Asoka, a nod to the beloved character from the Clone Wars saga that has enthralled her children, is a meticulously transformed Norton Commando 850 motorcycle. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail inspired by Brent’s diverse passions, this unique British cafe racer boasts an aluminium exterior that sets it apart from the ordinary.
When a friend of Brent’s purchased the Norton, his plan was to meticulously restore it to its former glory. The bike had accumulated a total of 8,759 distinct miles throughout its usage. The company’s nameplate proudly bore the logo of Artwork Zander, a humble motorcycle provider based in Columbus, Ohio. Brent recounts that ‘Large Artwork’ was a local legend in Columbus, renowned for his impressive collection of Triumph and Norton motorcycles, with one particular bike having lain partially disassembled outside his front door for several years. After a decade-long hiatus, the bike lay idle until Brent and his friend revisited the idea of building it together. In the end, Brent fulfilled his friend’s request and acquired ownership of the bike, along with unrestricted creative freedom for its design.
The engine had already undergone thorough inspection and testing, with all components functioning flawlessly. After completing the basic assembly of the bike, I was satisfied enough to ride it for a few years before deciding how I wanted to personalize it.
The mission commenced with a series of preliminary sketches, aimed at identifying a starting point rather than a final outcome. Brent aimed to craft a bicycle that embodied a harmonious balance between minimal weight and visually appealing design.
There have been only a handful of matters that I was eager to tackle and resolve here. I designed a lightweight aluminum fairing that capitalized on the distinctive gauge patterns. The second step involved relocating the oil tank to create a more open central area within the vehicle’s body. The third iteration featured a sinuously curved and alluring exhaust system that added to its overall aesthetic appeal. Substitute these traditional utensils with modern alternatives.
The initial design of the aerodynamic bodywork and fairings ensures optimal airflow around the vehicle, reducing drag and increasing downforce.
Upon acquiring the Norton, they received a meticulously crafted Dash-style aluminum gas tank by hand. Brent’s design brief was perfectly aligned with the vision for his cafe racer, prompting him to sketch out a fairing form that would harmoniously complement its existing contours. As I worked with the aluminum, the fairing’s intricate design seemed to unfold before my eyes, taking shape on the wheel with a precision that bordered on serendipity. For me, this aspect is undoubtedly the most electrifying component of the project. Despite having a course in mind, I’m uncertain about the exact location where the design will ultimately end up. “I derive my greatest sense of fulfillment from allowing a motorcycle to develop naturally over time.”
Using techniques he had mastered in crafting Japanese swords, Brent designed and developed a distinctive fairing for the Norton, subsequently reinforcing its structure to unparalleled levels. “The discovery of Japanese sword fittings in the design was made possible by the incorporation of brass reinforcements.” As he admired the intricately crafted details of the menuki and ornate fittings on the samurai armor, the items were deeply impressed by their beauty. Various fasteners on aircraft components serve distinct purposes: some are purely decorative, adorning the tail unit’s aesthetic, while others are crucially functional, like the determining bracket that securely attaches exhaust pipes and ensures their proper positioning.
The Norton’s unique design features a distinctive set of fins, often referred to by founder Brent as “gills,” located beneath the fuel tank’s entrance. I was disenchanted by the unsightly gap between the tank and entrance fairing, and the manner in which the triple setup impacted this entire assembly. I’ve had several of Shinya Kimuru’s creations displayed on my showroom wall, noting that he employed a similar methodology in his work. As I drew inspiration from the Grasp, I created a mockup of something using cardboard, which ultimately enhanced the entrance’s aesthetic while sparking curiosity. By virtue of their dual functionality, Brent’s gills served as auxiliary aids for the entrance fairing, thereby enabling a reduction in the number of brackets needed to stabilize it.
The maintenance of your vehicle starts with a thorough inspection of its undercarriage. Begin by locating the body and oil tank components. The body comprises various parts including the frame rails, cross members, suspension links, and control arms. Ensure all these components are free from rust, corrosion, or excessive wear.
