Date: Fri, 30 Aug 1996 15:36:52 -0500
From: John S. Morris

Hi Gareth & welcome,
>I just bought a '75 Norton 850, which from perusing the list and FAQs I've
>determined must have originally been a Hi-Rider. I intend to "convert" it
>back to one of the standard configurations, and would welcome any advice
>or comments.

My '75 Mark III was originally a Hi-Rider and is now a Roadster.

>The previous owner told me it used to have longer forks (this is not mentioned
>in the FAQ on Hiriders), but they have been replaced with the "standard" ones.

I don't believe Norton offered different length forks. If we can trust the parts book, here are the different parts between the Hi-Rider and the Interstate (USA):

throttle cable Hi-Rider 06-6345
Interstate 06-6341

clutch cable Hi-Rider 06-6478
Interstate 06-6477

handlebar Hi-Rider 06-2599
Interstate 06-1046

brake hose Hi-Rider 06-6236
Interstate 06-6237

cover, battery Hi-Rider 06-6330-xxx (where xxx = color)
Interstate 06-6329-xxx

cover, oil tank Hi-Rider 06-3504-xxx (where xxx = color)
Interstate 06-4136-xxx

seat Hi-Rider 06-6416
Interstate 06-5613

grab rail Hi-Rider 06-4088
Interstate 06-4978

tank Hi-Rider 06-2371-092 (Hi-Rider tank only in black)
Interstate 06-5364-xxx (where xxx = color)

headlamp Hi-Rider 06-6362
Interstate 06-6142

All these parts are available but some take a little looking. Original Interstate tanks are a bit rare but aftermarket are easily available.

>I've seen handlebars listed in "USA" and "European"
>styles. I assume both of these are different than what is on there now.

European bars are hat we used to call "low" bars or even "club" bars. The USA is wider and taller, but no where as near as the Hi_Rider. If you look on my web page -- my Commando has the Norton USA bars on it.

>My inclination is to make it as close to an Interstate as I can. Any comments?

Good for gas mileage, I like the looks of the Roadster better. Purely subjective.

Cheers,
John

Return to the Contents Page