JMC Norvin Cafe Racer

Peas and gravy, spaghetti and meatballs, Sonny and Cher. It seems some things are just made to go together. Take the Norton featherbed frame for instance, arguably Norton’s greatest achievement, it was the frame that every Cafe Racer rider wanted in the fifties and is still highly regarded today; add to that one of the most beautiful engines ever made, the Vincent 1200cc Lighting and you’ve got one of those winning combinations.

JMC Classics and restorations in Hertfordshire, England have been producing motorcycles based on this combination for more than two decades and it seems they’ve just about perfected it. This is the JMC Norvin. A modern day version of the classic Cafe Racer combination and if you want a reliable classic this is about as good as it gets.

Starting with the engine you’ll get the choice of either a Vincent Shadow (1000cc, 66bhp), Vincent Lightning (1200cc, 87bhp) or the Vincent Nero (1200cc Race spec). Each built with a JMC racing clutche, Alton alternator, 5 speed gearbox and professionally tuned by the JMC team this won’t be a ride for the faint hearted.

The Featherbed inspired JMC wideline frame has been developed by Andy Sydlow. Lacking the front cradle (which undoubtedly saves some weight) it allows the engine to dominate the the bikes aesthetic and further simplify its appearance. The rear suspension comes in either a dual or mono shock configuration which is complimented by a set Ceriani Forks and Yoke or Norton on the front and you also get the option of stainless of fiberglass mudguards.

All the aluminium on the biike including the rear sets is done by AMC craftsman Axel Meier whose work is nothing less that stunning. My favorite part of this particular bike though is the sweeping 2 into 1 exhaust that snakes around that beautiful engine and rears its head at the other bikes trailing behind.