Before purchasing the Norton, the subframe had already been tampered with, leaving Brent unfettered by concerns about further modifications. To achieve the desired open-frame appearance, he removed the oil tank and all unnecessary brackets that had previously secured it. The plastic airbox has been replaced, and the carburetors’ mouths now align seamlessly with the open velocity stacks. Brent’s desired outcome was achieved, but he now faced the challenge of repositioning the oil tank in the newly acquired location.
As he explains, accessibility of the oil tank was a priority; nonetheless, his personal preference was to keep it out of sight. He found that by incorporating the tank into the tail unit’s design, the problem was solved effectively. Does a brass plug situated at the tail’s opening enable Brent to elevate the tank? Located at the rear, a finned panel plays a crucial role in regulating oil temperature as the fluid flows through the system. The oil is transported to the engine via braided hoses. Brent crafted a bespoke brake light installation that harmoniously complements the rear end’s distinctive asymmetry, seamlessly integrating form and function.
To finalize the prototype, Brent contacted his cousin, a metals expert with a Cleveland-based business, and had the entire structure chromed by his company.
Step 3: The exhaust
While a typical Norton Commando cafe racer might boast upswept megaphone mufflers, this particular model bucks the trend. To stand out from the crowd, Brent decided to craft something truly unique. Instead of navigating the conventional path descending from the engine and running parallel to both sides of the vehicle, his system detects the two-pipe assembly situated in the open area within the vehicle’s body. The exhaust pipes subsequently run alongside each other before exiting the vehicle just ahead of the rear shock absorber. Will these newly finished pipes, with their distinctive slash-cut design, produce an otherworldly tone that will leave listeners in awe?
Step 4: Dealing with
Although the majority of their bike was up to par, Brent was still unhappy with the subpar service they received. To address the challenges, he has modified a Suzuki GSXR600 swingarm to fit the Norton motorcycle, incorporating its twin brake calipers and wheel. To resolve balancing concerns at the rear, he installed a set of aftermarket piggyback shock absorbers.
The Ending touches
The finishing details of Norton’s designs include a distinctive reed valve, inspired by the iconic NYC Norton, which ensures that the motorcycles “retain their cleanliness” and prevent floor fouling, while also complementing the rear units characteristic of NYC Nortons. The spouse of Brent, a resourceful sewing machine with a firearm attachment, skillfully assembled the intricately cross-stitched brown leather seat, tank straps, and knee pads. With meticulous attention to detail, Brent personally crafted the leather-bound covers for the brake and clutch cables, employing a steady hand to ensure flawless execution. Moreover, he employed brass screws to meticulously restore the majority of the tarnished brass embellishments to their former glory. The real pièce de résistance among all the clever details is undoubtedly the initial design feature that elevates everything to new heights.
“It was the result of a fleeting instant I experienced immediately after passing by the bike,” Brent explains. I envisioned “The Great Wave off Kanagawa” by renowned Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai. I’ve had multiple prints of it and actually utilized it as the symbol of my dojo several years ago.
The process of integrating renowned artworks onto the first cowl began with a precise Sharpie sketch. Brent spent months grappling with the idea, his mind preoccupied as he worked tirelessly to complete the rest of the bike. Despite having experimented with crafting sword fittings and successfully producing the brass components for the bicycle, he wondered if he could bring the same level of craftsmanship to the large-scale painting, which seemed like a daunting task. Before embarking on his journey to the 2023 Mama Tried Festival, he took a deep breath and finally worked up the courage to tackle the task at hand. As a precautionary measure, he had acquired an additional main cowling, albeit one that was hardly welcome. Take a look at this photograph, and I’m confident that you’ll concur that the artist’s rendition is remarkably accurate.
As I brought home the bike, a floodgate of anticipation burst forth, prompting me to muse, “This motorbike is poised to teach me more about myself than all my past projects combined.” As I work on each project, I discover more about the interplay of design, fabrication, perseverance, discipline, and determination required to bring a concept to life. As he confidently notes, “My fabrication expertise will eventually converge with my designs.” Standing from this vantage point, one can appreciate the truly impressive and outstanding expertise of that individual.
Images by Jay Thurston
