A Day of Coincidences
Nortons and Memories
14.jpg)
Tuesday 3rd February 2015 proved a day of coincidences for Robbie Dean when he rolled up to install one of his new Pro-Plan management systems on site at the Italian Motorcycles Ducati shop in Adelaide.
The company also has franchises for Victory, Indians and has just obtained the Norton brand.
Firstly, it turned out that the business owner was a kiwi by the name of Mike Hampton who immediately recognized Rob.
“Cripes mate,” Mike said. “I remember you sliding, blasting and thrashing that number 161 yellow Norton of yours around the circuits back in the 70s. I saw you at New Lynn, Pukekohe and at the Hamilton street races. That number 161 was famous; boy could it fly ….. Mate, you’re a legend”. And the memories flowed.
16.jpg "Robbie Dean leading a swarm of Z1000s and H2 Kawasakis around 1977")
Photo left: Robbie Dean, on the Norton number 161, leading a swarm of Z1000’s and H2 Kawasaki’s around Levels Raceway in Timaru in 1977.
“But talking Nortons”, Mike continued, “you won’t believe it but we’ve got one of the new Norton 961’s in transit to us as we speak ! It will be the first one in South Australia”.
The response, needless to say, was ecstatic. “Well mate … I’m excited … and it takes a lot to excite me!”
So, by fortuitous coincidence, Rob was there when the crate, blazoned with the familiar logo, rocked up, was eagerly opened and the long awaited machine pulled out for viewing. There it sat, a magnificent new ripe red Norton that Rob absolutely had to try out for size. (See top photo)
It was time for a late lunch and Rob zipped down to McDonalds for a bite to eat. He grabbed his meal order ticket and there it was, coincidence number three. Yes, you’ve guessed it; Robbie Dean's meal order ticket number was the Number 161!15.jpg)
How’s that for a coincidence!
