NOS - Norton Lower Fork Legs

I feel that with the exception of original parts that have some significant racing history, or other prominent importance, NOS parts are about the best you can get. Made in the original factory as replacement parts for worn out items, they've simply been kicking around on some dealer shelf for all these years, patiently waiting their turn for a life on a bike as they were intended. Generally speaking, these items are parts that were made as replacement for parts that might get worn out on a bike that was being ridden. So they tend to be ancillary parts, rather than major engine or frame components.

I don't think NOS parts really warrant a full "On The Bench" post since they're basically brand new and really just need a general clean up before being ready to go.

In this case, I was able to pick up a set of Norton Dominator lower fork legs at a great price, from a really nice guy on the east coast. Old aluminum parts are generally found for sale after being discarded, and often for good reason. So you really have to be careful with what you buy. Lots of times, these things will have stripped threads, and with the case of fork lowers, the pinch bolt side can be found cracked or broken from being over tightened. So take caution when buying these types of things, especially when buying them online based simply on photographs. Trust me, I've learned the hard way.

I could just have easily bought fork legs brand new from a number of different sources in the UK. But that's really not the point of restoring an old bike, is it? I love old, original cast aluminum parts. The casting texture and even the imperfections, look great to me. So these parts always get the minimum amount of work needed in order to have them looking the part. Generally when sanding out nicks and scratches in cast aluminum parts, I'd have to start with 320 grit sandpaper. But in this case, starting at 600 for just some very light sanding to the areas that had shelf scratches, was all that was needed. After that. work up to 1200 grit and then a simple polish, and they're perfect. One down, and one to go...