamp.
Securing the final hurdle of registering the Norton legally for street use in New York City marked the culmination of the mission’s completion. As Marian diligently followed the instructions, he successfully completed the bike’s construction, earning high praise and subsequently racking up numerous miles on its wheels. “I racked up around 650 kilometers with the engine and transmission at the end of last year, and only fully pushed them to their limits a few times,” he explains. The bike is well-prepared for this season; however, it’s currently running with a Model 1.0 tune. My intention was always to leave space for potential improvements.
Despite being assembled primarily in a garage lounge, Marian has still managed to build an impressive traditional Norton motorcycle. If Colin Seeley were still with us, I have no doubt he would approve.
MARIAN SELL
